A guide to teaching in Scotland

Teaching careers are in great demand in Scotland. As a newly trained teacher in Scotland, you are assured of employment in Scotland and a handsome starting annual package of 21,500 pounds. The teacher induction scheme is a unique training programme wherein newly trained teachers are guided by their mentors in the first year of their teaching career.

Teaching requirements at the primary level

To pursue teaching careers at the level of primary schooling, you need to pursue the four year degree programme of Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Primary Education. Alternatively, you can become a primary school teacher in Scotland if you pursue the Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE). It is a one year programme, leading to a successful career in teaching at the primary school level in Scotland. Note that educational learning is mandatory to qualify as a teacher in Scotland.

Teaching requirements at the secondary level

To be eligible for teaching work at the secondary school level, you need to possess any one of the following teaching qualifications. If you have a graduate degree in the subject that you intend to teach, you may pursue the PGDE teaching course that is offered through full-time, part-time and distance learning mode at some of the prominent universities in Scotland. If you do not have a degree in your subject, you could consider pursuing the four year degree programme of Bachelor’s in Education (BEd) at a Scottish University. Once you gain the requisite qualifications, search for teaching employment at secondary schools in Scotland.

Universities, scholarships and registration

Teacher training courses are offered at eight universities in Scotland. Some of the popular universities include the University of Glasgow, University of Dundee, University of Edinburgh and University of Aberdeen. Scholarships are available to students pursuing full-time and part-time courses in teachers training. If you are pursuing a full-time course, you are eligible for the SAAS loan and grants programme. If you are pursuing a part-time course, you may apply to ILA Scotland for scholarship. They normally pay students 500 £ on monthly basis to cover the tuition fees. The General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) is the governing body and school teachers in Scotland need to be registered with this council. Although teachers are in great demand in Scotland, your chances of employment and career progression are much higher if you are a trained teacher in the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Technology, Modern Languages, Economics and Physical Education.