If you are a teacher and considering moving to the UK to teach, there are a few things you should consider before making the move. The UK education system is different than the USA, so you must understand how it works before making any decisions. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 tips for teaching in the UK that will help make your transition easier!
Be prepared for a more structured school system.
In the UK, the school system is more complex than the Australian system and much more centralized than the American system. There are four main types of schools in the UK: state schools, independent schools, special needs schools, and faith schools. Each type of school has its own admissions process and curriculum.
Consider the climate – it can be colder and wetter than in the USA!
The climate in the UK can be a shock for those coming from warmer climates. Most of the time the climate in the UK can be rainy and misty, and can even be heavily snowed in the wintertime. The average temperature in the UK is 51 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can feel much colder due to the high humidity. It is also important to note that the UK gets a lot of rain – so make sure you pack your raincoat!
Learn about British culture and customs before you arrive.
There are many differences between British and American cultures, so it is important to learn about them before you make the move. For example, in the UK people drive on the left side of the road and the electrical sockets are different. It is also considered impolite to speak loudly in public, and queuing (standing in line) is a national pastime.
Get familiar with the curriculum and expectations of your students.
The UK curriculum is different than the US curriculum, so you will need to familiarize yourself with it before teaching. In addition, the expectations of British students are different of American students. For example, British students are expected to be independent learners and to think critically about what they are taught.
Familiarize yourself with the teacher grading system and how to give marks out of 100%
The teacher grading system in the UK is different from the US system. Teachers typically give marks out of 100%, and these are then converted into letter grades. The A+ to G grade scale is as follows:
A+= 90-100%
A = 80-89%
B = 70-79%
C = 60-69%
D = 50-59%
E = 40-49%
F= 30-39%
G= 20-29%
To give marks out of 100%, you will need to convert the percentage grades that your students earn on assignments into whole number marks. For example, if a student earns 85% on an assignment, they would earn an A, which is worth 80 marks.
When giving marks out of 100%, it is important to consider the level of difficulty of the assignment and whether the student has met the expectations for the assignment. If you are unsure about how to convert percentage grades into marks, there are many resources available online that can help.
Join social media groups or teacher forums to ask questions and get advice from other teachers in the UK.
There are many teacher groups and forums on social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, where you can ask questions and get advice from other teachers in the UK. These groups can be a great resource when you are first starting, as they can help you to feel more connected to the teaching community in the UK.
Pay Scale – How much do Teachers in the UK get paid
Teacher salaries in the UK are typically paid on a scale of £22,467 to £38,250 per year, as an Australian teacher you would earn around $37,371 a year. However, salaries will vary depending on your experience, location, understanding, and the type of school you teach in. For example, teachers in London typically earn more than teachers in other parts of the UK. Because of the high cost of living in London, many teachers choose to live outside of the city and commute.
What Age Groups should you Teach?
In the UK, you can teach any age group from early years (ages three to five) up to adults. The age group that you teach will depend on the type of school you work in and your qualifications. For example, if you want to teach in a primary school, you will need to be qualified to teach Early Years or Key Stage One (ages five to seven).
What Area of the Country to Teach in
As said before, the salary will vary depending on which area in the UK you teach in. London is the most expensive area to live in, so the salaries are higher. Whereas in other parts of the UK, the cost of living is lower, so the salaries will be too. It depends on your budget and where you want to live. If you are looking to save money, then you could look for teaching jobs in other parts of the UK.
Plan Weekends – Activities, Travel, Adventures!
Although you will be working during the week, you will have weekends free to explore the UK. There are many activities, travel, and adventures to be had in the UK. For example, you could visit historical sites like Stonehenge or Hadrian’s Wall, go hiking in the Scottish Highlands, or explore one of the many charming towns and villages. There is something for everyone in the UK, so make sure to plan your weekends accordingly!
Teaching in the UK can be different from teaching in the USA. Here are some tips to consider when making the transition: get familiar with the school system, curriculum, and expectations of your students; learn about British culture and customs; join teacher social media groups or forums. Good luck!