Do you think teachers should all have QTS, ie Qualified Teacher Status?

Question

I was shocked to learn that lots do not, including Head Teachers etc. ! I had thought it was essential to be able to teach in the UK!

Answer 1

Of course you should have QTS i`m very suprided that not all have. Think this should be looked into and sorted out....

Answer 2

Not all teachers have QTS as this is something of a new accreditation. Officially I do not have QTS despite teachnig for 8 years as when I qualified QTS did not exist. However, all teachers will have some form of teaching qualification (mine is actually called PPS - no idea what it stands for though!)

In reply to es owens, QTS is not about form filling etc. QTS can only be gained in a teaching employment place, NOT in a University

Answer 3

I can think of examples on "both" sides of that question.

There are some gifted individuals who have the ability and knowledge to teach others (I have witnessed a few), but they have no desire to formally "teach" students. They may pass on their knowledge to a few in their own profession, but not to masses of students. Mostly these people are mentor-types. Certainly, they would not need QTS.

On the other hand, there are some tenured teachers who are, for one reason or another, truly incompetent at teaching. They either don't understand the subject they are teaching, or do not have the ability to make students understand, or have lost the desire to teach (or any combination of those 3). These people need to get qualified.

An example of the latter:
My wife took a big step a few years ago by enrolling in a college algebra 101 course. Even though she did the course-work excellently, when she spoke with the teacher after the semester, the teacher admitted to not understanding the underlying concepts of algebra. My wife ended up solving a semester's worth of algebra problems, but not 'knowing' a thing about algebra.

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Answer 4

I don't have QTS because I'm an overseas trained teacher. I have taught for four years in a state school and over a year in an independent school. If I go back to the state sector, despite my experience, I will have to get QTS and possibly a PGCE or GTP qualification. I think this is unfair.

Answer 5

It could be that some of the older teaches have not and they may be teaching where they have not realised that they should be suitably qualified and are going only on experience. Experience does count of course, but unfortunately in this day and age, more is thought of certificates. I teach IT and have done so since computers first came in, but I had to take my degree course. Teaching has changed dramatically, its not only about knowing your subject inside out, its all about the learners now, theory and behavioural issues.
Not having the relevant qualification today is like not have your Police Disclosure form. Its essential if you want to work.

Answer 6

Yes, because they are trying to teach you. If they don't have Qualified Teacher Status and you want to become a teacher, you probably won't know what you are supposed to know.

Answer 7

A qualification doesn't prove anything - you know what you should be doing but it doesn't necessarily mean yu can put it into practice. For older teachers especially, they have bags of experience, why do they need a bit of paper to prove they can teach?

Answer 8

Previously it would have been about the national curriculum although this is currently being changed. It would still be good to have an idea of the primary framework to gain some understanding. They will ask you your reasons for wanting to teach. What you have to offer, your skills etc.

Answer 9

you dont do a lot to get QTS status anyway - it just teaches you about form filling and the law. it does not teach you how to teach in any way shape or form.

Answer 10

I thought QTS is necessary

why do you think they dont and what is the source of your information....