Can I become a teacher through this route?

I was thinking would be it possible to become a teacher after I become a chartered accountant without a degree. I would clearly be qualified enough for example an accounting and finance degree only gives 6-8 exemptions from the ACA exams. How hard would it be to become a teacher. I am currently a student who has offers from universities. The thing is though I would rather make money, not have debt and then go into teaching. How hard would this route be. I would be so much better off.

(edited 3 years ago)

Reply 1

Findlay6

Wouldn't be hard, you'd just apply for a Maths PGCE and be on your way. Lots of people change careers for teaching, myself included.
You'd need school work experience though.

Reply 2

Mr M

Study Forum Helper

Original post by Findlay6

Wouldn't be hard, you'd just apply for a Maths PGCE and be on your way. Lots of people change careers for teaching, myself included.
You'd need school work experience though.

The OP said they would not be a graduate. This means they could not take a qualification for postgraduates.

Reply 3

Mr M

Study Forum Helper

If you want to be a teacher rather than an unqualified instructor then you will need to study for a degree. Teaching is a graduate profession.

Reply 4

Mr M

Study Forum Helper

It would take 3 or 4 years. You still need to get a degree. ACA is not an acceptable alternative.

Reply 5

Mr M

Study Forum Helper

You are welcome.

Recruitment targets are missed by a huge margin year on year so it would be a mistake to increase entry requirements. We are in the age of austerity so pay increases are not likely to happen any time soon.

Reply 6

Angelil

Do you have any experiences of teaching? What makes you think it is so easy?

Reply 7

lorelei80

Teaching is in no way easy, you need to do some experience go into schools and see what it is really like. If it was so easy people wouldn't be dropping out of the profession like flies.

Posted from TSR Mobile

Reply 8

Angelil

And what makes you think it is easy? Education is such a broad field and there are always new developments to keep up with and ways to improve your practice - even if you naturally have some aptitude for teaching. I have been teaching for 8 years and despite having worked with kids since I was 14 and having achieved a bachelor's and master's degree in my specialist subjects (plus QTS later on), believe me, there was still a LOT to learn and I have come a long way since starting to teach.

Reply 9

Sceptical_John

Being a teacher w/o a degree is possible but at 18 it would not be a very a sensible route.

Firstly you are disqualifyig yourself from about 90% of the job market.
Secondly you're going to be up against people with degrees so why would they chose you?
Thirdly you will be a much much better teacher with a degree.

If you really don't want to go to uni then and want to work in education then get a job as a teaching assistant. You can earn some money that way and then go to uni a bit later while learning about the sector.

Reply 10

JaneBaratheon

Teaching without a degree is possible, but I've only ever seen it in the post 16/adult education sector. Some independent schools or academies may consider you without a degree, but I suspect they'd be in the minority.

While I think the BEd is a good way into teaching, it's not something I'd ever recommend. Teaching today is far removed from the secure profession it once was. Permanent contracts are becoming hard to come by for NQTs (though this does seem to be worse in primary, from those I've spoken to), many are six monthly or even termly. This makes getting mortgages (for example) difficult. I know many good teachers considering leaving the profession because of the uncertainty around employment. One of my best friends is a primary teacher is considering leaving due to the difficulty in getting a permanent contract.

If you go for the BEd, you will struggle (though it's not impossible) to transfer it to another career if you decide teaching isn't for you. I've always wanted to be a teacher, but I'm going into it now with a degree, a masters, further postgrad experience, and nine years of working in industry. My backup plans are laid down if this doesn't work out. Some may see that as going in 'negative', I see it as being prepared. Frankly, one look at the drop out rate of both PGCEs and teaching should encourage anyone to be prepared.

My advice would be to go for the degree in a subject you enjoy and that can be transferred to multiple career options. Don't tie yourself down. I've met so many teachers that feel 'stuck' in education. Don't be one of them.