A business studies teacher may work in a school, college or university to deliver classes or lectures to students on topics such as financial accounting, principles of marketing, and operations management.
Who can I work for?
You can work for schools, sixth form colleges, universities and further educations colleges.
Where and when can I work?
Positions are available across the country and you will usually be teaching between the hours of 9am-3.30pm. However, lesson planning, marking and extra-curricular work, such as private tuition, can involve early morning, evening and weekend work.
What can I earn?
The amount you get paid varies on your experience, your extra responsibilities and the location of your workplace. Newly qualified teachers in schools can earn upwards of £21,000 in their first year. Salaries for lecturers in universities range from £30,000 to £40,000.
What are the benefits?
Working hours can be long but in general they are flexible. You might also only teach during term times so can enjoy time off over the summer and in seasonal periods. Teaching also brings an enormous sense of satisfaction with it, especially when you have seen a student successfully through exams.
Are there chances of promotion?
You can take on extra responsibilities alongside teaching your subject in a school, such as becoming head of year. You can also progress into senior positions in universities, such as senior lecturer or subject leader.
What will I be responsible for?
As well as preparing and delivering lessons or lectures you will also have to evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and examinations, maintain student attendance records and initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Do I need any experience?
You will definitely need to have classroom experience, especially with students of a relevant age. This can be undertaken in schools or colleges while you are training. Most business teachers will have a degree and have specialised in the subject or have a background in business. In some cases you will need to have a PGCE qualification.
What attributes are needed?
You will need to be patient, motivational, persuasive and have a good sense of humour. You must also be a considerate communicator and be approachable and encouraging and able to work with people at all levels.