Been looking for work for 3 or 4 months now with absolutely no luck, no replies to any of my applications, and so I'm considering a new approach.</p> I spent 2 weeks work experience at my local primary school, when I was in year 11 and really loved it, so I'm considering getting into primary school teaching.</p> Anyone got any tips for someone looking to get into any form of teaching? Any advice would be welcome, tips on what to do/what not to do, what the best way of getting started, means of funding etc.</p> Thought I'd ask on here as I know there are a few teachers on the BBS</p> Cheers all </p>
RE: Any reason why? nt I'd really think about it if it's your 'second' choice career. Most trainees drop out in their first 5 years, and they choose to do it as a career very early on i.e. teaching degree rather than degree then PGCE. It's not an easy ride that people stick with because they can't get anything else! Having said that if you like it then the benefits are great. Good job satisfaction, hols, decent money if you work your way up.
RE: Any reason why? nt Well my work experience was the one thing I've done in my history that I truly enjoyed, it was only 2 weeks, but loved it.</p> I have a degree (in Psychology), but didn't want to carry that on, and I'm still only 23, it's something I feel I would be very passionate about.</p> I just want to get some tips/advice at this stage I guess </p>
RE: Any reason why? nt To be a teacher at any phase you need to have a degree these days. If you have, you can train either through doing a one-year PGCE via a University, or through 'on-the-job' training called the Graduate Teacher Programme. The latter is usually only workable if you are already well-known to a school, or have worked there as a classroom assistant. If you haven't got the qualifications, or don't want to spend a year getting them, you could look at being variously a classroom assistant, teaching assistant, or learning support assistant. The pay isn't very good, but you just need to have GCSE English and Maths as a basic qualification. If you can cope with the poor wages, it could be a good 'back door' route into teaching and there usually plenty of jobs around, both in primary and secondary phases. The most important things is that you need to like kids - I mean ALL of them! If you don't, or couldn't, I would say don't bother. The profession doesn't need more Sugden's, for sure!
If I were you I'd approach the type of school you're interested in working at & offer your services voluntarily. You'll need police check etc. It's a foot in the door. If they like you then there's always the chance there will be an opportunity come up at some point. Obviously you need to get the right qualifications. You'll have more chance if you show a willingness to take on extra something .... PE/ Maths/ Chess Club/ Special Needs responsibilities/ Music whatever. But, be warned, it's not the easy option. Alot of work involved & could be a shock to the system. Preparation/ marking / reporting DOES interfere with your life out of hours. To be a good teacher you need dedication & enthusiasm, even when you don't feel like it.... if you have that then it could be the right choice. It's a decentish salary, with good perks (holidays yes, but don't be shocked if you're working through them!) For every fantastic enthusiastic teacher I've met & worked with, there's 3 or 4 who are stressed and fed up with it. It's full of rewards, but full of stresses. Take it from someone who trained & then decided against it. I couldn't do it, but there are folks out there who are brilliant at it. On a positive note, male Primary school teachers are in short supply. Good luck.
What other careers have you thought about Thrappo? I remember you were looking for a new job about a year or so ago?
RE: Any reason why? nt my degree was also in Psychology, however if you think you'll not use it think again. You'll use it every day in teaching! There's also the educational psychologist route that would be available once you have experience in schools (I'm keeping that as a banker for when I get on in life and the kids are running me in circles!) Because your degree is not in a secondary subject your PGCE will probably be a two year course. Normally consists on 1 year subject knowledge and 1 year teaching skills. It will also help if you have A levels in the subject you fancy to give you a start. If you are thinking about Primary then sorry thats not my field, but I know that this requires very good knowledge about lots of subjects i.e. not just a specialism. You'll need excellent skills in English, maths science and all the humanities. As others have said it's an excellent job if you like it, however it's a great waste of time training if you stick with it a year. Particularly as the well paid jobs come later down the line. Starting at about 21k is poor for a graduate, but 40K after 6 years with extra responsibility is not bad i suppose.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language You could try doing a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. These take 4 weeks to complete and then you can work practically anywhere in the world. When I left University I considered teaching as well and this was the quickest and easiest way try it out. In the end I spent 3 years in Italy, coming home for the summer to teach in language schools in the UK. It was a great but poorly paid experience and also an excellent way of meeting women (ahem).</p> </p> </p>
Well you need to buy some Corduroy trousers - preferably brown A jacket with those leather patches on the elbows and a checked shirt to start Oh and some "comfortable" shoes good luck by the way thats one job I really couldnt do - both my parents were teachers and it definitely put me off - especially as you arent even allowed to give the disruptive kids a good hiding anymore
A couple of thoughts 1. 3 or 4 months isn't that long I'm afraid. Especially in the current climate. Don't lose heart though, it took my lad almost a full year after graduating to get a job but he then landed a plum one. Keep trying whilst finding out about teaching. There's nothing wrong with exploring different career paths. Not many folk really know what they want to do/ are good at. 2. Teaching is one of the best and most rewarding jobs you can do if you a) enjoy being with children and b) get a job in a good school (by good I don't mean in leafy suburbs etc. - it's all about the management and the atmosphere) : otherwise don't even think about it. Some people like to tell you that good teachers are born with a gift but that's mostly a load of blocks. Some obviously do have a natural flare but like most things it's all about hard work and being able to learn from people who are good.
I'm just coming to the end of my Primary PGCE at the age of 29 and I love it!! Doing it at Hallam University. It's hard work. very hard work, doing a PGCE, but the time flies and it is very rewarding!! I'd definately do it again, without thinking twice. Yu do have to work in the holidays, but to be fair it only takes half the time up, so still get good holidays. Only down side for me is that the age group I teach tell so many tales on each other and it starts to annoy you after a while! Good Luck
