Teacher Training

How do I train to become a teacher?

There are lots of ways of becoming a teacher but whichever route you take, you will need to have a degree as well as appropriate GCSE qualifications as required by the Training and Development Agency.An essential part of this is the completion of a programme of initial teacher training, known as ITT.This will typically cover the principles and methodologies of teaching and will give you plenty of invaluable hands-on experience in the classroom through periods of teaching practice.

There are several ways of undertaking ITT.Which course is best for you depends entirely upon the age group you want to teach, the subject you want to teach (if you plan to teach at Secondary level), and, of course, your personal circumstances.

There are a number of study options open to you at the University of Reading.

1.Bachelors Degree in Education (BAEd)

You can take a first (Honours) degree in Primary teaching/education – our BAEd will gain an academic qualification (your degree) as well as Qualified Teacher Status. Once qualified, you can go straight into your first teaching job.

2.Foundation Degree in Education (FdEd)

If you choose/need to work whilst studying to become a teacher, you might consider taking one of our Foundation Degrees. If you opt for this route, you will study for an intermediate qualification at one of the University's Partner Colleges and will usually be employed or volunteering in a relevant field.On completion, you might choose to top up your undergraduate studies to a full Honours degree or, as appropriate, apply for our  Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) programme.

3.Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

Another common route into the profession is to take a first degree in an academic subject other than teaching and then top this up with a further academic qualification - the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) through which you also earn Qualified Teacher Status.

At Reading, you can take a PGCE in Primary teaching, specialising in either Early Years or Primary Years.Alternatively, provided that you have the appropriate degree subject background, you can opt to train for Secondary teaching in one of a wide range of subject areas.

4.Graduate Teacher Programme(GTP)

This route might be for you if you decide to become a teacher once you've graduated but want to learn 'on the job'.The Graduate Teacher Programme attracts Qualified Teacher Status only.