Job Discussion Forums

[tomwaits]

Hi,

I have a PGCE which I took some 15 years ago but it was for Further Education Colleges and in Business Studies. I ended up doing private sector training for several years before a longish period in Banking. Whilst I am taking my CELTA early next year I would like to know if the PGCE provides me with any kind of additional advantage and if so in what kind of setting? (I also have a BA and an MA in philosophy).

Many thanks in advance.

[HLJHLJ]

Outside of the UK (and in many cases inside the UK) you will be hard pressed to find anyone who is even aware of the differences between FE PGCE and a regular PGCE. On your CV just clearly state that you are a certified teacher in the UK (which you are).

Have you got at least 2 years experience in a college/school/anything you can present as an educational institution? If so, you are a certified teacher with 2 years (or more) of experience.

You might also want to specify that you are certified to teach adults, as you could end up in a pickle if they assume you are certified to teach kids. I'm guessing you don't have QTLS, I don't think it was around 15 years ago, and you probably won't have QTS either, so just don't mention it, and stick to the word certified rather than qualified to be on the safe side. Although it might be worth checking to see whether you can convert or apply for QTLS. I've no idea if it's possible, but if it is, the extra letters might be useful one day.

Don't go into it beyond that unless you are specifically asked, and even then only to the extent that you are confident the person asking understands what they are asking about. Otherwise just keep it simple.

In Ecuador it would make you more marketable to Universities and international schools (with the older kids). That would probably translate into more work, but not necessarily more money.

[tomwaits]

Hi,
Thanks so much for the reponse. In terms of teaching experience I worked as a trainer for a private training company for 4 years running management courses and worked as a trainer in the business development unit of an fe college for a year, Would either or both of these count towards teaching experience? I was going to put 5 years teaching/training experience but would welcome others thoughts on this approach.

[HLJHLJ]

Employers, if they know what they are asking, won't count that as they will want something equivalent to NQTS. However, most won't have the faintest idea how teacher training works in the UK and will just want to see the qualification and some sort of experience. Describing it as teaching/training experience doesn't sound like you would be stretching the truth particularly.

[tomwaits]

thanks again, appreciated.