International Teaching Placements in the United Kingdom

UK flag

Note: Teaching placements in London, coordinated through Responsible Reliable Recruitment (RRR), were offered from 2017-2019. This page provides information about the partnership with RRR, and student experiences during those years. Click here to view current International Teaching Placement Opportunities.

 **********************

For more information about the teaching placements coordinated through RRR from 2017-2019, please see the following resources:

Partnership between Lakehead University and Responsible Reliable Recruitment (RRR)

From 2016-2019, Lakehead University and Responsible Reliable Recruitment (RRR) held a partnership that enabled Lakehead University BEd students to complete a placement at a UK-based school (subject to availability and the selection process). A pilot program took place in May 2017, with two graduates completing a volunteer teaching placement at schools in Dagenham, a suburb of East London, England. In 2018 and 2019, select BEd students completed placements in England.

About Responsible Reliable Recruitment (RRR)

Responsible Reliable Recruitment (RRR) is a UK-based recruitment company that places international teachers in positions in schools in the United Kingdom. With over 40 years' experience in teaching, RRR staff supports teachers in the process of finding appropriate teaching positions, completing necessary documentation, and finding accommodations in the UK.

Teaching Placement in a UK School: Overview

Teacher candidates who completed a teaching placement at a UK school were paired with an Associate Teacher. Efforts were made to match teacher candidates with assignments within their division (P/J or I/S) and teachables (as applicable) and in accordance with their future employment intentions in the UK. The UK-based Associate Teachers were qualified teachers, recommended by their headteacher in recognition of their abilities.

Teacher candidates' responsibilities during the placement included observing classes, teaching up to five or six classes per day (to a maximum of 5 hours), lesson and unit planning, assessment for/as/of learning, supervisions of examinations, and participating in/supervising extracurricular activities as appropriate. Teacher candidates were responsible for familiarizing themselves with the UK school culture and educational culture, complying with its regulations, maintaining standards of professionalism throughout the placement, and acting as a positive ambassador for Lakehead University while in the UK.

Benefits of Completing a Teaching Placement in the UK

Travelling to the UK to complete a teaching placement offered a unique opportunity. Some of the benefits of this experience included:

  • Professional development: hone your teaching skills and gain experience in a new educational context
  • Cultural experience and growth: gain an understanding and appreciation for the British educational system, and how it differs from the Canadian system 
  • Potential employment opportunity: teaching placements in the UK could lead to the possibility of future work at the school in which you complete a placement (or another educational facility in the UK). 
  • An experience of a lifetime!

Is this Opportunity Right for You?

Teaching in the UK offered an incredible opportunity for professional and personal growth, but was also a challenging experience that pushed teacher candidates out of their "comfort zone." Although teacher candidates were working in a country where English is spoken as the first language, they still experienced culture shock and vast differences in the educational culture (e.g., learning styles, teaching styles, classroom management, and curriculum) and the general culture (e.g., living conditions, customs, cuisine, transportation and environment). Therefore, teacher candidates who applied to complete a teaching placement in the United Kingdom needed to possess the following qualities:

  • Maturity, professionalism, and diplomacy
  • Flexibility: an openness to new and unfamiliar experiences
  • Self-sufficiency
  • An ability to develop effective professional relationships quickly
  • A willingness to be challenged
  • An ability to work well under pressure
  • Perseverance
  • Curiosity
  • A non-judgmental attitude
  • Empathy and warmth
  • Realistic expectations
  • A sense of humour

Applying for a Teaching Placement in the UK: Requirements and Application Process

Individuals who applied for a teaching placement in the UK met the following criteria:

  • The successful completion of all previous teaching placements
  • The successful completion of all BEd courses to date
  • Be in good health: individuals applying for this opportunity should have no major health concerns  

The following courses and certifications are highly recommended for individuals applying for this opportunity. Preference may be given to students who are registered in, or who have completed any of the following:

  • EDUC 3239: Teaching Internationally (elective course)

To apply for the opportunity to complete a teaching placement in the United Kingdom, applicants completed an application form and submitted it, along with their resume, to the International Initiatives Coordinator by the set date listed on the application. Eligible individuals were contacted by the International Initiatives Coordinator for a structured interview in person, by telephone, or via Skype.

Trip Preparation for Selected Applicants

Applicants who were selected to complete a teaching placement in the United Kingdom were guided by the International Initiatives Coordinator through the process of preparing for their trip and assignment at a UK school. This included:

  • Obtaining necessary documents to travel to the UK (e.g. customs support documentation, British Police Records Check) 
  • Obtaining health insurance and necessary immunizations for travelling to the UK
  • Developing a budget
  • Booking plane tickets and arranging other transportation in the UK
  • Arranging accommodations in the UK while on placement
  • Gaining familiarity with British culture, educational culture, school organization and curriculum
  • Preparing for the experience of travelling, living, and teaching in the UK

A significant portion of the preparation took place via preparatory meetings and workshops held in the months leading up the trip. Attendance and participation in the preparatory meetings and workshops was mandatory.

Costs

Applicants who were selected to complete a teaching placement in the United Kingdom were responsible for the costs associated with the trip, including airfare; accommodations; obtaining travel and customs documents, health insurance, and necessary immunizations; food and tourism expenses. A detailed budget was provided.