Advice please on rebuilding after loss of partner and doing something useful

Outpost

Forgive the long-winded nature of this post, but I'm looking for some advice on a future career in teaching and whether or not I should pursue this idea.

To give you some background, after university I undertook a PGCE in Secondary Design Technology. I was about 21 and completed the program. It was okay but I much preferred working with younger children, Year Seven and the primary school children I worked with for a few weeks at the beginning of the course.

Anyway around this time my partner was unfortunately taken ill with cervical cancer, and after enduring a five year battle she finally passed away 4 months ago on New Year's Eve. I won't go into the details but I'm sure you can appreciate how tough the last few years have been, worse for her obviously but I cared for her the entire time and raised my step-daughter from the age of 6 to 12, whereby she chose to return to her biological father following her mother's death. I'm no martyr just a loving partner who has lost their best friend and soul mate and my step daughter who I loved like my own. My life is in ruins.

I returned to work at the part-time job I'd held at university and have stayed there throughout her illness since it was so flexible and I have an exceptional boss who has enabled me to work around the numerous appointments, days spent at chemotherapy and general day to day caring for a terminally ill partner and step daughter. My PGCE was valid for about 5 years but has now expired because I never used it.

To be blunt, my partner's life was taken from her by cancer and I've come to the conclusion that I don't want to throw my own away and would like to do something meaningful and useful with it using my skills. She would've wanted this and I want it for myself.

I would like to retrain to teach primary. I'm good with children and am wasting my life working in a shop. I'm unhappy there since I know I'm wasting any potential I have. It was the means to an end for the last few years since it paid the bills and enabled me to be there for my partner and step-daughter, but to be honest with them gone it has served its purpose and I need to rebuild.

I would need to complete another PGCE course I'm assuming to teach primary, I've heard of conversion courses but my existing qualification is now null and void due to the length of time. I genuinely think this would be a good thing for me and that I have a lot to offer.

Just looking for thoughts, opinions and advice really.

Thanks in advance.

Moneybot

First of all sorry for your loss and also good on you for being so focused on moving on a doing something with your life.

I think looking at teaching would be an excellent idea - two thoughts on this why not look at training through either a SCITT ( a school based training program) or GTP ( a graduate training program) that way you could be paid whilst you train and get more on the job experience.

http://www.tda.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/teacher-training-options/gtp.aspx

http://www.tda.gov.uk/about/~/link.aspx?_id=B8CDA426F105499BABBE5EC09C157E05&_z=z

Good luck in what ever you choose.

Nottoobadyet

I have no advice on qualifications, but I wanted to say that I am so sorry for your loss and admire your resolve.

Outpost

Moneybot wrote: »

First of all sorry for your loss and also good on you for being so focused on moving on a doing something with your life.

I think looking at teaching would be an excellent idea - two thoughts on this why not look at training through either a SCITT ( a school based training program) or GTP ( a graduate training program) that way you could be paid whilst you train and get more on the job experience.

http://www.tda.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/teacher-training-options/gtp.aspx

http://www.tda.gov.uk/about/~/link.aspx?_id=B8CDA426F105499BABBE5EC09C157E05&_z=z

Good luck in what ever you choose.

Thank you Moneybot I'll look into both those options.

Outpost

Nottoobadyet wrote: »

I have no advice on qualifications, but I wanted to say that I am so sorry for your loss and admire your resolve.

Thank you very much. I'd like to do her proud in some shape. Try and salvage something good from something so awful.

ALI1973

So very sorry for your loss.

I found the TDA very helpful when discussing routes into teaching, maybe they could advise you of your best route to pick up where you left off? they have a website TDA.gov.uk or you can call them on 0800 389 2500.

Best wishes
Ali

southoftheriver

So sorry for your loss, I think its wonderful that you are doing something positive in your partners memory.

Do you have any work experience with primary school aged children? Primary school PGCE's are very competitive and people are expected to show that they have worked with the required age groups. Things like volunteering in community groups or working as a teaching assistant are a great way to show your enthusiasm.

Good luck

make_me_wise

Outpost wrote: »

I would like to retrain to teach primary. I'm good with children and am wasting my life working in a shop. I'm unhappy there since I know I'm wasting any potential I have. It was the means to an end for the last few years since it paid the bills and enabled me to be there for my partner and step-daughter, but to be honest with them gone it has served its purpose and I need to rebuild.

I am so sorry for your loss. I do really admire your resolve to move forward and do something meaningfull and positive with your life.

I would definately look into the best way to resurrect your teaching career. Could you perhaps contact any schools local to you and ask to speak or meet with the headteacher. Explain to him/her what qualifications you had and see what they recommend.

A friend of mine decided to train as a teaching assistant but she needed flexibility because of health problems with one of her children. So she volunteered part time at her local school and gained her qualifications. It has taken her over 2 years. She has just been offered a permanent position come September working with special needs kids at junior school level. Just goes to show if you want something strongly enough you should go for it.

pixelation

Just wanted to let you know that there is no longer a time limit of 5 years between a PGCE and starting induction.
http://www.tda.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/faqs/becoming-a-teacher.aspx
I would strongly recommend doing a "Back to school" course and go for it!
A DT specialty would be valuable for Primary Schools, but you would be best off approaching local Primary Heads to seek advice and voluntary work.
If your current job remains flexible, perhaps you can volunteer in local schools while still working.

belfastgirl23

Just a quick note of caution. You're going through some very strong emotions just now and I don't know that you're in a position to be making long term and life changing decisions. You're absolutely right to be considering what you might be interested in doing, but I'd be wary about anything that involves a big financial or time commitment for another year or two.

But it is definitely worth going back and working with children to make sure that the passion is still there. You could consider voluntary work with a youth group? It will look good on your CV and will help you to make sure that this is still the right career path for you.

On your stepdaughter, are you still able to see her at all? While she chose to live with her dad, I'm sure she's missing you as well. Ignore if you're already doing it but however painful it is, it's important to stay in touch, even if she might be a bit resistant at times.

I'm really sorry to hear about your loss.