Job Discussion Forums

[Trojan Horse]

Anyone done it?!

[grahamb]

I've never done it, and doubted very much that it was possible, so I did a quick search on Google using the keywords "PGCE Distance Learning." Lo and behold, it can be done.
Given that nowadays every man, woman and their dog has CELTA / Trinity RSA or whatever, having a PGCE would help you stand out from the crowd.

[naturegirl321]

And a MA would make you stand out even more!

[grahamb]

Ah, but a PGCE's a specific teaching qualification.

[naturegirl321]

[Trojan Horse]

Hi, I have a PhD but the PGCE (post graduate certificate in education) is the teaching certificate you need to acquire recognised teaching status in the UK (for teaching schoolchildren in primary or secondary schools). Are you from Australia? It would be the equivalent of attending teacher training college there after studying for your first degree in order to be able to teach within the state school system

[grahamb]

Naturegirl, a Master's degree is simply a step up from a first (Bachelor's) degree. In the UK you can take your degree, Master's or whatever, but as Trojan Horse says, no PGCE, no teaching job. The other route is the BEd, which is a specific teaching degree.

[naturegirl321]

sIGH. Guess I will have to do both. Oh well, more qualifications. I'll be applying for my MA in Aug, but might have to get the PGCE first.

[naturegirl321]

Trojan Horse,
What university are you going to go through?

[Sherri]

I am not convinced you can do a PCGE by distance. You have to be in the UK for your practice teaching. I did a search too but did not come up with anything to change my mind. The only reputable place I could see was the Open University, but you would need to be a UK resident to apply and take part in the practicum.

[grahamb]

Yes, TP seems to be the stumbling block. Best to approach such course providers and get the terms and conditions.
I know a couple of guys who did their teaching certificates in the Netherlands. Can anyone shed any light on teacher training there?

[richard ame]

Hi
I see this topic on the board a lot and wonder just what is in it for me? Apart from having a few letters after your name what else does it offer and at the end of the day does it suddenly make you a BETTER purveyor of your craft?
Those that I have come across in the past with these extra qualies are no better at classroom management ,teaching academic writing ,putting tests /exams together,or any one of another dozen multiskills the average experienced non mastered/non pg whatsit teacher has to deal with on a daily basis .
The employers seem to think otherwise ,of course,and pay them extra every month in the blind belief they are getting an extra special person on the team ,somebody somewhere is been fed the brown stuff in large doses. I have no desire to return to the land of my birth to teach , thus, I see no need for this much sought after item ,but , am I really missing something here or are we just caught up in a fashionable paper chase?

[Sherri]

Unless you want to teach in the British school system there are not many reasons to do a PCGE. It may help land a job in one of the international schools, but it is a course designed for people who want to teach kids within a set curriculum. If that is what you want to do, you have to take the course, or you will not be hired. If you prefer teaching adults (as I do) then there is no point getting certified in this area.

[grahamb]

Judging by the job ads I've seen in the Times Ed, I'd say the PGCE is a handy qualification to have. Yes, it's geared towards teaching children, but its utility is by no means restricted to the UK state system.

[Afra]

I have a PGCE in teaching EFL at HE/FE level. It is, without doubt, my most useful and practical qualification, however, no one in the Gulf is interested. I did it whilst working in the UK as there is a practicum.