Teaching and Education

How To Become A Teacher Without A Teaching Degree

Ricky Kambray
Ricky Kambray

We know a teacher is a person who teaches. But we don’t want to know what he teaches. He holds your future in his hands and teaches you about life, happiness, and the lessons of your path. So do you want to take part in this huge responsibility? Want to be a teacher?

Great! But do you know how to become a teacher without a teaching degree? The answer depends on some routes where you will need training, experience, or credentials first. QLTS, QTS, ITA, DTE, TA, and teacher’s troops are common ways to follow.

To know more, read this blog and discover your journey to becoming a teacher without a teaching degree.

A young art teacher happily taking her classes and the students are enjoying

How to Become a Teacher Without a Teaching Degree?


We all prefer small steps to earn more. This segment will help you become a teacher without a teaching degree if you are still passionate about this. You can follow the below process to get your dream job.

  • You can focus on Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and Qualified Teacher Learning Skills (QTLS). Since 2012, QTLS has been recognised as an equivalent to QTS in the UK. To teach in England and Wales, you must have a QTS qualification.
  • To obtain QTLS, pursue an Initial Teacher Education (ITE) certificate. After that, you can register for the Professional Formation. Once you have QLTS, you can look for work at various schools by following their websites, job sites, and local communities.
  • You can apply for the DET or Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training. Also, you can join an equivalent qualification (such as CertEd or PCE). Other QTL requirements are required for the DET, such as Level 2 or Level 3 English and maths.
  • Begin your career as a teaching assistant (TA). It’s one of the most accessible routes to join as a teacher. 
  • Apply to private schools; they only sometimes require QTS. It’s a good option for you to attend a private school without a teaching degree. You will face tough competition from other qualified candidates. But if you have experience and other qualifications, you can easily cover this.
  • Look for academies that are funded by the government. They have their own strong management. However, you will face the same difficulties as in private schools.
  • Try teaching as a substitute. Inform your local school district that you want to substitute. Many will allow you as a substitute teacher with basic qualifications, such as a bachelor’s degree.
  • You can look at programs that hire recent college graduates. Inquire with your school’s career office about nontraditional teaching programs. People with expertise in mathematics, science, or computer science are in high demand. Many programs accept students with any degree. Teach for America is one example of such a programme.  
  • I have another option for you, Troops to Teachers (TTT). A service leaver group or military people consists of this post after service. For this, they don’t need any degree to start their career as a teacher.

How do I Start My Teaching Career?

It takes several years to become a teacher. An appropriate bachelor’s degree, certificate, training, state licence and experience are standard criteria to start a teaching career. 

Earn an educational degree, and move to a training and certification programme. During this time, you can start applying to different schools and colleges this time. For training, you can search in your community. You can also visit StudyPlex to select your suitable course. 

Now it’s time to apply for state licensure. Once you become a licensed teacher, it creates access to every institution.

A young teacher holding books and standing in front of a blackboard in the classroom

Which States Can You Be a Teacher in Without a Degree?

Most states in the United States offer alternative teacher certification for teacher licensure. A few states grant temporary licences to teachers in high-need areas such as special education, foreign languages, and STEM subjects. Among these states are:

  • Texas.
  • Missouri.
  • Kentucky.
  • Wisconsin.
  • Mississippi.
  • California.
  • Arizona.

In the United Kingdom, teaching is divided into two categories: primary education and secondary education. Knowing which educational stage you want to teach is essential to teacher preparation.

Primary school teachers typically cover the entire curriculum, whereas secondary school teachers specialise in one or two subjects. 

In both cases, teachers are expected to collaborate with parents, school governors, or parent councils, depending on where the school is located in the United Kingdom.

Furthermore, the primary learning stages differ in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Therefore, you need at least QLTS to apply to be a teacher.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Teaching Certificate?

Many people wonder about the time to get a teaching certificate. The certification plan develops as an aspirant is accepted as an educator preparation program.

