Many passionate educators step away to care for family, pursue other interests, or for personal reasons, and later decide they want to step back into the classroom to make a difference again. However, the thought of returning can feel daunting - curriculums may have changed, behaviour management trends evolve, and confidence can dip after years away.
The good news is, returning to teaching does not have to be overwhelming. With the right support from Reed, our free training, and a flexible approach, you can ease back into teaching with confidence, building up your skills and re-finding your passion while working around your current lifestyle and commitments.
You don't always need formal training
The first thing to know is that if you have been out of teaching for less than five years, you can usually step back into the classroom without mandatory retraining. However, if you have been away for five years or more, it is strongly recommended to refresh your skills, both for your own confidence and to ensure you are up to date with the latest teaching practices and curriculum changes.
This is where our structured, human-centric approach helps. We recognise the value of your past experience, while equipping you with relevant tools to ensure you thrive.
Access Reed’s full suite of teaching CPD and training options
We offer a wide range free of continuing professional development (CPD) and training programmes designed to support teachers returning to the profession. These include:
Return to teaching refreshers, covering the practicalities of getting back into the classroom, effective lesson planning, and building positive learning environments.
Classroom management training, including behaviour management strategies that align with current approaches and the latest safeguarding expectations.
Curriculum support, ensuring you understand recent updates in core subjects, assessment frameworks, and
best practices in delivery.
SEND and Autism awareness CPD, empowering you to confidently support pupils with a range of needs, aligned with inclusive education practices.
One-to-one tuition training using our tutor playbook, which is perfect if you wish to return through tuition before stepping back into a full classroom.
Access to physical training resources, including Team Teach for de-escalation strategies, providing hands-on, in-person skill building if needed.
All our learning is flexible, so you can complete modules in the evenings or weekends around your current responsibilities.
Our step-by-step approach
Jumping back into a permanent classroom role immediately can be overwhelming, especially if you have been out of teaching for several years. Our education experts advise many returning teachers to consider supply teaching as a first step back. This approach offers:
A chance to rebuild confidence without the pressures of full-time planning and classroom ownership.
The flexibility to explore different year groups, key stages, and school environments before deciding where you feel happiest.
An opportunity to ease back into the routine of teaching and work-life balance gradually, instead of an abrupt transition.
Immediate, practical application of the CPD you complete, helping you feel supported as you practice and refine your skills.
From supply to long-term opportunities
Once you feel ready, our local teaching recruitment experts will work with you to transition into long-term or permanent positions in schools that align with your skills and preferences. Our team can guide you through applications, interview preparation, and ongoing coaching, ensuring you step into a robust classroom role feeling prepared and supported.
We believe that returning to teaching is not just about filling a vacancy; it is about ensuring you thrive, continue to grow professionally, and rediscover the joy that brought you into teaching in the first place.
Why returning to teaching makes sense
The education sector in the UK needs experienced, passionate teachers now more than ever. Your lived experience, empathy, and prior classroom skills are invaluable to schools and to the pupils who benefit from teachers who genuinely care. With flexible routes, including supply, tuition, and phased returns, you can structure your return to align with your family life or other commitments.
Plus, with the support of our free targeted CPD and training, you will not feel out of your depth - you will feel ready, informed, and equipped for success.
With average teaching salaries now approaching £50,000, the profession is becoming increasingly competitive in the wider job market and so much more appealing if you are looking to return.
Yes, returning to teaching can feel like a big step, but remember, you are not starting from scratch. You are returning with life experience, a deep commitment to pupils, and the benefit of seeing education from a new perspective.
Ready to the first step? Complete this form to register your interest in coming back to the classroom with the support of Reed and your local teaching recruiter will get in touch to start you on your journey.
