Frequently Asked Questions

As a teacher, or a teacher to be, from the black and minority ethnic community, you may have specific questions relating to your needs and wants.
Listed below are some questions with possible answers which you might find helpful. However, if you have any more specific questions please click here and forward your question to us.

Questions have been composed under the following three categories:

General

Q. I want to become a teacher - how or where will I find information about this ?
A. You can do the following to seek information:
start by asking the careers staff at your school;
log on to the Teacher Training Agency web site at www.canteach.gov.uk or
Teacherworld.org.uk - these sites will give you a wealth of information about joining the teaching profession;
contact universities and colleges who offer courses in teacher training and ask for a prospectus (click here for list of universities/colleges that offer teacher training courses).

Q. Who are the providers? Can I contact them directly?
A. Click here for a list of providers. Yes you can contact then directly by writing to them or by phone or e-mail.

Q. Are there any taster courses?
A. Yes, many providers and local authorities run short courses through which you can gain a better understanding about the teaching profession. You must find out if such a course is running in your area.

Q. Can I do teaching practice in a school of my choice?
A. You can discuss this with your tutor. It is usually possible to do this provided it is not too far out of the region and the school is willing to partner with the institution. However, sometimes other issues need to be considered too so discussion with both parties is vital.

Q. Will I have a mentor?
A. Many institutions offer mentor support and there are some that offer mentor support specifically for black and ethnic minority students. Make sure you take advantage of these services.

Q. What will be my starting salary?
A. This can vary. Visit the National Union of Teachers (NUT) web site for up-to-date information on salaries.

Q. I am a newly qualified teacher - I need help but I am afraid to ask for help within the school. What can I do?
A. You can do the following:
ring teacher line on 0845 6000991;
log on to Teacherworld.org.uk and use Post a question service to seek advice;
get in touch with your training institution and speak to one of previous tutors.

Q. I have several qualifications from abroad, will these be recognised in this country?
A. Log on to the NARIC web site for information regarding overseas qualifications.

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Academic
Q. Is there assistance with study support?
A. This varies and depends on the level of the course offered. You can discuss this with your assigned personal tutor who will give you specific advice to help you with your needs.

Q. Are there any tests?
A. Yes, in order to qualify as a teacher you must pass the Literacy, Numeracy and ICT tests.

Q. Are there any exams?
A. You must pass all the assignments set in the course modules and also pass your teaching practice. (remember that institutions vary and some may include tests/exams in some areas, so do ask).

Q. What if I don't like the course?
A. You can discuss this with your personal tutor. There is usually a solution - don't go around worrying about your problems - you must contact your personal tutor !

Q. I feel undermined by some tutors and experience low expectations from others, what can I do about this?
A. Always give your best and participate fully, however, if you do experience this let your personal tutor know about this. Get on to teacherworld.org.uk and have a chat with someone about this problem or seek help from the equal opportunities co-ordinator within your institution. You could also seek help from the student union representative.

Q. Will the knowledge I have about my culture / language be recognised?
A. You will have to seek opportunities to make sure that this happens. This could be done through course content or through other activities outside the course.

Q.How can I get information or ideas on good practice with EAL pupils?
A. Have a chat about this with your tutor. You could ask to visit schools in the area that that have pupils with EAL. This initial start will lead you on to other resources available for EAL pupils.

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Student Welfare
Q. What about my dietary needs, will the institution cater for such needs?
A. Yes, all institution now have a range of menus on offer and there is usually something suitable for you. Some institutions also cater for specific diatery needs e.g. halal meat. Vegetarian options are available too.

Q. What if I find that I don't fit in with the course group and I need to be with someone from my own background?
A. Many universities have groups or societies formed by students that belong to a particular racial / cultural background. Try and find out about these. However, if this is a real problem you could seek transfer to another institution where you might feel more comfortable.

Q. What if I get depressed?
A. There is usually a counselling service offered by student services - find out about these services through your course leader or personal tutor.

Q. Does the institution provide facilities for prayers?
A. A growing number of institutions now provide this facility - ask your course leader.

Q. Can my parents come and visit the institution?
A. Yes, of course they can. You can give them a guided tour - meet with tutors - take them for a meal in the canteen !

Q. can I ask for leave during festivals?
A. This can usually be arranged. It is a good idea to let your tutor and course leader know this in advance particularly if it impacts upon any assignments that have to be handed in, so be proactive.

Q. I am confronted with unwitting remarks from tutors and colleagues - how do you cope with this?
A. You must contact staff dealing with equal opportunities and discuss this with them. This is very important as such behaviour is unacceptable.

Q. I would like to join certain societies - what opportunities are there?
A. You can raise this with student services or look out for details about these on notice boards. Seek advice from your personal tutor and check this out on the University/college web site.

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