Pathway to Becoming a BSL Teacher

Join as an Associate Member

Start by joining our associate membership, which is perfect for aspiring teachers, students, or individuals with non-teaching qualifications from Level 3 or above. This membership will help you develop your interest in the teaching profession and provide valuable resources for your growth.

Achieve High Proficiency in BSL

To become a BSL teacher, you need to be a native deaf BSL user who uses BSL every day. Progress through the BSL levels up to Level 6, which will enhance your understanding of BSL grammar and linguistic features. This foundational knowledge is crucial for teaching BSL effectively.

Understand the Importance of Teaching Skills

Teaching BSL is not the same as using BSL in everyday life. Teaching involves structuring lessons and building a solid learning foundation for students. Like any other subject, such as science, teaching requires specific skills and knowledge to ensure that students learn correctly and safely.

Pursue Initial Teaching Qualifications

Begin with Level 3 teaching qualifications, such as:

Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET)

Once you have your Level 3 AET qualification, you can upgrade your associate membership to a full membership. Get in touch with [email protected] for upgrading your membership status.

Alternatively, you can join the Sign Language Teacher Training Course (STTC) provided by CityLit or other BSL course providers.

Pathways for Younger Individuals

For younger individuals (ages 16-21), it is advisable to start with Level 1 and 2 in childhood studies, social care, or health. Then, progress to Level 3 or T-Levels in teaching qualifications. This foundational study will help you understand brain and emotional development, which is crucial for building your knowledge and skills to higher levels.

Advance to Higher Qualifications

Pursue further teaching qualifications such as:

• Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET)
• Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET)

Achieve a Postgraduate Qualification

Progress to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

Note that with a PGCE or below, you will be recognised as an unqualified teacher on the pay scale in England and Wales.

Important Note

To progress to qualifications such as QTLS and QTS, you will need Maths and English qualifications from GCSE grade 4 or above (grade C or above for old GCSEs or equivalent to Level 2).

Ensure you meet these requirements before pursuing further qualifications. For more information, visit the Society for Education and Training (SET) or the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA):

Advance to Higher Qualifications

To be recognised as a fully qualified teacher, you need to obtain Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status. This qualification will place you on the qualified teacher pay scale in England and Wales.

Alternatively, Achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

If you work with younger children and teenagers in school settings, you can achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which is an important qualification for teaching in schools.

Register as a Teacher

In Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, teachers must register with their respective regulatory bodies. While registration is not mandatory in England, it is beneficial. You can voluntarily register with professional organisations such as:

Society for Education and Training (SET) (ideal for those teaching ages 14 to adult, lifelong learning)

Chartered College of Teaching (suitable for primary and secondary settings)

Mentoring and Assessing

If you are an experienced BSL teacher, you can mentor trainees and new BSL teachers and assessors. Becoming an assessor in BSL involves marking BSL exams and ensuring the quality and assurance of BSL skills.

Leadership and Management

Advance to leadership roles such as:

ILM Level 5 or other leadership roles in educational settings, such as Head of BSL Department or Deputy roles.

Further your education with Master’s or Doctorate levels in Language, Linguistics, or Education. Focus on research related to sign language that impacts or innovates approaches to Deaf BSL teachers or learners.

Join the ABSLTA Committee

Contribute your skills and experiences by joining the ABSLTA committee. Your involvement can help shape the future of BSL teaching and support the community nationally.