Teaching Degree - Depression

McGuiver

CrazyCatLady wrote: »

Right I didn't want to contribute any more to this discussion, I thought I'd rise above it but I just thought I'd say I don't definitely want to go into primary school teaching, it's just an idea.

ONW, I'm not happy with the way you've spoken to or about me, I'm offended by your narrow-minded, patronising and hurtful words. You're out of order.

As for whether or not I'll be accepted onto the primary PGCE or get a job teaching, that's not relevant to this thread and I am quite angry that ONW and others have decided to try to use this thread to shatter my hopes.

Here's a recent thread on a message board for people doing a PGCE:

http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=995133


And having suffered from depression before starting a teaching career and getting depression whilst working as a teacher are two separate issues in my opinion.

I didn't give supportive advice or tell the OP about my personal life for it to be debated, analysed and ridiculed.

I can empathise with your view of OlderNOTwiser. I don't think she means to be personal as, if you look at her other posts, you'll see that she's the same with virtually everyone. I'm quite sure that she suffers from some form of psychosis. She's definitely bitter and twisted, almost certainly a mad spinster with hairy legs and fouled tights. I imagine she lives in her cellar sucking lemons and drinking cold Bovril, by flickering candle light, with 4 flee ridden-cats that sleep by a cheap electric heater.

stebiz

I just wanted to pop back in and say thanks for all the posts. Sorry if I caused a 'row' between a few. I never meant too.

All your points are valid ones, and it is encouraging to see that others with depression have succeeded.

I don't want to single out any thanks, but felt particular gratitude to CrazyCatLady for her comments.

Cheers
Stebiz

tsimehC

stebiz, I just wanted to ask you something. When you have your "downs" during teaching, how do you keep yourself positive and full of energy? I'm trying to be an effective football coach but that part fails me as I know I suffer from some form of depression, it kinda shows in the kids faces when I'm not 100% mentally fit.

Oldernotwiser

McGuiver wrote: »

I can empathise with your view of OlderNOTwiser. I don't think she means to be personal as, if you look at her other posts, you'll see that she's the same with virtually everyone. I'm quite sure that she suffers from some form of psychosis. She's definitely bitter and twisted, almost certainly a mad spinster with hairy legs and fouled tights. I imagine she lives in her cellar sucking lemons and drinking cold Bovril, by flickering candle light, with 4 flee ridden-cats that sleep by a cheap electric heater.

You know me so well!:rolleyes:

alwaysonthego_2

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

You know me so well!:rolleyes:

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:Sorry ONW :p ..but I can see you drinking cold Bovril!!


I agree with all the comments that ONW has made!

I am currently in my third year of an educational degree and many of the previous students have struggled to get onto a PGCE as it is so competitive and these are students with an educational studies degree. You do need English, maths and a science GCSE to get accepted and even if you do get accepted you will not be guaranteed a job. Many of my teaching friends cannot get a teaching job at a primary school.

To anyone who has been unkind about ONW, she is a main contributer to this and the benefits board and she has huge respect because she is straight and honest and does not try and dress things up. Shie is one of my favourite posters!!! :j

naomi123

ONW certainly seems to give it to your straight, Ill give her that!

Primary teaching is very competitive these days. It is also financially very tough as you dont get a bursary to help you through.

I am doing a secondary PGCE in a shortage subject so I was accepted pretty much straight away- they are desperate for shortage subjects.

Whoever asked about being having depression when you are teaching shows on the kids- personally I disagree. When Im in the classroom, Im a different person. Almost if Im acting. Im not me. I put on this confident teacher facade and it works. (also helps when the kids are rude about you- you cant take it personally because its not the real you!) When I walk into school, Im no longer me... Im MISS!! LOL, sounds corny but its true!

alyth

McGuiver wrote: »

I can empathise with your view of OlderNOTwiser. I don't think she means to be personal as, if you look at her other posts, you'll see that she's the same with virtually everyone. I'm quite sure that she suffers from some form of psychosis. She's definitely bitter and twisted, almost certainly a mad spinster with hairy legs and fouled tights. I imagine she lives in her cellar sucking lemons and drinking cold Bovril, by flickering candle light, with 4 flee ridden-cats that sleep by a cheap electric heater.

!!!!!! - ONW (she I now know!) spends a helluva lot of time on this board, and until I read through this thread didn't realise she also contributed to the benefits board, and gives advice that is straight and honest and comes from the heart and very obviously her personal experience. As AOTG says she commands a huge amount of respect, I've had advice from her that has been harsh but true, and I personally would never doubt anything that she posted on a forum, unlike a lot of other posters.

I can actually contribute a bit to this thread - I've started my access course and one of the girls' husband did an access course, english degree, masters and PGCE and still cannot get a job - she said herself it is hugely competitive, her husband is I think 40 now, and is working in Asda! I think if you think that teaching is an easy option then you are so misguided, there are so many "older" people who have a degree running off and doing a PGCE in the vain hope that they can change career and change someone's lives through teaching, this woman supported her husband through his whole I think 7 years of studying, he was a butcher before he decided to retain, she says that he's almost at the stage of going back to butchering, more money than working the tills at Asda, and what was the point of him slogging, studying, and following his dreams!

redstararnie76

I just wanted to wade in to add that ONW is quite correct about Creative Writing. Historically this would be most useful in the adult learning and leisure areas, but unfortunately reduced funding levels mean that this is an area that is dying out completely. In the current climate, more and more people are turning to teacher training in the hope of finding a more secure career, which means that unless you are looking at a shortage area subject, it's going to be a struggle.
This doesn't mean that you shouldn't look at going into teaching, just ensure that your eyes are wide open.

rosalie-lavender

I currently have an 18 year old son who is suffering from depression. His teachers through the last couple of years have been very supportive. A teacher who has suffered from depression has that experience to bring into the school. It makes them more able to understand when the students have issues of depression and stress. From my point of view as a mother supporting a young man with depression the teachers who understood and helped to support him have been a godsend.

My son is off to uni in October and the university have been quite supportive to him and it hasn't been an issue so far.

Good luck

CrazyCatLady

redstararnie76 wrote: »

I just wanted to wade in to add that ONW is quite correct about Creative Writing. Historically this would be most useful in the adult learning and leisure areas, but unfortunately reduced funding levels mean that this is an area that is dying out completely. In the current climate, more and more people are turning to teacher training in the hope of finding a more secure career, which means that unless you are looking at a shortage area subject, it's going to be a struggle.
This doesn't mean that you shouldn't look at going into teaching, just ensure that your eyes are wide open.

As I've ALREADY pretty much said, I didn't come on here for careers advice, I already have my eyes wide open, I'm 23 years old, I've worked in schools and taught in prisons, and a lot of my friends are teachers. I know exactly what the score is.

So thanks, but no thanks.

Now can everyone drop it please and get back on topic?