Can a Teaching Assistant Become a Teacher?

Becoming a teacher from a TA is like shifting from higher responsibilities to leading the way in education. Undoubtedly, being a TA is a rewarding path, be it helping children in their activities or career development, making it a fulfilling career for those who want to inspire students. However, one may want to level up in their career and become a full-time teacher instead of a TA. But the real question is ‘Is this transformation possible’? ‘What qualifications do I need to become a full-time teacher’? Or ‘Can I become a teacher without having a degree?’

The shortest and simplest answer is ‘YES’, you can become a teacher if you work as a TA.  However, to become one, you need more than just transferable skills, you need some recognised qualifications to teach students.

How does being a Teacher Differ from a Teaching Assistant?

Both a teacher and a teaching assistant work with students, but the main difference in their roles would be the level of responsibility. TA supports students in their activities, meeting 1:1 to assist them with individualised needs, preparing materials for them and supporting teachers in these tasks.

On the other hand, a teacher’s role goes beyond just academics; they make sure the lesson plans follow national curriculum guidelines, create lesson plans, deliver lectures, and assess students’ progress and much more.

Above all, their roles and responsibilities significantly differ from each other and understanding these differences can help you decide which path to choose.

How Can You Transition from TA to a Teacher?

There is no doubt that changing a career might be daunting for some, therefore, you need complete information and an action plan on how you can transition to your teaching role without a hitch.

Though there are several routes you can take to become a teacher, the most easiest and straightforward is undertaking Initial Teacher Education or Training (ITET) with the Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is necessary. 

You may face two scenarios when transitioning from TA to a teacher. You may have a degree or not: both scenarios are discussed below

1.Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and QTS

If you are a graduate teaching assistant, you can go for a 1-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) to gain in-depth knowledge and sharpen your teaching skills. On top of that, you will need a 2:2 degree and must have passed a DBS. This is equivalent to Level 7 qualification in the Framework for Higher Education and is designed as a two-year postgraduate programme that combines theoretical knowledge and teaching practice, enabling graduates to teach students in the early years, primary and secondary sectors (age 16 and below). The PGCE is an ideal choice for individuals who have completed an undergraduate degree and want to advance their career as a subject expert teacher.

Moreover, if you are interested in teaching in primary schools, a BED (Bachelor in Education) degree with a QTS is crucial, which will take almost three years to complete.

On the contrary, if you don’t have a particular degree and still wish to become a teacher, you can apply for Initial Teacher Education or Training (ITET) with the Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). One of the best ways, to achieve this is by enrolling on a Bachelor in Education degree with QTS.  This can be completed in 3-4 years and will enable you to teach primary schools, i.e. below the age of 16.

2.Adult Education Teaching (Level 3 and 4 CET)

Level 3 Award and Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training are ideal for those who want to become a teacher or just want to hone their skills in the relevant field.

Level 3 AET is the most basic qualification and it is not mandatory to achieve this qualification to become a teacher; however, it will give you an insight into whether the role is the right fit for you or not.

On the other hand, level 4 CET is a bit advanced and is perfect for those looking to become a teacher and teach in the adult sector.  Like level 3 AET, it is not mandatory to have L4 CET to further progress to Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training and subsequently gain QTLS status, but it is helpful in learning skills required to teach in the sector.

3.Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training and QTLS Status

To become an advanced teacher is to gain a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training qualification. Typically, it will take 2 years to complete; and to achieve this qualification, you must have GCSE in English and Numeracy because in order to pass, you must be exceptionally well in academic writing. This qualification is equivalent to a foundation degree and 2^nd year of University in the UK and will allow you to apply for and gain QTLS status.

If we talk about QTLS status, it is an equivalent alternative to QTS. This is a useful option for those who are willing to teach and train in the post-16 sector. However, to be eligible for QTLS, it’s necessary to have L5 DET, allowing you to teach students over the age of 16 in a classroom or other learning environments.

Concluding Thoughts

To sum up, teaching assistants can become teachers through various routes. Some routes may require teaching assistants to acquire some qualifications, but whichever route you choose, transforming from a TA to a teacher is a rewarding career that offers daily opportunities for personal and professional growth while making a positive impact on students’ lives.

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