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Careers in Teaching Web Chat

Date:1 December 2008

Time: 12:00 - 13:00

Details: Are you interested in teaching but not sure how to apply? Or you've looked at the relevant websites but are finding the information hard to navigate through? Perhaps you need some advice on how to acquire that all important classroom experience or to discuss the pros and cons of the various training routes.

Whatever your query we will try to answer it in this web chat with one of our careers consultants, specialising in teaching.

User
Expert
Moderator

Anna (Moderator)
Welcome to the Careers in Teaching web chat. Please feel free to post any questions you might have to our expert Delia.

Anna (Moderator)
Delia would you like to introduce yourself?

Delia (Careers Consultant)
Hi it's Delia Goodwin here, I am one of the consultants here at the Careeers Service who advises on routes into teaching, application processes etc. Hope I can answer your questions today!

minnie
Hi,

At the moment I've just applied for a secondary PGCE in science and i was wondering if you could give me any tips for my interview which i have coming up very soon.

Delia (Careers Consultant)
Hi Minnie, interviews vary in content and structure- it may be a panel or a one to one interview, plus it's possible that you will be asked to teach a sample lesson (though usually you a are given warning of this). Sometimes candidates are put in group to discuss a topical issue and you'll be keenly observed to see how ell you interact. The question you must be prepared for is "Why do you want to teach?" Make sure you have an articulate and considered response. ALso have plenty of evidence for your reasons/ratinale/motivation. Expect situational questions of the "What would you do in x situation variety" plus be well versed in current hot topics. Do you have any other specific questions?

minnie
thank you for your reply,it certainly has given me some great advice on how to prepare. Another question I have is would it be possible to work within both secondary schools and colleges with a secondary PGCE?

Joanne
I'm studying for a degree in English - does that mean I have to do English as my main subject for PGCE?

Anna (Moderator)
The answer Delia has provided to Joanne's question is: 'Not necessarily, though generally the advice is that you need to have studied the subject you wish to teach at degree level, and it should make up at least 50% of your course content. It depends what you are interested in teaching really- do you have any ideas on this? If it was a subject you'd sone at A level for example, but not covered it since, then you would find it very hard to be accepted onto a course. The 50% rule is generally more used when it's say, someone who has done Communications Studies and wants to teach English. Plus there's primary of course, but that depends on whther you want to teach that age group.

Tom
Hi Delia

I'm thinking of applying for a PGCE but don't have any real work experience in schools or anything. How much actual experience is expected before you make an application?

Delia (Careers Consultant)
Hi Tom You will definitely need at least a week's work experience, maybe two. The requirement varies between different institutions so always check on their GTTR page or by calling them if that info isn't there. It's really important that you gain some as this should make up a substantial part of your personal statement i.e what you learnt from the experience, your reflections/observations etc. In some cases it's ok if you maybe have some informal experince of working with children and have set up some classroom experience in the near future which can then be discussed at interview. The rest of your statement would have to be really strong though, and if possible it's preferable to acquire it before you apply.Also it's ok if your work experince has been going into school on a weekly basis for 5-10 weeks rather than a full week/fortnight, though some tutors do prefer you to have done a block of time.

Islam
Hi, After getting Ma in Educational Tec and Tesol from Manchester University, is it equal to PGCE

Delia (Careers Consultant)
HI Islam, it's only equivalent to a PGCE if you have gained QTS (Qualified Teacher Status), and I'm assuming that's not the case. I expect you'll have done plenty of teaching practice on the TESOL element of the course, but to teach in a school you must have QTS.

Anna (Moderator)
That's the end of the chat. Thanks to everyone for your questions and thank you to Delia for her expert advice. Please remember to visit our website at www.careers.manchester.ac.uk or pop in and see us at Crawford House.

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