Primary School Teachers - if you were applying now for teacher training....

[MavisGrind]

what would you put in your personal statement??

I'm in the process of applying to do teacher training from next September and have got stuck at the dreaded personal statement section. I realise there is a great deal of competition to get on the courses (and no job at the end of it!)so don't want my application to get lost in the crowd.

I want to link my experiences with really relevant issues however I've had a look at relevant web sites/publications but I'm not sure where my focus should be.

Any ideas?

TIA

[MavisGrind]

bump - although everyone is at work. Any teachers off sick to help me out?

[woahwoah]

I think they are interested mostly in your experience in schools. If you have volunteered or worked in a school, say what you got out of it. For example, did you see how children benefit from practical activities? Or did you have some experience of helping SEN children?
You could also talk about other experience you have working with children, and mention any other relevant skills - music, art, languages. They may be interested in your ability to work as part of a team, so an example of this would be good. Also they may be interested in your ability to learn from mistakes, reflect and change. An example of taking advice and acting on constructive criticism would go down well.
Is this any help?

[MavisGrind]

Thanks for that (had given up on replies and hadn't checked!) - that's the sort of info I need, ta.

[SarfEasticated]

Hi there,
Just passing this thread and have been thinking of retraining as a junior school teacher. I've noticed your comment 'and no job at the end of it' and am now worried! Is that right? It is really difficult to get a job, is there no more £10,000 sum when you sign up?
Please update me, I may have to rethink

[mumofboy]

I don't think there has ever been a £10 000 sum to sign up for primary teaching! There is no shortage of primary school teachers. There are some bonus schemes still for secondary teachers but only for specific shortage subjects ie Maths. It's harder to get jobs in some areas than others, and it's getting harder all the time. Many newly qualified primary teachers are working as TAs this year.
Have a look on the TTA website for benefits. Please don't go into teaching for the money, for one thing you'll end up very disappointed!

[SarfEasticated]

No golden handcuffs - aw shucks!
No I wouldn't be doing it for the money, I am just in the position where I can change careers and it has always appealed to me. I have been a magazine graphic designer for the past twenty years so don't know anything about teaching really. I only started seriously thinking about it last night. maybe I'll offer to volunteer at our local primary school to get some info/experience.
Thanks for your help