Teaching Career Options

The teaching profession offers an exciting career with many opportunities to grow and develop. In this step, we’ll explore some of the different places your career could take you, from developing your subject knowledge to taking on a pastoral role or becoming a school leader.

Classroom Teacher

As a classroom teacher, you’ll be committed to delivering high quality education and ensuring high attainment levels.

There is no requirement or expectation to move on from the role of a classroom teacher and you may wish to focus your career on mastering your teaching craft. After all, all teachers are leaders of their classroom or teaching environments.

Head of Department

If you’re passionate about your subject area, you might like to pursue a career as a head of department.

As a head of department, you’ll still have time in the classroom, but will take on some additional responsibilities.

For example, a head of department is in charge of making sure the department is adequately equipped in terms of staff, financial resources and materials. This position requires outstanding knowledge of your subject area as well as good leadership and management skills.

Head of Year

If you’re interested in ensuring the welfare of students throughout their education, a pastoral role might be for you.

A head of year is expected to know and supervise certain aspects of all students in that particular year. This can include students’ attendance and punctuality, arranging meetings with parents, addressing any policy or behavioural issues, and working with other heads of year.

Assistant or Deputy Head

Deputy and assistant head teacher positions are usually the second most senior positions in a school. Here you work alongside the head teacher in managing and leading the school, which is a great opportunity to develop your leadership skills.

Head Teacher/Principal

As the head teacher of the school, you must be able to lead all staff and students to perform at their best. To become a head teacher, you’ll need several years’ experience as a senior manager or deputy head.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

A CEO works closely with the board and the chair in setting and driving improvement.

The individual will be comfortable with a corporate governance style and the required financial reporting and planning regime. To be successful, you’ll need to demonstrate the ability to successfully lead a multi-disciplinary organisation and drive its growth and development.

Your task

Do any of these roles appeal to you? Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?