Posted by: CTC Training
While being a teaching assistant is rewarding, exciting and varied, it’s natural that many teaching assistants will want to progress into a full teaching role.
Becoming a teaching assistant is a great way to preface a career in teaching. TAs will have gained valuable skills and experience that will help them succeed in teaching.
However, you’ll need more than just transferable skills and years of experience to transition from teaching assistant to teacher. You’ll also require teaching qualifications and earn qualified teacher status (or equivalent).
There are a few routes to becoming a qualified teacher. In this article, we detail a common route to become a teacher in the adult education sector, plus how to earn Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status for those looking to teach in schools.
Teaching assistant
If you’re currently employed as a teaching assistant, you may have the goal of becoming a fully qualified teacher. It’s not uncommon — but there’s also no reason to rush into the career. Many teaching assistants first choose to progress within the teaching assistant role so that they can gain as many skills and as much experience as possible that will aid them when they eventually do make the change.
There are various qualifications you can earn to improve your skills and experience as a teaching assistant.
Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (STALIS / STLS)
This course teaches learners how to deliver quality education and support in schools.
Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF)
This course will develop your knowledge and competence as learning support staff.
Level 4 Certificate in Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
This qualification is for learners who are already in a teaching assistant role and wish to progress to Higher Level Teaching Assistant status.
Adult education teaching
Level 3 Award in Education and Training
There are many different types of teachers, and the Level 3 Award in Education and Training is an ideal first step for those looking to teach in the adult education sector. This is the most basic teaching qualification and will give you an insight into the fundamentals of teaching. While obtaining a Level 3 qualification isn’t mandatory to become a teacher, it’s a great way of establishing whether teaching is a good fit for you.
And best of all? The Level 3 Award in Education and Training can be completed in its entirety online with CTC Training, so you don’t need to find a teaching position before you start.
Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training
The Level 4 Award in Education and Training is the second most advanced of the three teaching and training qualifications and is also recommended for those looking to teach in the adult education sector. The course develops on the fundamental skills of teaching and training, and will help you to evaluate, hone and improve upon your existing skills. It is also the first of the three courses that includes a mixture of online and in-person teaching.
The Level 4 Award in Education and Training is not mandatory to complete the Level 5 Diploma, and subsequently gain QTLS status, but you may still choose to take the course to boost your skills and increase your confidence.
Classroom teaching
Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training
If you’re looking to teach in a classroom, one route is to gain Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status (QTLS). You will need to complete The Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training to apply for QTLS.
The Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training is the most advanced teaching and training qualification. This qualification gives you the opportunity to develop and demonstrate your teaching and training skills.
Once completed, you’ll be eligible to apply for QTLS status, which certifies you to teach in a classroom or other learning environment.
All of the above courses can be completed with CTC Training. Enrol on a course today and you’ll gain access to our student portal, where you can view course content and upload assessments at your leisure.
Unlock your potential with CTC Training. Enrol today or contact our team for more information.
About CTC Training
CTC Training provides professional development and education courses for businesses and individual learners. They are market leaders in online learning. CTC Training's wide range of courses offer valuable qualifications in areas such as education, assessment and vocational training.