Good day all,
Newbie here, I am just looking for some constructive advice/input please. I am a UK citizen, PhD holder, and have several years’ lecturing experience in env sci at universities overseas. At midlife I am considering a change, and have thought about teaching A Levels (e.g., Geography/Env/Geology subjects) back in the UK and/or in China. I have two queries in particular:
1) Training in the UK (on the job preferably) as an A Levels teacher seems to be rather for QTLS (?); and is it recognised in China?
2) I have seen job adverts for A Levels teaching positions e.g., in China but they seem to prefer GCSE experience too, is that usually a strict requirement?
Thank you as I try to understand the requirements before considering this pathway further.
Kind regards
A Levels teaching positions
Response
What are your degrees in, not only your doctorate, since I dont see how youd consider yourself capable from a formal position to teach geography?
In direct response to your inquires:
1) Yes, QTLS is for the further education sector, if you join and maintain membership in the SET than its equivalent to QTS and can teach in England, in K12/KS public/maintained DSs.
You can not convert QTLS directly into QTS as doing so would effectively nullify the SET requirement and QTLS with SET membership exempts you from Induction and the ECT framework.
QTS even as an ECT is a lot more recognized than QTLS (even w/wo SET). If you have the SET membership in good standing, than legally and technically its legal as far as the Dfe and Ofsted (and their BSO inspectorates) are concerned. As for what an individual regions MOE or or immigration/labor ministry thinks or accepts is a different matter.
While you could take the AO route and gain QTS independently of QTLS, Missouri in the US offers a doctoral route to an Initial (Entry grade) credential. This is a four year credential and can not be upgraded to the career (Professional grade) credential, nor can additional fields be added; but can be renewed indefinitely and requires no PD. You must pass the PLT exam (a professional edu meds/peds/asst exam) and a CRB. The exam is a PRAXIS exam and can be taken at testing centers globally.
China is likely to accept the QTLS with SET membership. The more significant issue, and one many Uni professors/tutors have is that teaching secondary (and even more so primary) is much different than teaching at the tertiary level. Its not just 'dumbing' down lecture and seminars. There is a lot more development and work that goes into classroom management, curriculum, lesson design and delivery, and organization and the general work environment. Leaders and recruiters will know this, and you cant exactly hide that you have no formal preparation in professional edu (the trinity of meds/peds/asst). Sure you know the material but thats not the job, the job is transferring it with X degree of efficacy and Y degree of efficiency to young little, still forming minds saturated with hormones.
2) That depends. The IS may be throwing out a wish list of what it would like and depending on the size and structure of the IS and the relevant departments, they may be asking for IGCSE while not intending to assign the IT to anything other than A*. They may also be very insistent and intend the IT to teach IGCSE and by extension other secondary grades/years. You should assume and be prepared to interview for whatever grade/year levels an IS is advertised.
Discussion:
1) Geography is not the most popular subject even at BSs though there is demand for it annually. Outside of BSs and those using the UK NC its not usually found separately in many EUR NC or US NC curriculum.
2) Geology has been a short lived subject in A*. This was the final year to teach it under the OCR exam board and CI doesnt offer it. Outside of that its found as an integrated subject in earth science and to a lessor degree in general science. Moving forward its going to continue to be a core to ENS across various curriculum. You might find more interest in ASs as a lower secondary IT if focusing on your geology background.
3) ESS (Environmental Systems and Society in the IB DIP program) and Env. Sci. in general is one of the most common and popular science courses across the various curriculum, its also one of the most saturated. Typically you find biology ITs in ESS, though your geography angle might give you some advantage when looking at ESS in IBSs, though if its any advantage its a small one, even marginally small. Previous and recent IB experience is far, far more valuable than some content adjacent proficiency. Most ITs in this subject have little problem adapting to the social studies material in the course.
In direct response to your inquires:
1) Yes, QTLS is for the further education sector, if you join and maintain membership in the SET than its equivalent to QTS and can teach in England, in K12/KS public/maintained DSs.
