Thousands of former teachers return to teaching each year and now could be a great time for you to become a teacher again and help support education recovery.

The Return to Teaching webpage (This link opens in a new window) has a wealth of helpful resources for returners. Other useful resources to explore:

• Watch our ‘guide to returning to teaching’ (This link opens in a new window) to help you take your next steps.
• Use our FAQ (This link opens in a new window) to help you decide if the time is right for you to make a difference.
• Read our inspiring blog (This link opens in a new window) on top tips for returning teachers.
• Sign up to upcoming online events (This link opens in a new window) specifically to support former teachers who are considering a return to the classroom.
• Read Jill’s inspirational journey (This link opens in a new window) to getting back to the classroom again.

What has changed since you were last in the classroom

Whilst you’ve been away from the classroom, the Department for Education has been busy working with schools to take action in a number of areas to address issues that teachers may face.

From workload reduction (This link opens in a new window), to pupil behaviour (This link opens in a new window), wellbeing (This link opens in a new window) and flexible working opportunities (This link opens in a new window), you may find that teaching feels much different from when you last taught. You can also read up on the latest Teachers’ Standards (This link opens in a new window) and review changes to the curriculum (This link opens in a new window).

Help support education recovery by engaging with the National Tutoring Programme

The pandemic has caused a period of disruption for many pupils across England. Now could be your time to help support schools to close the attainment gap and get pupils back on track by engaging with the National Tutoring Programme.

The programme provides different options to return to a school environment without taking on a full-time or part-time classroom role. If you are unsure about taking on a teaching role at this time, consider applying to tutor or mentor through the National Tutoring Programme (This link opens in a new window).

Are you eligible for support from a one-to-one adviser?

If you're considering returning to teach maths, physics or modern languages and hold Qualified Teacher Status (This link opens in a new window) , the Department for Education can offer you one-to-one support from a Return to Teaching Adviser (This link opens in a new window).

Our expert advisers will be with you every step of the way. Watch this video (This link opens in a new window) to help understand how an adviser can help you, including support with:

• the application process, such as writing a personal statement and preparing for an interview
• accessing courses to enhance your subject knowledge
• finding teaching vacancies

Contact the Get into Teaching helpline on 0800 389 2500 if you would like to speak to an adviser.

Set up job alerts through the Teaching Vacancies service

Use the Department for Education’s Teaching Vacancies (This link opens in a new window) job-listing service to search for roles in your area, filtering results by job role, education phase and working pattern. You can set up alerts, so you are the first to know about new opportunities.

Start building up benefits in your teacher pension again

Returning to teaching means that you can be re-enrolled into the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (as long as your employer is eligible) and can start to build benefits in your pension again.