Benefits of changing careers to teaching

A meaningful and rewarding job

Many teachers have worked in other careers before stepping into the classroom.

I was stuck in the corporate rat race in London and just wanted to do something worthwhile.

Jack, French and German teacher

Transfering your existing skills to teaching can be incredibly rewarding. You'll be in demand as someone who has real-world professional and industry experience, as well as important skills needed to be a teacher.

I chose teaching to bring my banking industry experience into the classroom, demonstrating how maths is applied in real-world scenarios. I enjoy inspiring students by connecting abstract concepts to practical applications, making learning both engaging and relevant.

Mark, maths teacher

The skills and experiences you bring from previous careers are invaluable in the classroom. From communication and public speaking, to problem solving and people management, your pupils will learn more from you than you might think.

As a teacher, you can watch pupils progress as they learn, making an impact from your very first lesson.

I feel like I've found the piece which was missing in my life for so long. As challenging as teaching can be some days, I still wouldn't go back to my previous career. The job satisfaction is second to none!

Jodie, primary school teacher

You may already have valuable experience working with pupils in the classroom, for example as a teaching assistant. Your expertise working with pupils might make you a desirable candidate for teacher training and may help you to make a smooth transition into teaching.

I’d been in quite a few lessons in more of a teaching assistant capacity. Some of the kids said, ‘Why doesn’t Miss become a teacher?’, and I thought, ‘Why not? I can do this’.

Emma, trainee teacher

Find out why other people choose to become teachers

Practical benefits of teaching

In addition to the personal rewards of teaching, there are practical benefits too, including:

a competitive salary starting at £31k (or higher in London)
a secure pension
more holiday days than people in many other professions
opportunities for progression

Find out how to change your career to become a teacher

Teacher stories - Peter

I’d been working in the same role for many years and I was no longer feeling challenged. So I had a decision to make: stay in my finance role, or give myself a new break.