• The Open University

Becoming a Teacher

Take your first steps towards teaching with this practical course exploring the basics of what it means to become a teacher.

15,374 enrolled on this course

This image shows a female teacher in a classroom with some secondary school students seated in front of a desk with laptops on top. The teacher is helping one of the students with a query.

Becoming a Teacher

15,374 enrolled on this course

  • 4 weeks

  • 3 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

Learn what being a teacher is really like

This course is for anyone thinking about becoming a teacher – it will help you to decide if teaching is for you, give you a sense of what teaching is really like and help you to start writing your application for initial teacher education.

You’ll learn from teaching experts at The Open University, student teachers, and teachers themselves about what it’s really like to work in primary and secondary schools – challenging some common assumptions along the way.

You’ll also explore different teaching methods and environments, and begin writing your application for initial teacher education.

What topics will you cover?

  • New teachers’ experiences.
  • What is the nature of teaching?
  • Topical teaching debates: what are your thoughts?
  • Your story so far – and your future in teaching.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Identify whether teaching is for you and your reasons for choosing to teach.
  • Evaluate varied perspectives about teaching and learning in schools.
  • Describe the nature of contemporary teaching and the role of the teacher.
  • Explain your beliefs about teaching.
  • Reflect on teaching and education beyond your own school experiences.
  • Debate some interesting issues in teaching around the world.
  • Identify the skills and experience you need and how to get them.
  • Develop the skills required to apply for initial teacher education.

Who is the course for?

This course is for anyone currently thinking of going into the teaching profession. It would be ideal if you are studying or about to start an undergraduate degree or are thinking of changing career to become a teacher.

What software or tools do you need?

There are no specific software requirements or tools needed to study this course.

Who will you learn with?

I am a Professor of Sport Education with a deep interest in learning, teaching & coaching. I have worked in educational environments all my life & love seeing both young and old improve & develop.

Who developed the course?

The Open University

As the UK’s largest university, The Open University (OU) supports thousands of students to achieve their goals and ambitions via supported distance learning, helping to fit learning around professional and personal life commitments.

  • Established

    1969
  • Location

    Milton Keynes, UK
  • World ranking

    Top 510Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020

Ways to learn

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$104/one-off payment

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

Free

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$104/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 16 Apr 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

T&Cs apply.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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Get a taste of this course

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