There are few careers more rewarding and inspiring than being a teacher.
It is a job where you can genuinely bring your passion to life each day and illuminate the minds of the next generation.
In fact, it is estimated that a teacher can affect around 3,000 students across their lifetime.
The good news is North Kent College offers a Foundation Degree in Education and Special Needs Education that can be completed with just one day a week of learning at our Tonbridge campus, across two years.
Students can then progress onto the one-year BA (Hons) Education Studies top up course, also at our Tonbridge campus.
From there, the world of teaching awaits whether that be with on-the-job training such as TeachFirst or KMT, or by completing a PGCE.
But first let’s explore nine reasons why you might want to become a teacher…
#1: You Can Make a Difference
We hinted at it in our introduction, and it might sound like a bit of a cliché, but you really do make a difference to many lives when you are a teacher.
As a teacher you not only help your students learn about the subject you teach, but you also play a role in helping them develop as a person.
#2: Teaching Is A Rewarding Job
Linked into this, seeing a young student grasping a new piece of knowledge, maximising their talents and generally becoming a better, more rounded, person because of your efforts means teaching is a genuinely rewarding job.
You are helping your students recognise their strengths and decide who they are and what they want to do in life.
#3: You Can Follow Your Passions
Nearly all teachers specialise in something they are genuinely interested in and love to talk about.
So every working day you will get to stand up in front of a class of young people with the opportunity to transfer your passion and love of the subject to them.
There are very few careers that offer this opportunity.
#4: Every Day is Different
Whilst some days might go like clockwork and others might be a bit more challenging, one thing is for certain when you are a teacher, you can expect every day to be different.
And that is largely because every child is different, and if you are a primary school teacher you will be covering subjects across the curriculum.
As they say, variety is the spice of life!
#5: There Is A Clear Career Path
Teaching offers excellent career progression opportunities.
This can range from being a head of department to a headteacher.
There are almost endless opportunities.
#6: Some Training is Funded
As there is a shortage of teachers in the UK, there are now numerous bursaries, scholarships and loans for people considering teaching as a career.
This will depend on what you decide to study and your financial situation, but it does mean that a career in teaching not only gives you a good starting salary, but you might have less debt when you do begin your career.
#7: You’ll Be in Demand
It goes without saying that as there is a shortage of teachers in the UK, you will be moving into a profession in which you are in demand.
According to statistics, 9 out of 10 teaching graduates are in employment within six months of graduating.
#8: You Can Work All Over the World
Being a qualified teacher opens up the doors to working almost anywhere, as English-speaking teachers are highly valued globally.
A quick look at the international jobs section of TES gives you an idea of the amount of teaching jobs available across the globe.
Fancy living in a certain country? There is a fair chance you will be able to get a job teaching there at some point.
#9: You Are Safeguarding Your Future
The teachers’ pension scheme is one of the most generous in the country.
As it is registered with HM Revenue and Customs your contributions are tax-free, and you can take some of it as a tax-free lump sum. There are a number of other insurance benefits too.
In short, it is an extremely good benefit to have.
More About Our Foundation Degree in Education and Special Needs Education...
Our Foundation Degree in Education and Special Needs Education is a great way for individuals already employed in education (as a teaching assistant for instance), or who want to work in education, to start their journey to becoming a fully qualified teacher.
It is a two-year, part-time course, that involves one day of learning per week, with lectures being in person and with an emphasis on discussion, teamwork and debate.
The qualification is a route to our one-year BA (Hons) Education Studies top up course, also at our Tonbridge campus.
After completion of this extra year, students can enter the world of teaching by progressing to ‘on the job’ training programmes such as TeachFirst or KMT, or by completing a PGCE.
If you are interested in finding out more visit the Education & Special Educational Needs - Foundation Degree page of our website, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details.