Keith Mack
Teaching law in the UK can be a rewarding career for those who enjoy the academic aspects of the subject. Law teachers in the UK are typically employed by further education (FE) colleges, which provide training and education for young people and adults. The role primarily involves planning and preparing lessons, marking assessments, and guiding students towards their learning goals. FE law teachers are expected to work within the curriculum, monitor student progress, and provide support to ensure their advancement to higher education or a career. While a degree is advantageous for securing FE law teacher jobs, it is not a requirement, and many FE institutions offer funded teacher training on the job.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Qualifications | A degree is not always necessary, but a degree in Law or a related field is advantageous. Some schools require specific A-levels or equivalent qualifications. |
| Experience | Prior teaching experience is not always required, but it is advantageous. Related work experience in the legal field can also be beneficial. |
| Skills | Strong communication, organisation, and interpersonal skills are essential. The ability to create an engaging and inclusive learning environment is crucial. |
| Responsibilities | Lesson planning and preparation, marking and providing feedback, monitoring student progress, maintaining attendance and achievement standards, and providing pastoral care. |
| Salary | The average law teacher salary in the UK is £39,232, but salaries can vary depending on the position and experience. |
| Training | Further education (FE) law teachers are required to be members of the Institute for Learning and must commit to continuing professional development (CPD). |
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What You'll Learn
Qualifications and experience
Teaching law at the further education (FE) level in the UK does not always require a prior teaching qualification or an academic degree in law. FE colleges are the biggest employers in the education sector, and they provide training and education for both young people and adults. However, most FE law teachers have a degree, although not having one is no barrier to taking on the role.
To teach law at the secondary school level, a degree in law is usually required. However, there are exceptions, as some schools in England, such as academies and free schools, can employ teachers without a teaching qualification. Additionally, during training, it is possible to request to teach a subject other than the one you are qualified in, and once qualified, you may teach whatever the school requires.
To teach law at the university level in the UK, a postgraduate degree in law, such as a master's or doctorate, is typically required, along with prior teaching experience.
Regardless of the level at which you want to teach law, it is important to have some teaching experience. This can be gained through tutoring, volunteering, or placements at schools. Additionally, it is essential to be prepared for the realities of teaching, which may include significant amounts of paperwork and administrative tasks alongside the interactive and rewarding aspects of lesson delivery and student development.
To summarise, while qualifications are important, a combination of relevant degrees, teaching certifications, and practical experience will contribute to becoming a law teacher in the UK.
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Training and development
To become a law teacher in the UK, you will need to complete initial teacher training. This can be done through a school-based provider, which will involve placements in schools, or through a university-based provider, which will typically be a one-year postgraduate programme. Some universities, like the Bristnall Hall Academy, offer part-time options as well.
If you are interested in teaching at the secondary level, you will typically need a degree in the subject you want to teach. However, this is not always the case, and some schools may allow you to teach a subject you have a strong A-level in, especially if you have relevant work experience. For example, a law degree holder may be able to teach history or English at the secondary level if they have the necessary A-levels and/or work experience in those fields.
If you are interested in teaching at the further education (FE) level, you will need to become a member of the Institute for Learning and commit to complying with continuing professional development (CPD) requirements. FE colleges are the biggest employers in the education sector and provide training and education for both young people and adults. While some FE positions may require a degree, it is not a necessity for all roles, and many FE training providers offer funded teacher training on the job.
In addition to formal training programmes, it is important to gain practical experience in a school setting. This can be done through placements as part of a training programme or by volunteering or shadowing in schools to get a sense of the school environment and the day-to-day life of a teacher. This will help you determine if teaching is the right career path for you and will also provide valuable insights that can be applied during your training.
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Lesson planning and preparation
To secure a job as an FE law teacher, you will need to become a member of the Institute for Learning, which requires a commitment to complying with continuing professional development (CPD) requirements. Many FE training providers offer funded teacher training on the job, so you can start teaching immediately. However, some positions may require a degree, and prior teaching experience is always beneficial.
As an FE law teacher, you will also need to monitor the progress of your students through coursework and examinations, keeping them on track with their studies and aware of any areas where they need to improve. You will need to assign work and homework and maintain high levels of attendance, retention, and achievement. Additionally, you may assist students in their transition from FE to higher education and their future careers.
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Marking and feedback
When marking student assessments, it is important to follow the provided rubric, assessment criteria, and marking scheme or guidance. This ensures consistency and fairness in grading. However, FE law teacher Rebecca Huxley-Binns emphasises the value of giving "useful, detailed, and positive feedback" to students, even if it can be time-consuming. This feedback helps students understand their strengths and weaknesses and provides guidance for improvement.
In addition to written feedback on assessments, law teachers can also provide feedback during lessons. This may involve circulating around the classroom while students are working and offering immediate feedback and guidance. This real-time feedback can help students correct misconceptions or mistakes promptly and reinforce their understanding of legal concepts.
To further support student progress, law teachers can utilise a variety of feedback methods, such as written comments, grades, or scores on assignments. They may also conduct individual or group feedback sessions to clarify expectations, address common challenges, and provide additional explanations. By combining timely feedback with comprehensive assessment grading, law teachers can effectively monitor student progress and help them achieve their academic goals.
Furthermore, marking and feedback are not limited to traditional written assessments. Law teachers can also assess and provide feedback on practical skills, such as mooting or legal research tasks. This holistic approach to evaluation ensures that students develop a well-rounded set of legal skills and helps them apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. Effective marking and feedback practices empower law students to continuously improve and develop the necessary competencies for their future legal careers.
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Pastoral care
Understanding Pastoral Care:
Creating a Supportive Environment:
As a law teacher, creating a safe and supportive classroom environment is essential. This includes being approachable and accessible to students, encouraging open communication, and providing a space where students feel comfortable discussing their concerns. It also involves being aware of students' progress and well-being, identifying those who may need additional support, and working collaboratively with other staff members to ensure a cohesive approach to pastoral care.
Individualised Support:
Providing individualised support to students is a crucial aspect of pastoral care. This may involve one-on-one meetings with students to discuss their academic progress, personal well-being, or any specific concerns they may have. It is important to tailor support plans to the unique needs of each student, especially those with additional needs, special educational needs, or vulnerabilities.
Collaboration and Information Sharing:
Effective pastoral care requires strong collaboration and information sharing between staff members. This includes attending staff meetings, participating in discussions about students' progress and well-being, and working together to develop strategies that meet the needs of individual students.
Professional Development:
To provide effective pastoral care, law teachers can benefit from continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities. This may involve undertaking specific training or courses related to pastoral care, such as "An Induction to Pastoral Care," which provides an overview of how to support students' well-being.
By prioritising pastoral care, law teachers in the UK can play a pivotal role in fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment, supporting the holistic development of their students, and ultimately contributing to improved academic outcomes and enhanced well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
To teach law at a college or university in the UK, you will need a bachelor's degree in law and a master's degree (LLM or MA) in a specialist area of law. A PhD is desirable.
The hiring process for law teachers in the UK can vary between institutions. Generally, it involves submitting an application, which includes a CV and cover letter, and then an interview.
Law teachers in the UK are responsible for planning and preparing lessons, delivering lectures, marking student assessments, and providing feedback. They may also need to supervise and assess student work on clinical cases and teach legal research and writing skills.
The average salary for a law teacher in the UK is £39,232, although this can vary depending on the position and experience. Part-time law lecturer positions can pay between £23 and £35 per hour.
