6 steps to ‘Becoming a teacher’

Posted on 9 September 2026 • Career planning

Becoming a teacher is rewarding, fulfilling and provides the opportunity to inspire and shape the lives of current and future generations. This career pathway involves a combination of education, practical experience and a commitment to ongoing professional development. Follow these 6 steps to explore different routes to teaching careers with the help of our  ‘Becoming a Teacher’  online guides for England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Step 1: Research academic and other  requirements

The first crucial step in your journey is to research the academic and non-academic requirements for gaining a teaching qualification. Read the ‘Entry Requirements’ section of your nation’s ‘Becoming a Teacher’ guide.

Step 2: Choose your specialism

Teachers often specialise in a particular subject area or age range. Consider your interests and strengths when choosing your specialism. For help in deciding, read the ‘What age range do you want to teach?’ section in your nation’s guide.  Clarify your goals with our 3-minute careers check-in and then plan a structured route to success by working through the Navigate Your Future activity pathway.

Step 4: Gain practical experience

Practical experience in a classroom setting is invaluable for aspiring teachers. The Open University has partnerships with schools and organisations to give you a hands-on understanding of the teaching profession. Find more information on the ‘Getting work experience’ pages in your nation’s ‘Becoming a Teacher’ guide. Search opportunities for student teaching, internships or volunteer work in educational settings on OpportunityHub.

Step 5: Professional development and networking

Keep up to date with educational trends and teaching methodologies through workshops, conferences, and ongoing professional development. Find the latest career skills training and other opportunities on our careers events pages.

Step 6: Connect with OU alumni

Alumni insights can provide valuable perspectives on the teaching profession and potential career paths. For inspiration, read alumni stories on the OU’s Alumni Association Portal, the OU’s student stories and our Careers Stories blog.

By following these steps and using the OU’s ‘Becoming a Teacher’ online guides, start your journey into teaching and make a positive impact on the lives of students and the future of education.

OU Careers and Employability Services

Annabel Bennett is a Development Coordinator in the OU’s Careers and Employability Services. She supports careers-related activity both within the service and across the University, helping students to achieve their ambitions and fulfil their potential. Explore the rest of our blog for more articles from your careers team.