Becoming a Teacher

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.

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.

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

• IS TEACHING FOR ME?
• Welcome to Becoming a Teacher
• Exploring your motivations to teach
• Glimpses into differences in teaching
• Teaching beyond schools
• Your personal qualities and life story
• WHAT IS THE NATURE OF TEACHING?
• Welcome to Week 2
• Perceptions of the teaching role
• New teachers’ experiences
• The highs and lows of learning to teach
• WHAT DO TEACHERS SAY ABOUT THEIR WORK?
• Welcome to Week 3
• Your fast-track insight into topical conversations
• Interpreting negative comments about teaching
• Common conversations across countries
• YOUR FUTURE
• Welcome to Week 4
• Understanding your story
• Preparing to apply to teach
• Practical advice for applications
• Other valuable information