TESOL UKUK Teacher Competency Framework

The UK National Competency Framework for the “Teacher” role is integrated into the TESOL UK Bachelor’s programme, enabling students to obtain the Level 6 Diploma (equivalent to a UK public university Bachelor’s degree) in Education.
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Level 6 Teacher Competency Framework (Bachelor’s level in Education)

National Competency Code: ST0490 – Integrated into the Bachelor of Education in TESOL
COMPETENCY LEVEL
LEVEL 6 RQF
ANNUAL SALARY
£42,781
LARS Code
402
  • Ability to teach children and young people aged 3 to 19.
  • Capacity to manage and lead both public and private educational institutions.
  • Competence and eligibility to transition between teaching subjects and management areas, not limited to TESOL alone.

KSBs (Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours) of the 13 job groups accessible under the “Teacher” role according to the UK National Occupational Standards (NOS).

20
KNOWLEDGE
22
SKILLS
06
BEHAVIORS
"Educating the next generation to achieve the highest standards."
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TESOL UK

The Competency Framework for “Teacher” is
integrated into the TESOL Bachelor’s programme.
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Career Summary

Teaching is a profession present in a variety of settings, from public schools, specialist schools, and faith-based schools to private institutions, catering to students aged 3 to 19.

The primary responsibilities of teachers include designing and delivering high-quality curricula, supporting student progress, and achieving positive outcomes. Teachers set high expectations, inspire learners, and manage classrooms to maintain a safe learning environment. They use assessment and evaluation to adjust their teaching methods to meet the needs of individual students. Teachers also require strong subject knowledge and a commitment to continuous professional development.

A teacher’s daily work goes beyond classroom teaching. They also collaborate with students, parents, colleagues, school leadership, and support specialists such as those responsible for students with disabilities or school safety. Teachers must adhere to professional standards, maintain ethical conduct, and are responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of their students.

In the UK, to teach in state schools, teachers must hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which is also the standard recommended in most schools.

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Detailed competency framework

The following standards define the minimum levels of practice that trainees and teachers must meet to be awarded Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). All trainee teachers are also assessed against these standards. For the full details of the standards teachers are required to meet, please refer to the Teachers’ Standards (1); these regulations are legally binding (under section 6(8)(a) of the Statutory Framework for the Assessment of School Teachers in England 2012) and are issued by law.
Duties

Task 1: Plan and teach assigned classes in accordance with the school’s plans, curriculum, and lesson schemes.

Task 2: Assess, monitor, record, and report on the learning needs, progress, and achievements of assigned students.

Task 3: Participate in arranging and preparing students for external examinations.

Task 4: Contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of school policies, regulations, and procedures in support of shared values and vision.

Task 5: Collaborate with others in developing programmes and supporting students to achieve consistent outcomes.

Task 6: Ensure the safety and well-being of students.

Task 7: Maintain student discipline and order.

Task 8: Guide and supervise assigned support staff and, where appropriate, other teachers.

Task 9: Use and manage allocated resources effectively.

Task 10: Participate in reviewing and evaluating the effectiveness of one’s own work, and where appropriate, that of other teachers or support staff.

Task 11: Engage in professional development and training for oneself, and where necessary, support the training of other teachers or support staff, including induction periods.

Task 12: Communicate with students, parents, and guardians.

Task 13: Collaborate and work with colleagues and relevant professionals within and outside the school.

(Knowledge & Skills
1. Set high expectations and inspire students
  • Inspire, motivate, and challenge students.
  • Create a safe, supportive learning environment based on mutual respect.
  • Set appropriate but challenging goals for students of all abilities and backgrounds.
  • Consistently demonstrate positive attitudes, values, and behaviours as a role model.
2. Promote progress and learning outcomes
  • Take responsibility for students’ achievements, progress, and learning outcomes.
  • Understand students’ abilities and prior knowledge to plan suitable lessons.
  • Guide students to self-assess their progress and learning needs.
  • Understand how students learn to adjust teaching methods accordingly.
  • Encourage students to adopt a serious and responsible attitude towards learning.
3. Demonstrate strong subject knowledge and curriculum understanding
  • Possess solid knowledge of the subject and curriculum; know how to engage students and address misconceptions.
  • Keep up to date with developments in the field and promote academic curiosity.
  • Focus on developing language, communication, and correct use of English.
  • Understand content and appropriate teaching methods for each subject and age group.
4. Plan and organise lessons effectively
  • Deliver knowledge and develop understanding through effective use of lesson time.
  • Foster a love of learning and students’ curiosity.
  • Assign homework and extracurricular activities to reinforce and extend learning.
  • Regularly self-evaluate lesson effectiveness and teaching methods.
  • Contribute to the development of engaging, subject-appropriate curricula.
5. Adapt teaching methods to individual students
  • Differentiating content and methods to ensure all students can learn effectively.
  • Understand potential barriers to learning and strategies to overcome them.
  • Be aware of physical, social, and cognitive development to tailor teaching appropriately.
  • Meet the needs of all students, including those with disabilities, high achievers, and English language learners.
6. Use assessment accurately and constructively
  • Understand and follow the assessment requirements of the curriculum and subject.
  • Apply regular and summative assessments to ensure progress.
  • Use assessment data to track progress, set goals, and adjust teaching.
  • Provide regular feedback to students and encourage their feedback in return.
7. Manage behaviour to ensure a positive and safe learning environment
  • Establish clear rules and promote courteous behaviour in and out of class.
  • Apply rewards, sanctions, and interventions fairly and consistently.
  • Manage classrooms effectively to encourage participation and learning motivation.
  • Maintain positive relationships, exercise authority appropriately, and act decisively when needed.
8. Fulfil wider professional responsibilities
  • Contribute to the school’s culture and shared values.
  • Build effective professional relationships and seek guidance and support when necessary.
  • Use support staff efficiently.
  • Improve teaching through training and feedback.
  • Communicate effectively with parents about students’ academic and personal development.
Behaviours

Teachers are expected to consistently demonstrate high standards of personal and professional conduct. The following regulations define the behaviours and attitudes required throughout a teacher’s career.

Teachers uphold public trust in the profession and maintain high ethical and behavioural standards, both inside and outside school, by:

  • Treating students with respect, building relationships based on trust, and maintaining professional boundaries.
  • Ensuring the safety and well-being of students in accordance with legal requirements.
  • Demonstrating tolerance and respect for the rights of others.
  • Not acting contrary to the core values of the United Kingdom, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and acceptance of differences in faith and belief.
  • Not allowing personal beliefs to negatively affect students, exploit their vulnerability, or lead them to break the law.

Teachers must respect and comply with the values, policies, and regulations of the school where they work, while maintaining professional conduct, including punctuality and regular attendance.

Teachers need to understand and consistently act within the legal framework that defines their professional duties and responsibilities.

Extended Pedagogical Skills Portal (Supplemented by TESOL UK)
Extended Lesson Planning Portal (Supplemented by TESOL UK)
Extended Training Assessment and Reflection Portal (Supplemented by TESOL UK)
Extended Classroom Motivation and Interaction Management Portal (Supplemented by TESOL UK)
Extended Curriculum Design Portal (Supplemented by TESOL UK)
Extended Educational Technology Enhancement Portal (Supplemented by TESOL UK)
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Integrated Competency FrameworkBachelor of Arts in TESOL

The Bachelor of Arts in TESOL Top-up or Second Degree programme fully integrates the national competency framework for the role of “Teacher,” enabling learners to achieve the Level 6 Diploma in Teaching and Learning, officially recognised as equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s degree.

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