The cost of teacher training
One of the largest barriers holding back graduates wanting to embark on a teaching career is the amount of money it costs to train. The question of how to support oneself whilst training to be a teacher is a common one and it often results in individuals choosing not to pursue the profession, further adding to the teacher recruitment crisis in the UK. Although various loan options and bursaries are available, it is not always possible for everyone to survive on student finance options alone, especially when there may be dependants and other commitments involved.
Being paid to train
As a solution to this problem, outstanding teacher training provider Xavier Teach SouthEast are now offering a salaried, school-centred ‘TA to teacher’ training programme. Trainees are employed as teaching assistants in schools whilst receiving high-quality training and working towards Qualified Teacher Status, over the course of two years. This is the perfect option for those looking to be paid while they train, with no fees payable and all costs covered by the school.
Benefits of the programme
Starting teacher training can often be daunting for those with no prior experience in schools. With Xavier Teach SouthEast’s new programme, trainees will be able to gain confidence by working as a teaching assistant in the classroom before moving on to teaching the whole class. The programme also offers an option for those currently working as teaching assistants, or other school-based staff, who wish to become teachers. Each trainee teacher will benefit from having a dedicated in-school mentor and additional pastoral support on hand.
How the programme works
Those looking to sign up will - most importantly - need to have a passion for teaching young people, a degree (in the relevant subject if teaching secondary) and GCSE Maths and English at grade 4/C (this also applies for Science if teaching primary) or equivalent. Part of the week will be spent working as a teaching assistant in school and part spent attending training from Xavier Teach South East. Trainees will also spend one or two days per week teaching the whole class, gaining valuable experience. The one day of teaching (in Year 1) and two days of teaching (in Year 2) is flexibly divided across the week to best fit the school and current role.
Find out more
To find out more information about Xavier Teach South East and teacher training in general, visit https://www.eteach.com/1st-steps-in-teaching
About the author
Emma Johnston
After graduating with a BA in Communications from Bournemouth University, Emma worked in public relations and marketing before deciding to undertake a PGCE at Kingston University and begin her journey as a primary school teacher. Emma taught for 15 years in schools around London and Surrey, in a variety of roles including lead practitioner and assistant headteacher. Emma now works for Eteach as Education Partnerships Coordinator, where she can share her knowledge of the education sector and support those beginning their teaching career.
