Education and teacher training careers: the job that changes everything

Think about the best teacher you ever had. 

The one who made a subject click that you had nearly given up on. 

The one who noticed when you were struggling before you said anything. 

The one whose lessons you actually looked forward to.

Now think about the fact that somewhere, right now, there is a student who needs that teacher. That teacher could be you. 

Education careers go far beyond the traditional classroom

When many people think about education careers, they picture a teacher delivering lessons to a classroom of students. While classroom teaching remains central to the profession, the education sector is far broader than that. Teachers work across:

• Early years education
• Primary schools
• Secondary schools
• Further education colleges
• Higher education institutions
• Specialist settings, including special educational needs and alternative provision

There are also careers beyond teaching itself, including:

• Curriculum development
• Educational leadership
• Educational psychology
• Learning and development
• Education policy
• Academic and educational research

What connects these roles is a shared purpose: helping people learn, develop confidence, and reach their potential.

Why choose a career in teaching?

Teaching offers something few careers can match: the opportunity to make a lasting difference to people's lives. Many people can remember a teacher who changed the way they saw themselves or their future. In schools and colleges across the UK, those moments happen every day. 

Teaching also offers strong long-term career prospects. There is sustained demand for qualified teachers across England, particularly in subjects including maths, science, computing, and modern languages. For graduates looking for a career with purpose, progression, and stability, education remains one of the strongest options available.

Teacher training routes in the UK

There are several routes into teaching in England, depending on your background, experience, and preferred way of learning.

• PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education)

The PGCE is one of the most established teacher training routes. This postgraduate qualification combines academic study with practical school placements and leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which is required to teach in most state schools in England. PGCE programmes are available across:

• Primary education
• Secondary education
• Further education and training

Many universities, including UEL, offer both full-time and flexible study options.

• School Direct

School Direct allows trainees to learn primarily within a school environment while working towards QTS. This route suits people who want hands-on classroom experience from the beginning of their training.

• Teach First

Teach First is a competitive graduate programme that places trainees in schools serving disadvantaged communities while combining teacher training with leadership development.

• Further education teaching routes

Teaching in further education colleges involves separate qualification pathways and often attracts people with vocational or industry experience who want to teach post-16 students or adult learners.

Careers beyond classroom teaching

An education degree or teacher training qualification can also lead to careers outside traditional classroom teaching. The skills developed through education study are highly transferable and include:

• Communication
• Leadership
• Behaviour management
• Curriculum planning
• Assessment and feedback
• Public speaking and facilitation

These skills support careers in areas such as:

• Educational psychology
• School leadership
• Learning and development
• Education consultancy
• Curriculum design
• Public policy
• Community and outreach work

For many graduates, education becomes the foundation for a career that evolves in multiple directions over time.

Teacher salaries and career progression

Teaching salaries in England vary depending on experience, responsibilities, and location. Newly qualified teachers in England currently start on salaries from around £30,000, with higher starting salaries available in London. Experienced teachers can progress through the main and upper pay scales, while leadership positions such as head of department, assistant headteacher, deputy headteacher, and headteacher offer significantly higher salaries. Teaching also includes benefits such as:

• A defined benefit pension scheme
• Generous annual leave aligned with school holidays
• Structured career progression
• Ongoing professional development opportunities

Prospective applicants should always check the latest government guidance and provider information for up-to-date salary details.

What skills make a great teacher?

Strong teachers are effective communicators, but the role requires far more than presentation skills. Successful educators are:

• Adaptable
• Organised
• Resilient
• Empathetic
• Reflective
• Committed to continuous learning

Teaching also requires the ability to build relationships, respond to different learning needs, and create environments where students feel supported and motivated. The best educators continue developing throughout their careers, learning not only more about their subjects, but also about how people learn.

Start your career in education at UEL

If you want a career that combines purpose, progression, and the opportunity to make a genuine impact, education offers a wide range of possibilities. The University of East London offers teacher training and education programmes designed to prepare future educators for real-world practice. From PGCE courses to specialist postgraduate study,

UEL supports students in developing the knowledge, confidence, and professional experience needed for careers across the education sector. Whether you want to teach in schools, work in further education, or pursue wider education careers, UEL can help you take the next step. 

Explore education and teacher training courses at UEL.