Applying for teaching: your questions answered

Posted on 23 October 2024 • Achieve, Career planning, Teaching and education

Teaching remains a hugely popular career choice for OU students wanting to make a difference to society. 27% of Open University graduates from four years ago are now working in education, with ‘teacher’ being the most common job title among respondents (2023 Employability of Qualifiers Survey). Our recently updated teaching guides for your nation cover what steps you need to take to get into a teaching career in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

When and how should I apply?

You should apply as soon as possible to give yourself the best chance of getting the place you want. Applications open in October and deadlines vary between nations. Many OU students will be applying whilst they study their final module. The teaching guides for your nation cover what you need to do to make an application.

Where can I find relevant work experience?

Work experience can range from classroom experience to other forms of education such as coaching, tuition, mentoring and the huge variety in volunteering. Try the Search opportunities function on OpportunityHub which has a wide range of paid and voluntary opportunities. Type ‘education’ as a ‘keyword’ and use the ‘Opportunity types’, ‘Contract hours’ and new ‘Location’ filters to find what you need.

What application and interview support is available for me?

The nation specific application portals will provide guidance on what they expect but for most you will need to write a well evidenced personal statement. A useful starting point is to consider these questions:

• Why do you want to become a teacher?
• What skills do you have that will make you a good teacher?
• What relevant experience do you have?

Even the most confident people can feel anxious about an interview. Practise your video interview skills using Interview 360, powered by AI (Artificial Intelligence) to help you prepare and build your confidence. Upload your teaching-focused CV and Interview360 will help you practice answering questions based on your own CV and you’ll receive feedback to improve. Our specially-created Primary teacher mock interview may also be useful.

Can Generative AI help me write my application?

Many students ask about using generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT) in applications. Read this UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) guide to using AI with your personal statement for excellent guidance and see the OU’s guide to Generative AI for students.

Am I too old to teach?

Definitely not. There’s no age limit, so it’s never too late to train. Teaching also has a history of attracting career changers and benefits from the experience they bring. Discover the benefits of older workers and marketing your experience to employers, and read what employers say in ‘Age is no barrier for employers’.

Leigh Fowkes is an OU Careers and Employability Consultant specialising in supporting WELS students. Leigh helps students navigate their futures, figure out their goals and build their confidence and skills to achieve them through one-to-one careers consultations and by designing career learning events and resources for the OU. Explore the rest of Careers Stories page for more articles from the Careers and Employability Services team.