Becoming A Law Teacher: A-Level Uk Requirements

If you're interested in teaching A-level law in the UK, you'll need to be aware of the following. A-level teachers are a type of further education (FE) teacher, teaching students over the age of 16 in colleges and sixth forms. The minimum education requirement is a bachelor's degree in the chosen subject area. However, it is possible to secure a job as an A-level law teacher without a degree, as long as you have relevant work experience. It is also possible to become an A-level teacher without a teaching qualification, although having one will increase your chances of finding a job. If you want to gain a teaching qualification, you could consider a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or a Level 3, 4 or 5 qualification in Education and Training.

Qualifications

To become an A-Level Law teacher in the UK, you will need to meet certain qualifications and requirements. Here is a detailed overview of the qualifications you will need to teach Law at the A-Level:

Choose Your Subject Area:

Firstly, you need to decide on the subject you want to teach. For teaching Law at A-Level, you should have a strong background in Law and choose it as your specialist subject. This means having a degree in Law and a passion for the subject.

Complete a Bachelor's Degree:

To teach Law at A-Level, you will need at least a bachelor's degree in Law. This is the minimum educational requirement. Entry requirements for such degrees usually include two or three A-Levels in relevant subjects with grades between A* and C.

Obtain a Teaching Qualification:

While it is possible to become an A-Level Law teacher without a specific teaching qualification, having one will enhance your employability. Here are some relevant teaching qualifications to consider:

• Level 3 Award in Education and Training: This introductory course provides fundamental knowledge for teaching and does not include a placement component.
• Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training: This course requires a minimum of 30 hours of teaching practice to develop practical teaching skills.
• Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training: This is the full, recognised teaching qualification for the sector. It requires a minimum of 100 hours of teaching practice, and you can choose specialist pathways in literacy, ESOL, mathematics, or special educational needs (SEN).

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE):

The most common route for graduates is to obtain a PGCE, which incorporates the requirements of the Level 5 Diploma and offers additional higher-level units. A PGCE in post-compulsory education will provide you with practical classroom experience and usually takes one year to complete on a full-time basis.

Initial Teacher Training:

Those applying for FE Law teaching jobs will need to complete some form of initial teacher training. Within the first five years of taking on an FE Law teaching role, you will be required to obtain a teaching qualification, such as a certificate in teaching the lifelong sector, a PGCE/Cert Ed in FE, or a diploma in teaching in the lifelong sector.

Continuous Professional Development:

All FE teachers, including Law teachers, are required to join the Institute for Learning and commit to continuous professional development (CPD). This ensures that teachers keep their skills and knowledge up to date. One such achievement is obtaining Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status, which is equivalent to qualified teacher status (QTS) for primary and secondary school teachers.

Experience

Gaining experience is an important step in becoming an A-Level Law teacher in the UK. Here are some ways you can build your experience:

• Contact local schools and colleges: Reach out to the relevant head of department at your local educational institutions and enquire about potential work experience opportunities. This could involve volunteer teaching or work shadowing, allowing you to gain first-hand experience in the classroom.
• Work with youth organisations: Get involved with local youth clubs, charities, volunteer organisations, or sports clubs targeted at young people. These experiences will help you develop valuable skills in working with young adults, which is an essential aspect of being an A-Level teacher.
• University placements and internships: Some universities offer school placement modules or internships as part of their courses. Contact the careers department of your university to explore these opportunities.
• Teaching assistant roles: Consider applying for teaching assistant positions, where you can support teachers and gain valuable experience in the education sector.
• Tutoring: Offer private tutoring services to students studying Law or related subjects. This will allow you to develop your teaching skills and understanding of the subject matter.
• Online platforms: Platforms like Forage provide valuable work experience and certifications that are recognised by many law firms and educational institutions.
• Pro bono work: Undertake voluntary legal work, such as providing advice and representation to people who cannot afford legal services. This will not only give you legal experience but also demonstrate your commitment to the profession.
• Court marshalling: Spend a few days sitting with a judge to observe legal proceedings and gain insights into the judicial system.
• Law societies and debating clubs: Get involved with law societies or debating clubs at universities or in your community. These provide opportunities to develop your legal knowledge, public speaking skills, and network with like-minded individuals.

Remember, the key to gaining relevant experience is to actively seek out opportunities that will enhance your skills and demonstrate your passion for teaching and Law. These experiences will not only make your CV stand out but also prepare you for the challenges and rewards of being an A-Level Law teacher.