You can not convert QTLS directly into QTS as doing so would effectively nullify the SET requirement and QTLS with SET membership exempts you from Induction and the ECT framework.
QTS even as an ECT is a lot more recognized than QTLS (even w/wo SET). If you have the SET membership in good standing, than legally and technically its legal as far as the Dfe and Ofsted (and their BSO inspectorates) are concerned. As for what an individual regions MOE or or immigration/labor ministry thinks or accepts is a different matter.
While you could take the AO route and gain QTS independently of QTLS, Missouri in the US offers a doctoral route to an Initial (Entry grade) credential. This is a four year credential and can not be upgraded to the career (Professional grade) credential, nor can additional fields be added; but can be renewed indefinitely and requires no PD. You must pass the PLT exam (a professional edu meds/peds/asst exam) and a CRB. The exam is a PRAXIS exam and can be taken at testing centers globally.
China is likely to accept the QTLS with SET membership. The more significant issue, and one many Uni professors/tutors have is that teaching secondary (and even more so primary) is much different than teaching at the tertiary level. Its not just 'dumbing' down lecture and seminars. There is a lot more development and work that goes into classroom management, curriculum, lesson design and delivery, and organization and the general work environment. Leaders and recruiters will know this, and you cant exactly hide that you have no formal preparation in professional edu (the trinity of meds/peds/asst). Sure you know the material but thats not the job, the job is transferring it with X degree of efficacy and Y degree of efficiency to young little, still forming minds saturated with hormones.
2) That depends. The IS may be throwing out a wish list of what it would like and depending on the size and structure of the IS and the relevant departments, they may be asking for IGCSE while not intending to assign the IT to anything other than A*. They may also be very insistent and intend the IT to teach IGCSE and by extension other secondary grades/years. You should assume and be prepared to interview for whatever grade/year levels an IS is advertised.
Discussion:
1) Geography is not the most popular subject even at BSs though there is demand for it annually. Outside of BSs and those using the UK NC its not usually found separately in many EUR NC or US NC curriculum.
2) Geology has been a short lived subject in A*. This was the final year to teach it under the OCR exam board and CI doesnt offer it. Outside of that its found as an integrated subject in earth science and to a lessor degree in general science. Moving forward its going to continue to be a core to ENS across various curriculum. You might find more interest in ASs as a lower secondary IT if focusing on your geology background.
3) ESS (Environmental Systems and Society in the IB DIP program) and Env. Sci. in general is one of the most common and popular science courses across the various curriculum, its also one of the most saturated. Typically you find biology ITs in ESS, though your geography angle might give you some advantage when looking at ESS in IBSs, though if its any advantage its a small one, even marginally small. Previous and recent IB experience is far, far more valuable than some content adjacent proficiency. Most ITs in this subject have little problem adapting to the social studies material in the course.
Re: A Levels teaching positions
If you intend to teach A levels in secondary schools you need certification as a secondary teacher. The fact you taught in universities or colleges does not qualify you to teach in a secondary school.
If you wish to teach in international schools this applies too.
If you want to teach A levels at colleges you are probably good to go but check the specific requirements for the country/college you wish to teach in.
My advice is to take a year and get qualified. There are iPGCE courses around but you will need to search to find them.
QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) is also available but different countries do it differently. More research required.
I strongly advise getting some experience of actually teaching in a secondary school. It is VERY different from teaching in a college/university. It is not for everybody. I have seen many PGCE students leave after a month.
If you wish to teach in international schools this applies too.
If you want to teach A levels at colleges you are probably good to go but check the specific requirements for the country/college you wish to teach in.
My advice is to take a year and get qualified. There are iPGCE courses around but you will need to search to find them.
QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) is also available but different countries do it differently. More research required.
