The difference between school teaching and FE

The difference between school teaching and FE

If you’re seriously planning on making a move from school teaching to FE, or simply curious about how different it could be, then read on. People get a lot from FE teaching, benefits can include a vibrant working environment, better job prospects, and the knowledge that you might be changing lives. 

Qualifications

It’s important to consider which qualifications are required for school teaching versus FE teaching. The Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) Secondary is a qualification which allows you to teach in both secondary schools and the Further Education sector, although you may have to undertake extra training if you move from schools to FE. It is possible to gain a lecturing job in FE without a teaching qualification, but your prospects of securing a position and progressing in the sector will be greatly enhanced by having an appropriate qualification. There are qualifications at various levels: Level 3 Award in Education and Training, Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training, and Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training. For further information on these qualifications check out the FE advice website: Teaching qualifications for the FE sector

Areas of Teaching

FE Teaching is an extremely varied sector which is split into three areas:

Academic - As an academic teacher you'd be expected to have a qualification at least one level higher than the one you want to teach (usually a degree.) You will also need a teaching qualification or be willing to work towards one.

Basic skills - As a basic skills teacher you'd normally be expected to have a minimum of a level 3 qualification in the subject area that you'd like to teach, for example an A-level in English to teach literacy. You would also need a teaching qualification in conjunction with a specialist diploma, or be willing to work towards one. 

Vocational - As a vocational teacher or trainer you would be expected to hold substantial qualifications and/or experience in your subject area, such as carpentry or plumbing. In addition, you'd be expected to have or be willing to work towards a teaching qualification.

Your Students

FE teaching doesn’t pose the same challenges as working in a primary or secondary school. FE students range from 14-year-olds to adults; with the majority of students being over 19. This means that you won’t be battling against immaturity in a further education classroom and your pupils are likely to have chosen to be in education, as opposed to it being compulsory. You’ll need to be prepared to take on a diverse group of students with different backgrounds and experiences. Having said that, the backgrounds of FE teachers can be as varied as those of the students; these different professional, educational, cultural and social backgrounds are definitely valued by FE institutions.

FE can offer excellent opportunities which aren’t present in most other educational settings. If you’re someone who derives pleasure from lending support, providing initiative and helping people with their development, an FE career could be the one for you.