Apologies if you have already seen this, I think I posted it in the wrong place, re-posting here..
How is it? I trained as a primary teacher and am presently a sahm. I am thinking of returning to teaching. I am trying to think of pros and cons-
Money, of course
Rewarding, inspiring
Fits in school hours
Am worried though, remember how teaching feels like, similar to mothering- the responsibility, the paperwork...how do you ever switch of from children? (IYKWIM)
OK I was an NQT but remember after school I needed the time to plan/ have a rest/ wine!
How do you ever have the patience, or time, to fit in your own children at the end of the day?
So would you (or not) recommend combining teaching primary and having little ones?
I possibly need to go in volunteer at ds school, as had a particularly difficult last experience teaching. I taught in the school hall (reception children) which was separate from the school, no toilets for the little ones and very little TA support. It has put me off a bit and am just looking for a little support before having another go I guess!
In my area there is huge competition for jobs just now and NQTs are going for HLTA jobs. I was also wondering about that.
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Orangeflower7 · 03/03/2011 21:48
Yes there are those courses but I looked and not within 20 miles of here...not great as don't drive. Strange as two good teacher training colleges nearby..Am but scared the head things I know loads and will expect a lot..having that difficult experience which I would never put up with now having had children. Oh well. maybe I will be more feisty after having brought up the dcs, 
I was a primary school teacher for five years, had four years out (first a different job, then SAHM) and when I went back I couldn't believe how much had changed! I was like 
So, I would recommend a returner's course if you can arrange that.
Otherwise, pros: School holiday 
so no need to pay for childcare! Money not bad (or it isn't for me now I've been teaching seven years - it's all better than SAHM money, though!) Insider information on what your DCs are doing, or should be doing 
Can be rewarding and fun at times.
Cons: hours are horrendous, I work every single weekday evening, even though I teach p/t. Sometimes I can't wait for my DC to go to bed as I have so much do. DC nursery is 8.15 - 5.30 and tbh it is not nearly long enough - I should be doing an hour either side of those hours, plus more at the weekends. It's stressful and tiring, with the hoop jumping and paperwork. Things can change VERY quickly in schools - you may think you've found your perfect set up and then the head leaves, or you get a very difficult class or the school will end up in special measures and your 'perfect' job will be very different.
Orangeflower. All those skills gained whilst at home will be in great demand!!! You are also 6 years older and wiser so less likely to throw yourself into something 'risky'. You will probably also find that your priorities have changed and you will strive to put your DC's and family first when considering which job to take! (Beware! It's very easy to slip the other way and your own DC's get shoved down the list.)
Give your local school some free help and build up that confidence! You may be surprised how quickly it returns!
Good luck
I plan for a whole morning for 3 days. Then add on top of that time for marking and the extras of paperwork like SEN letters, trips, subject coordination, club stuff etc
However, I am quite strict with myself about not doing school work when my DC are around. It's their time. Good point about when they are older though doglover, don't know what will happen then.
Sometimes I dream about being a TA (Think I may be too much of a control freak though!!)
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