I know it has probably been asked lots before, but what made you want to teach?

[floatyflo]

What made you want to become a teacher?

And how did you know it was for you?

And did you decide on primary vs secondary?

I am just doubting myself so much. Mainly due peoples negative reactions when I tell them my plans.

[floatyflo]

Sorry that should be HOW did you decide on primary/secondary

[mrsnewfie]

I come from a family of teachers so it seemed like the natural thing to do.

I spent a year working in the Pharmaceutical industry (sandwich placement) and hated it so just applied for a PGCE once my degree had finished.

As for how I decided on primary vs secondary....I missed the primary deadline so went with the next option!

I'm glad it worked out the way it did. I'm much happier with older children.

I think there's so much negativity around teaching at the moment. Jeez, the wrong school can give you a nervous break down. I think you just need to choose where you apply carefully.

Good luck!

[CharlesRyder]

DH decided to be one so I thought it would be nice to have the holidays together.

I hated it for the first 3 years. Had a break doing something related but out of school. Went back to teaching but in Special Needs and have never looked back- loved it with a passion from day one.

I trained for Secondary, switched to Primary for NQT then to Primary Special- your initial decision doesn't set the rest of your career in stone.

Teaching is still great if you can find the right sector and school within that sector for you. You might find this on day one or it might take ten years via the destruction of your soul. Good luck!

[PicInAttic]

I fought against it because - as a 'clever' girl from a very working class background - it was the only job any of us could envisage for me!
After couple of years post-degree in retail management, I rethought my knee jerk reaction, considered it seriously, did a primary PGCE and have loved it from the moment I started. Chose primary because I wanted a class and couldn't choose one subject I wanted to teach forever.
It is incredibly hard at times and, as a profession, I think we have a tendency to concentrate on the negatives when talking to others - possibly because we are so unrelenting positive in the classroom!
I agree that the right school (and sector) makes all the difference. Supportive, realistic SLT, genuine colleagues and a place with an ethos (sorry - horrible word) that meshes with yours are vital for your mental health and ability to do the job.
What are your answers to your own questions? Maybe some of us can counter the negativity - esp as we've mainly just broken up so tend to be looking optimistically towards the new school year

[Philoslothy]

Holidays