Study with usWhy become a teacher?
9 reasons to get into teaching
There can be few things as rewarding as making a tangible difference in shaping the lives of young people, inspiring and mentoring them to become the best they can be. Below are nine of the best reasons to get into teaching, with experiences from some current teachers.
Further information
1. Inspire the next generation
By becoming a teacher you'll get job satisfaction that few will experience. Other than parents, teachers have arguably the biggest influence on a child's life. The visible results you'll see from pupils are guaranteed to send you home with a sense of pride!
2. A true vocation
Much like doctors, nurses and vets, teaching is more than just a job. It's a true vocation. Many people work to live, but the rewarding nature means teachers get job satisfaction unmatched by most professions!
3. A passion for the subject
There are few who can use their passion in their job. Teachers get to do this every day, with the opportunity to instil this enthusiasm in their pupils.
Steven McNeil, Physical Education
4. A clear career path
If you have a desire to progress in your career, teaching has a very clear path to do so. From heads of department to headteachers, there are opportunities to go as high as you'd want to.
5. Salary benefits
A career in teaching provides generous financial packages. Newly qualified teachers in their probation year currently start on a salary of £31,584* in Scotland. Secondary teachers get an additional £8,000 if they choose to complete their probationary year anywhere in Scotland, while primary teachers get £6,000 extra.
After you're fully registered, this increases incrementally over the first five years from £32,994 to £41,412*. Headteachers can also earn up to £98,808* in Scotland's largest schools.
Source: The Educational Institute of Scotland (last accessed 2 February 2021)
I wanted to become a teacher to try and make a difference in young people's lives and to hopefully inspire the same passion and interest in my subject that I have. In such a fast paced world, Modern Studies is a great subject to be able to explore newly occurring issues/topics further.
6. International opportunities
Most countries highly value Scottish teacher training and your degree opens up doors to explore the world. From Asia to North America, Australia to the Middle East, there are so many opportunities open to graduates - particularly after a few years' experience.
7. Job security
Unlike much of the private sector, teaching offers great job security! If you're a Scottish student, you're also guaranteed a job for one year in a Scottish school after you graduate.
8. Great for families
Teaching is a unique job in more ways than one. If you've got, or plan to have a family, you'll largely share the same holidays as your children - great for spending quality time together!
9. Be a lifelong learner
Nothing encourages you to continue to learn more about a topic than when you're teaching it! Children are inquisitive, often asking questions you'd never thought of. This allows you to constantly research new finding and technologies to introduce to your students.
What our students think
Shalini Pattabiraman
English
I believe education is a gift and a privilege that everyone must have access to. As a teacher I facilitate that process and make learning accessible through ideas that are fun and engaging.
Alan Galloway
Business Education
There were points where I felt I was too far into my career to make the change. If you’re passionate about young people, and inspiring the next generation, make the change. It is never too late to think about teaching! We all bring different talents, abilities, life experiences to the table.
Soma Szentivanszki
Physics
I consider teaching an extraordinary opportunity to influence the world positively. There are more than enough physicists all around the world, but the lack of physics teachers is a problem almost everywhere.