I strongly advise getting some experience of actually teaching in a secondary school. It is VERY different from teaching in a college/university. It is not for everybody. I have seen many PGCE students leave after a month.
-
geoteach
Re: A Levels teaching positions
Thank you for the useful replies so far.
@psyguy - thank you for all the information. Just to clarify my degrees are in env sci and geography (and have taught both at uni including physical/human geog). I looked into the MO entry level route a few years back, I recall I needed a US Social Security Number (SSN) to get into the online system (something I do not have). It appears you are correct that legally this pathway is possible but the system was not set up that way, maybe it has changed?
Alternatively might you know if there are any US states that don’t require SSN upfront or offer online certification?
Could I potentially be hired by e.g., a mid-tier IS in China without a teaching license for an 'A Levels Geography' post and later do the AO route (iQTS)?
Or would it likely be too much of a "jumping in at the deep end"?!
@roybatty - thank you for pointing out the differences between tertiary and secondary education. I have some field experience with primary level and could clearly see the difference in style/approach/management. I have no secondary experience but have taught a uni-prep geography course which was akin to A Levels standard and style (e.g., incorporation of activities during classes). If I worked in the UK I would prefer A Levels teaching if possible.
Thanks for the attention with my queries.
@psyguy - thank you for all the information. Just to clarify my degrees are in env sci and geography (and have taught both at uni including physical/human geog). I looked into the MO entry level route a few years back, I recall I needed a US Social Security Number (SSN) to get into the online system (something I do not have). It appears you are correct that legally this pathway is possible but the system was not set up that way, maybe it has changed?
Alternatively might you know if there are any US states that don’t require SSN upfront or offer online certification?
Could I potentially be hired by e.g., a mid-tier IS in China without a teaching license for an 'A Levels Geography' post and later do the AO route (iQTS)?
Or would it likely be too much of a "jumping in at the deep end"?!
@roybatty - thank you for pointing out the differences between tertiary and secondary education. I have some field experience with primary level and could clearly see the difference in style/approach/management. I have no secondary experience but have taught a uni-prep geography course which was akin to A Levels standard and style (e.g., incorporation of activities during classes). If I worked in the UK I would prefer A Levels teaching if possible.
Thanks for the attention with my queries.
Reply
@geoteach
Well, uhm, kinda, not really, just no. No is better. Its okay though because the general approach is better (in some ways and not better in others) than the MO doctoral route.
That would be the MA Provisional (Entry grade) credential. Its better because:
1) The MA credential will effectively be a lifetime credential and wont even require renewal compared to the MO credential.
2) Both require pro.edu testing. MA requires two and MO requires one, but the MA exams consists of an English literacy exam and subject matter exam in your teaching subject compared to the one meds/peds/asst exam.
3) MO will only give you a credential in the corresponding content area of your doctoral studies. MA would allow you to add multiple credentials allowing you to obtain both Earth and Space Science and the History and Social Studies content areas.
4) MO requires a CRB for credentialing, MA does not.
Ways its worse:
1) Both states require you to complete a NACES evaluation.
2) You can do the Communication Literacy exam and the History/Social Studies exam (two of the MA exams) remotely (at home), but the MA Earth and Space Science (MA exam) and the PLT (MO exam) are available globally but have to be done at a test center.
3) The MA Provisional credential is a"Provisional" credential while MO is a "Initial".
The MA DOE will issue you a MEPID on request to manage your application and materials. It does not require a US SSN.
Its possible you could be appointed to a mid tier IS in China. First its China, theres a a somewhat unique dynamic in China.
Second, probability wise though it depends on what you mean by mid-tier? There are three tiers; first, second and third, if by mid-tier you mean second tier. Probably not. They dont need an IT with a very lite KS/K12 resume whose main selling point is a doctoral degree (assuming you didnt graduate from OxBridge). Social Science and Env. Sci. again are rather saturated, they arent high demand content areas.
