What the work is
A school teacher teaches children their subject — maths, the native language, history, computer science and others — and helps them grow as people. They plan lessons and assess learning, work with a class of pupils at different levels, support those who fall behind and stretch the strongest, keep in touch with parents and colleagues, and often act as a form tutor.
A typical day
Four or five lessons with different classes. In a lesson: explaining a new topic, practice, checking understanding. At break, a talk with a pupil who fell behind after an illness. After school: marking, preparing for tomorrow, a meeting with parents. Once a week, a subject meeting with colleagues.
How to start
- Get a teaching qualification, or a subject degree with teacher training.
- Do your teaching practice and give lessons under an experienced teacher.
- Learn digital tools for lessons and for checking learning.
- Build patience, clear explanation and the ability to work with very different children.
Related professions
English teacher, preschool teacher, methodologist, HR specialist.