One candidate completes the program in 1-2 years based on transcript evaluation. Actually, without an education degree, it takes almost 1 or 2 years per your qualifications. This time is applicable if you also have a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Can you Teach Without a Teaching Certificate?

Actually, the truth is you can teach without a teaching certificate. If you want to maintain your qualification, you have to focus on further progression.

Teachers’ expectations are higher than ever. All states require teachers to be licensed to teach in public school systems. A bachelor’s degree is also necessary for full-time teachers in K-12 schools nationwide. 

The requirements for getting a licence vary from state to state. So know your needs and plan to earn what degree is right for you.

A software developer as a teacher in the classroom with multiple laptops and a blackboard with codes written in the background

 

What is the Maximum Age to Become a Teacher?

Teachers must be physically fit, and health checks will be part of recruitment. There is no age limit for teacher training or entering this profession. It is best to begin your journey between 22 and 23, but there is no age limit. But you have a passion for the teaching profession.

Do You Know the Best Age to Become a Teacher?

When most people consider how teachers get into the field, they probably picture what might be referred to as the traditional route: student teaching during college, followed by a full-time teaching position starting at 22 or 23 years old.

We’ve already talked about how it’s best to start working when you’re young because it helps you gain experience.

A man is counting his monthly income

 

What is the Monthly Income of a Teacher?

It’s natural to be curious about pay. Definitely, salary is one of the parameters of choosing a career. As per Glassdoor, with an average wage of £36,853, a teacher’s total yearly earnings are estimated to be £38,554 in the London, United Kingdom area.

The pay range is from £26K to £59K; the approximate annual pay increase is £1,701, including bonuses and compensation.

What Are the Standard Requirements to Become a Teacher?

Every route has a standard format. To become a teacher, you also have a common path to follow. But are you familiar with them?

Please have a look and learn more and be a prospective teacher.

  • Get your master’s or bachelor’s degree in education/teaching.
  • Complete a teacher preparation program approved by your district or state.
  • Pass the required exams in the school district and/or condition (such as the Praxis).
  • Apply for a state teaching licence.
  • Earn certificate and training programme.
  • Enter an alternative certification program.
  • Get some experience in related positions.

Which Job is Similar to Teaching?

There are several jobs are similar to teaching, for example-

  • Career guidance counsellor. 
  • School administrator
  • Librarian 
  • Private Tutor
  • Corporate trainer 
  • Adult literacy teacher. 
  • Parenting coach/educator. 
  • Writer.

Conclusion

Hope you are now well aware of how to become a teacher without a teaching degree. It’s a process of your patience. So, it’s better to follow the standard requirements to maintain the whole criteria of this field.

Though you have many alternative pathways, remember shortcuts are not a way to success. Don’t worry, and enjoy the complete freedom of a career.

A certificate can enrich your knowledge, but your practical knowledge and experience make you the perfect one.

FAQ

How to Become a Teacher Without an Education Degree?

You cannot become a Teacher without any type of undergraduate degree.

Can you teach without a teaching certificate?

You can teach without a teaching certificate.

Is 40 too old to become a teacher?

No, you can begin your journey at the age of 40.

Do you require a teaching degree to teach?

No, a teaching degree is not required for teaching.

What degree do you entail to become a teacher?

Most public schools need a bachelor’s degree for teachers. However, you have a bachelor’s degree, specifically in early childhood education. In that case, you can quickly join preschool or elementary school.

How to use your current degree to become an educator?

It’s time to apply and not worry so much.

How can I become a teacher if I have a master’s degree?

You should look for a job at various sites, institutions, or localities. You also obtain a certificate and prepare for the teacher licensing exam. This is because some states require exams for teachers.

Like This Article?

Share it on social.

Ricky Kambray

Hey this is Ricky Kambray an award-winning first-aid trainer with over 20 years of healthcare and teaching expertise. Highly certified general nurse regularly appears in the press discussing accident prevention and first aid advice.