Third, if by mid-tier you mean an IS around the 50% point, thats very firmly third tier. Sure you can get teaching something at a third tier IS in China. Theres an appointment for anyone if they will accept anything and a substantial number of those appointments are in China. It may not be all you want though.
Fourth, one of the core aspects of the AO QTS route requires you to teach in two different ISs/DSs. Thats 3 years in before youd have the experience. One two year contract at one IS/DS and then at least one year into your second contract at another IS/DS. You would be hard pressed to find an IS that would offer only a one year contract in China. It would be ill advised if you did. You would be in a foreign country working with a student population and curriculum you have little experience with. Thats not the worst though, its the recruitment cycle. ITs/DTs need to usually provide notice around mid-autumn (late October) So youd get there on the ground and have a month in the classroom before youd have to say your leaving and secure a reference. And because its not a Hello Kitty cupcake without the sprinkles, youd be hard pressed to find an IS that would offer you an OSH package on a one year contract. Youd be lucky to get them talking for just an LH package.
Fifth, another option without as many hoops would be to find an iQTS provider, you can even find some of them in China. The cost and time requirements are the main issues. iQTS costs and takes about three times what AO does.
Well, uhm, kinda, not really, just no. No is better. Its okay though because the general approach is better (in some ways and not better in others) than the MO doctoral route.
That would be the MA Provisional (Entry grade) credential. Its better because:
1) The MA credential will effectively be a lifetime credential and wont even require renewal compared to the MO credential.
2) Both require pro.edu testing. MA requires two and MO requires one, but the MA exams consists of an English literacy exam and subject matter exam in your teaching subject compared to the one meds/peds/asst exam.
3) MO will only give you a credential in the corresponding content area of your doctoral studies. MA would allow you to add multiple credentials allowing you to obtain both Earth and Space Science and the History and Social Studies content areas.
4) MO requires a CRB for credentialing, MA does not.
Ways its worse:
1) Both states require you to complete a NACES evaluation.
2) You can do the Communication Literacy exam and the History/Social Studies exam (two of the MA exams) remotely (at home), but the MA Earth and Space Science (MA exam) and the PLT (MO exam) are available globally but have to be done at a test center.
3) The MA Provisional credential is a"Provisional" credential while MO is a "Initial".
The MA DOE will issue you a MEPID on request to manage your application and materials. It does not require a US SSN.
Its possible you could be appointed to a mid tier IS in China. First its China, theres a a somewhat unique dynamic in China.
Second, probability wise though it depends on what you mean by mid-tier? There are three tiers; first, second and third, if by mid-tier you mean second tier. Probably not. They dont need an IT with a very lite KS/K12 resume whose main selling point is a doctoral degree (assuming you didnt graduate from OxBridge). Social Science and Env. Sci. again are rather saturated, they arent high demand content areas.
Third, if by mid-tier you mean an IS around the 50% point, thats very firmly third tier. Sure you can get teaching something at a third tier IS in China. Theres an appointment for anyone if they will accept anything and a substantial number of those appointments are in China. It may not be all you want though.
Fourth, one of the core aspects of the AO QTS route requires you to teach in two different ISs/DSs. Thats 3 years in before youd have the experience. One two year contract at one IS/DS and then at least one year into your second contract at another IS/DS. You would be hard pressed to find an IS that would offer only a one year contract in China. It would be ill advised if you did. You would be in a foreign country working with a student population and curriculum you have little experience with. Thats not the worst though, its the recruitment cycle. ITs/DTs need to usually provide notice around mid-autumn (late October) So youd get there on the ground and have a month in the classroom before youd have to say your leaving and secure a reference. And because its not a Hello Kitty cupcake without the sprinkles, youd be hard pressed to find an IS that would offer you an OSH package on a one year contract. Youd be lucky to get them talking for just an LH package.
Fifth, another option without as many hoops would be to find an iQTS provider, you can even find some of them in China. The cost and time requirements are the main issues. iQTS costs and takes about three times what AO does.