Job search

When looking for A-Level Law teaching jobs, you can search for positions in your local area using online job boards such as LinkedIn and Indeed. Consider expanding your search area to include commutable locations if there are limited opportunities in your immediate vicinity.

When applying for jobs, ensure your CV and cover letter are tailored to each role, highlighting the skills and competencies outlined in the job description. Proofread your application for any grammatical, spelling, or formatting errors before submitting. You can also send speculative applications to educational institutions in your area.

Some specific job titles to look out for include:

• A-Level Law Lecturer
• Lecturer in Law
• Lecturer in Business and Law
• Lecturer in Business Law
• Lecturer in Company Law (Teaching and Research)
• Lecturer in Medical Law and Ethics
• Lecturer in Law in the Globalised Muslim World
• Lecturer in Competition Law
• Lecturer in Criminology and Law

Lesson planning

Know the Curriculum and Learning Objectives:

Start by familiarising yourself with the A-level Law curriculum and the specific learning objectives outlined by the exam board. Understanding the curriculum and what students need to learn is essential for effective lesson planning. Break down the curriculum into manageable topics and identify the key concepts, skills, and knowledge that students need to acquire.

Decide on Teaching Strategies and Resources:

Choose teaching strategies and resources that align with the learning objectives. For example, you might use lectures, discussions, case studies, or group activities. Select or create resources that engage students and facilitate their understanding of complex legal concepts. This could include case studies, legal documents, or interactive activities.

Structure the Lesson:

A well-structured lesson typically includes an introduction, main activities, and a conclusion. Begin by introducing the topic and setting clear learning goals. Then, engage students in activities that promote active learning and critical thinking. This could be a combination of lectures, discussions, and practical exercises. Finally, conclude the lesson by summarising what has been covered and providing an opportunity for students to reflect on their learning.

Consider Differentiation:

Recognise that students have different learning styles and abilities. Plan to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners. This might include providing additional support for struggling students or offering extension activities for those who need more challenge.

Assess and Evaluate:

Assessment is an integral part of lesson planning. Decide on appropriate assessment methods to gauge students' understanding. This could include quizzes, essays, or class discussions. Use the assessment data to evaluate the effectiveness of your lesson and make adjustments as needed.

Be Flexible and Adaptable:

Collaborate with Colleagues:

Collaborating with fellow Law teachers or mentors can be invaluable. They can provide insights, share resources, and offer feedback on your lesson plans. Don't hesitate to seek their guidance and suggestions for improvement.

Stay Organised:

Effective lesson planning requires strong organisational skills. Develop a system for organising your lesson plans, resources, and student assessments. Stay on top of deadlines and due dates to ensure a smooth teaching experience.

By following these steps and continuously refining your lesson planning skills, you'll be well on your way to becoming an effective A-level Law teacher. Remember, lesson planning is a dynamic process that requires creativity, flexibility, and a deep understanding of your students' needs.

Professional development

Once you have completed a Level 5 or above qualification in education and training, you can further your professional development by applying to the Society for Education and Training (SET) for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status. QTLS status is the A-Level teacher equivalent to qualified teacher status (QTS) awarded to primary and secondary school teachers.

To obtain QTLS status, you must first gain membership with the SET by committing to comply with continuing professional development (CPD) requirements. This commitment will enable you to keep your skills sharp and up to date. As an FE law teacher, you will need to stay informed about changes in the law and adapt your teaching methods accordingly.

Additionally, you will need to complete some degree of initial teacher training and obtain a teaching qualification within the first five years of taking on the role. This could be a certificate in teaching the lifelong sector, a PGCE/Cert Ed in FE, or a diploma in teaching in the lifelong sector.

It is also beneficial to continuously develop your teaching skills and techniques, such as through workshops, webinars, or other professional development opportunities. This will help you stay up to date with the latest teaching methodologies and best practices in the field of education.

Furthermore, as an FE law teacher, it is important to stay connected with other professionals in your field. Joining professional organisations, attending conferences, and participating in networking events can provide valuable opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and the exchange of ideas.

Remember that professional development in teaching is an ongoing process, and by continuously refining your skills and knowledge, you will not only benefit your own career but also enhance the quality of education you provide to your students.

Frequently asked questions