Teaching Jobs in Cambridgeshire: Typical Qualifications and Helpful Guidelines

Various teaching jobs in Cambridge are advertised these days which are open to both UK as well as foreign nationals. The opportunities can be very exciting especially for those who are not from the local area. However, this can be somewhat daunting as well, specifically for those who are from other countries because reaching and settling in to a new country can be very overwhelming. The fact that one will be starting with a new job in a new environment with new companions will actually add to the anxiety.

Teaching opportunities may vary – there schools that need regular or full-time lecturers and there are also who are in need of supply teachers. The latter will work as substitutes if the regular teachers are absent due to reasons like personal leave or illness.

A Misunderstanding on the Typical Qualifications

Many schools in Cambridge, even anywhere in the world, impose different eligibility requirements for teaching professions. Some think that it is quite difficult to teach abroad because of these required high-standard competencies; but in reality, it is not that hard.

The following are some of the things that aspiring teachers abroad, especially those who are planning to teach English, should bear in mind.

  1. There is no need to speak other languages aside from English. Schools in Cambridge, for example, require teachers to speak in English. When teachers speak the language, it will stimulate the students to do their best in speaking the language, too. There will be different nationalities in various schools abroad, especially in Universities; thus, developing their speaking skills in English will help them in the future.
  1. Experience and degree are not necessarily required; however, there are certain schools that really prioritise those who are degree holders as well as those who are skilled and experienced teachers. For schools that do not need experienced teachers, they may require certain qualifications instead like TESOL or TEFL.
  1. For people who are non-native speakers, teaching abroad will require that they complete an IELTS certificate or exam first with at least a band score of 6.5. While most schools prefer native English speakers, there are still some who allow teachers from other countries who are non-native but can speak fluent English. However, one must have a TEFL certificate first.

How to Succeed in Working as a Teacher Abroad

Working away from home will require people to be alert and responsible. Adjusting to the new environment as well as to the kind of students will be at first quite dispiriting. But later on, this should no longer be the case.

Here are some tips that may help first-time teachers in other countries to help them enjoy their work and stay in a foreign land.

  1. They should practice navigating their assigned school before the beginning of the school year. This will give them enough time to memorise the bus routes, train systems, as well as the roadways going to the school as well as going back to their boarding homes. Familiarising themselves with the place will give them an easy start for their school year.
  1. They should always have great strategies for good classroom management. It will be a different environment for transfer teachers and a new one for new teachers as well. Thus, having a well-prepared technique to control students will be a great help. They should introduce it on the first day and everything will be smooth the rest of the days.
  1. They should take initiative always. Going the extra mile as to tidying up the classroom will not hurt. Furthermore, they can also volunteer to gain different experiences. This will make their teaching experience more fun and eventually become more successful.

Overall, there can be some hesitations in the beginning especially when planning to take any of the teaching jobs in Cambridge, for example. With the help of a little research about the job opportunities they are eyeing, they can surely overcome those doubts.