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Literacy

  1. I want to be an Adult Literacy teacher. What qualifications do I need?
  2. I want to train to teach ESOL or literacy but I'm worried that my own use of English is not good enough.
  3. I already have a BA in English Literature. Will I still have to do a Level 5 teaching qualification, as well as the subject specific qualification for literacy?
  4. Where can I find information about literacy teacher training courses?

1. I want to be an Adult Literacy teacher. What qualifications do I need?

You will need to work towards two qualifications (or the equivalent):

· A recognised teaching qualification such as a Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS) or a PGCE/Certifcate in Education
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· A subject-specific qualification in teaching Literacy

It is possible to achieve the generic teaching and learning standards and the subject specifications in combined programmes.  This means that you can gain your teaching qualification and subject specialism at the same time. Look out for the following courses:

- PGCE Adult Literacy
- Diploma in Teaching English (Literacy) in the Lifelong Learning Sector
- Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (English Literacy)

You can also train separately, that is, take a generic teaching qualification for the post 14 sector and the subject specific qualification for Literacy, as two separate courses.  You might do the two alongside one another, or one after the other e.g.

- Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector + Additional Diploma in Teaching English (Literacy)

For further guidance on becoming fully qualified to teach Literacy see Interested in becoming a Skills for Life teacher? Contact the talent Advice Service on: 020 7911 5372

There are various routes to full qualification offered by a wide range of exam boards and awarding bodies, among them: Open College North West, City & Guilds, Cambridge ESOL, Trinity, Edexcel and universities throughout the country.  The titles of their qualifications vary.  When applying for courses check that the qualification on offer is approved by SVUK and is the equivalent of all or part of the above two certificates.


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2. I want to train to teach ESOL or literacy but I'm worried that my own use of English is not good enough.

It may be that you could benefit from a bridging course.  Some teacher training providers offer courses in personal language skills and communications to prepare you for teacher training. You may also benefit from materials available via the Move On website, or taking the national literacy tests.

You can search for courses using the talent course database: www.talent.ac.uk/courses


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3. I already have a BA in English Literature. Will I still have to do a Level 5 teaching qualification, as well as the subject specific qualification for literacy?

Yes. The fact that you already have a degree will probably be very valuable when it comes to applying for a teacher training course, but you still need to do your teacher training.  It is possible that your degree may have covered some of the subject specifications for Adult Literacy teachers, but there will be further syllabus areas to cover, and you'll also need to meet generic teaching and learning standards and complete your teaching practice.

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4. Where can I find information about literacy teacher training courses?

If you would like to talk about your training options in further detail please call the talent helpline on: 020 7911 5372, alternatively you can search for course providers and training opportunities on the talent course database.


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