One of the most rewarding professions you could ever get involved in is teaching, but it's not a one-size-fits-all type of role. From early years education to secondary school specialisms, there is a huge variety of teaching roles and each requires different skills, personalities and interests. Whether you are already in education or considering a career change right now, finding the right teaching path is going to help you to have a long term satisfaction in your role and job success. With resources like The PE Hub, which supports lesson planning for physical education, it's easier than ever to explore different teaching areas and see where your strengths may align. Let's take a look at the 3 most common teaching roles out there to help you figure out which one could be your perfect fit.
By Team Savant
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Primary School Teacher
As an all round educator, you'd be great if you love variety and enjoy helping young children to grow in every area both academically and emotionally, a role in primary education could be the right one for you. As primary school teachers cover multiple subjects, often teaching the same class throughout the year, this allows them to form strong relationships and track holistic development of the children. This role requires patience, energy, creativity, and strong classroom management. You'll be setting a foundation for lifelong learning and the rewards of watching students progress are immense.
Secondary School Subject Teacher
If you have a passion for specific subjects like science, English or maths, teaching in secondary schools allows you to focus on your area of expertise while helping teenagers prepare for exams and their future careers. As a secondary teacher, you'll need strong communication skills, subject knowledge, and the ability to engage students who are developing their identities and independence at the same time. If you are someone who thrives on in-depth learning and want to inspire people through your subject, this path could be ideal for you.
Special Educational Needs Teacher
If you are a compassionate supporter, then SEN teaching is ideal for those with empathy, patience, and a desire to support students who learn differently. Whether working in mainstream schools or specialist settings, SEN teachers help to tailor the learning experience to meet the individual needs, both academically and emotionally. This is a challenging path, but it's also deeply meaningful. If you want to be a strong advocate for inclusive education, this could be the role for you.
It is a big decision to choose to go into education as teaching is a diverse and flexible career with room to grow and specialised. You are going to be shaping children no matter what age or ability level, which means that you need to have a passion for it. The best teaching for you is the one that aligns with your values, your personality, and your goals. Choose something you know you're going to thrive in and know that you can segue into other areas in the future.