Qualities & Characteristics
At Ark Teacher Training, we understand that academic qualifications, while important, are not the only thing that makes a fantastic teacher. The qualities and characteristics we look for in candidates allow us to determine whether or not the programme could be a good fit for you, and are designed to give you every opportunity to shine during the application process.
1. Alignment with Our Ethos & Values
Our trainees and teachers play a huge part in furthering our shared mission of improving children’s lives through outstanding education, regardless of their background or circumstances.
It’s therefore important to us and our pupils that this mission aligns with your values, and that equality and equal opportunity for all is as fundamental to you as it is to Ark Teacher Training.
You can find out more about our mission here.
2. Passionate About Their Subject or Field
While we look for candidates who have a great understanding and knowledge of their subjects, it’s equally important that these expertise are paired with an unwavering enthusiasm.
The passion you have for your field is infectious, and one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to instil excitement in your students.
Learn more about the subjects we offer here.
3. Excellent Communication
Being a teacher is so much more than ensuring your students have strong written and verbal communication skills. Communication style and proficiency can be the difference between a class that listens and understands and a class that doesn’t!
During the application process, we’ll be looking at how you try to engage us as a willing adult audience, as it will give us insight into how you might manage and maintain an entire class’s engagement!
4. Curiosity & an Eagerness to Learn
Feedback and development are key focuses of the programme. We encourage trainees to reflect on and look critically at their teaching daily to identify areas for development (as well as their strengths!) and accept and absorb feedback from their coach.
These practices, combined with a natural curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, ensure that your improvement, however small, is ongoing: every day, you’re a step closer to becoming a fantastic, well-rounded teacher for your students.
5. Self-Awareness
Excellent teaching comes from more than just subject knowledge and expertise. The best teachers are hungry to continue learning themselves, and not just about teaching techniques and the curriculum: they want to understand how these fit into the local and broader education contexts.
6. Resilience
Teaching is hard! And while helpful and constructive, not all the feedback you receive as a trainee will be positive. It can be incredibly frustrating if you don’t see yourself improving as quickly as you would like. The workload is intense, and your students may face challenging circumstances that manifest in the classroom.
You’ll need emotional strength to manage this daily, and to always look for the silver lining and remain optimistic in the face of setbacks, because we promise you – this challenge is so worth it! You can learn about our approach to trainee wellbeing and support here.
FAQs
I want to apply! What are my subject options?
You’ll be able to teach a subject that you have an A-Level in (grade B or above) or a related degree (2:2 or above). In place of qualifications, we will also consider applicants with relevant work experience in their chosen subject.
Where is the Ark Teacher Training programme located?
Ark Teacher Training is a School Based programme, which means your teacher training year will take place in one of our schools.
We have 38 schools across four locations in the UK: London, Hastings, Portsmouth and Birmingham. We also partner with schools outside of the Ark network and these four areas, which you can learn about here. Once you’ve been accepted into the programme, we’ll be able to help you select a school that will be a perfect fit!
What is Ark Teacher Training's position on diversity and inclusion?
It’s incredibly important to us that our pupils are able to see themselves in their teachers and have their world-view shaped by a number of sources. We actively encourage people from a broad range of backgrounds, particularly those that are underrepresented in teaching, to apply. Therefore, we’re committed to providing equality and fairness for all in our recruitment and employment practices. Find out more here.
How do I apply to Ark Teacher Training?
If you would like to apply to Ark Teacher Training, you can start the process by filling out our online application. You can also learn about the application process here, so you know what to expect.