To be a bit confused and a bit annoyed that I earn less

[MrsKravitz]

As a senior lecturer at a University than an A level teacher.
Seriously considering changing.

[FlorenceDaphne]

But there is no such thing, generally, as an "A-level teacher." Most secondary schools have teachers who teach the whole spectrum of ages, from 11 to 18. Unless, of course, you're at a college type institution. And then the pay varies massively, depending on experience, management responsibilities and other teaching and learning responsibilitues, and whether you've decided to bother comleting your threshold applications or not. You could be a deputy principal or even a principal teaching A-level.

[southeastastra]

how does that work out? seems bizarre

[MrsKravitz]

Sorry, my friend is an A level subject teacher. Psychology. In a school.

[MrsKravitz]

[basingstoke]

Should a senior lecturer be paid more than a senior teacher? Why?

[darleneoconnor]

Yes uni lecturers used to earn quite a lot but relative salaries have significantly decreased in recent years, I dont know why tbh. At the same time teachers' pay has increased in relative terms.

[MrsKravitz]

I consider teaching university to be a higher level, yes.

[Riveninside]

Weird. My inlaws were senior lecturer/ teacher combo (she taught A level physics only) but he was paid far more. He also worked all summer at research when students werent there.

[FlorenceDaphne]

Yes, but it is unlikely that all your friend does is teach A-level psychology. Unless, of course, the sixth form is really, really massive and there are enough sixthform students who want to do psychology that they can have multiple groups doing the same courses. And even then, it still depends on everything else I said, different responsibilities and level of experience.

Why not apply for some school jobs? Depending on what area of the country you're in, they could be crying out!

[pumpernickel10]

Why should you earn more?

[MrsKravitz]

I dont do research, too busy teaching and programme leading.We are not released for research.

[MrsKravitz]

I have taught A levels i the past - chemistry and maths- so have a good means for comparison btw

[basingstoke]

Totally different challenge though I should think. Not just about "level" of teaching.

[LilyPickle]

Do you get paid hourly, MrsKravitz?

[Dozer]

I get annoyed when people say they're annoyed that others earn more than them. Is rude to presume that your job has more "worth" and anyway, in a capitalist society this isn't the driver of wages.

You have made choices and if not happy with your current employment can presumably change jobs.

[ooohyouareawfulbutilikeyou]

frankly in my experience, college & uni tutors can be very poorly informed about their subjects

[MrsKravitz]

lilypickleNo I dont.

[FlorenceDaphne]

Well, if you've done both, so you've got experience for comparison and you think school teaching is the better deal, go for it! Good luck trying to find a school job that just teaches A-level.

[sunshineandbooks]

MrsKravitz, is is because most A level teachers tend to be based in a school and therefore are qualified teachers working to a national pay scale? Whereas many uni lecturers don't have formal teaching qualifications and are instead working from the status of their contribution to that subject area, so their value can vary massively according to how much they've published and the institution they are based in.

That's not saying it's right or wrong, but it could explain it.

[Cartoonjane]

Mrs Kravitz, do you think a reception calss teacher should be paid less than an A level teacher? (which I am by the way, work in a school, teach only a level but am part time).

[MrsKravitz]

Uni teachers have to have a teaching qualification now sunshine
I have a MEd as well as my specialits qualifications.

[Fontsnob]

Go back to teaching then. However, don't expect it easy to find an A level only post, not at a regular school anyway.

[basingstoke]

So re-train.

I love teaching. I'm pretty senior and earn a reasonable wage for a job I love. If you can't say the same then change.

There's always someone to compare yourself with unfavourably - dh earns more than me and manages fewer people for example, but it doesn't matter much if you are doing what you want to do.

[Fontsnob]

Also teaching is fast becoming an MA profession. So don't assume teachers don't have Masters qualifications.