Career Change - Teaching

beccals

Thanks for all of your great advice has definitely given me a lot more avenues to explore.

I didn't realise that there were so many more teaching alternatives!

Thanks x

Busy_bee_3

Teaching is something I am also seriously considering so i know exactly how you feel. I'm also 24 so i keep saying to myself if i'm going to do it, it better make up my mind soon. I've recently bought a flat with my boyfriend so perhaps its already too late as i'm not sure how i would fund full or part time studying.
I don't have a degree either and since i want to teach secondary school children, my degree has got to be related to the subject i want to teach (maths)
I'm confident i have the skills and determination to suceed (many of my friends and collegues tell me i'd make a great teacher) the whole money situation worries me.

Zazen999

I'd heartily recommend looking at becoming an assessor and getting in through that route. However, even though I was trying to get in to do my pgce, I couldn't get in due to lack of classroom exp - but I've recently got a job project managing and 'doing' growing fruit and veg in schools; thus using old skills to get new ones and I can use those for future routes into teaching.

By the way, having to make up your mind at 24 - is pish. I'm on my third career change at 42. If you keep learning new things, then the only thing stopping you is yourself.

BexInLondon

Zazen999 you just described my dream job!

beccals

Yeah, I know exactly what you mean, having to make your mind up at 24 isnt all that bad really. I'm just having what I like to call a 'mid-20's crisis'.
All those 'where is my life going? what have i achieved?' questions. But I know its never too late.

Both my parents do jobs that they don't like and just kind of put up with for the money, so I just wanna make sure that I don't fall into that rut.

BusyBee - Maybe if you have bought a house etc. you could consider a degree on distance learning? I have heard excellent things about Open University (My Mum is always trying to persuade me to give it a go)!

It's an option for me, definitely. You don't need any qualifications and it's fairly flexible so you can set your own deadlines and work to them accordingly.

Good luck x

Treacly

Beccals - I'm sure you've already looked into this, but the forums on the TES site include a 'Thinking about Teaching?' section which is a good place to get expert advice about your options.

beccals

Thanks Treacly,

I will check that out now

topgearfan08

beccals wrote: »

I wanted to teach Primary School ages 6-9. I have applied for a few classroom assistant positions but everywhere asks for an NVQ. I looked into getting an NVQ but was advised that you have to complete it in an appropriate environment (eg. working in a school) so it seems to be a vicious circle really.

I havent given up hope yet though

If you owe 16k, you will owe over another £25k approx by completing a 4 year uni course...

But good on you if you want to be a primary teacher, it will be worth it in the long run.

Starting Salary is approx 21k for a qualified primary teacher...

Kind Regards

Zazen999

BexInLondon wrote: »

Zazen999 you just described my dream job!

And mine

dizziblonde

Just as a minor heads up - for all people think there's a shortage of teachers - in most bits of the country it is very very hard to get a primary job (easier if you're an NQT mind you - you're cheaper), and lots of them are temporary contracts. Then you need to be aware that if you don't get a job and go on supply - there's a limit as to how long you can do supply for without completely induction - once your time is up and you're out of possible extensions - that's it, no more till you get an inductable post.

TES forums are possibly a good read - just to be aware - take a look at the unemployed teachers forum as well... go into it with your eyes fully open before you make 4 years' worth of commitment.

Don't get me wrong - it can be a great job, but don't assume finding jobs these days is easy because it's anything but.