Considering MFL PGCE - am I mad?

[HazelnutHotChoc]

I graduated this summer with a first-class BA degree in German and Spanish, and I've taken a year out to earn some money and hopefully acquire some new skills. Thinking about my future career, I'm interested in education but it wouldn't have to be in a school setting - I'm thinking eventually museum education or working with a charity, after a few years as a secondary school MFL teacher.

I think a PGCE would set me in better stead as a qualification for my long-term goals than an MA in Museums Education or the like. D'you think this is fair? Am I mad to even want to get into secondary education as it is now?

Looking forward to hearing what you think!

[Acopyofacopy]

What's the point of training as a secondary school teacher if you know you want to move on to something else? I'd skip the PGCE (expense).

[Olivo]

I agree with Acopy. Also, have you done some work exp in an MFL dept? I am an MFL teacher, and. I love it, but there are times when The pressure has really taken its toll. Good luck with whatever you decide!

[needsahalo]

Go and shadow a teacher for a few days. Most schools are happy to facilitate this. See how you feel then. You may really love it. But you have lost nothing at all if you don't.

[HazelnutHotChoc]

Thanks for the replies!

Acopy, I read my post back and I wasn't very clear, sorry. I've been looking at Museum Educators'/Learning Teams' job descriptions and almost all that I have seen at reputable museums ask for a PGCE and teaching experience.

I'll definitely sort out some shadowing. Thank you all for your help!

[cansu]

Tbh you may well find that once you start teaching you will not want to take the drop in salary. Most jobs in education in museums are quite low paid and whilst they sound v attractive and will undoubtedly less stress, working as a teacher a few years in will probably be better paid.

[MrsGuyOfGisbo]

I would definitely not recommend teaching, but you will get a bursary for PGCE tax-free ( was 30k? check what it is now) so for a cheap quick post-grad would be easy. ( I did it a couple of years ago).
Just make sure it is a reputable place, not a rubbish university course like the one I did - I got the qualification but the course was a joke.

[fussychica]

DS did a university led MFL PGCE last year and found a job in an outstanding school just after Christmas. He knew he wanted to teach so gained some teaching experience during his year abroad and volunteered at a couple of UK schools before starting the course. He got the bursary, which has been increased this year. As it's tax free with a 1st it will be more than you take home when you start working! Obviously you have fees to pay unless you go down the Teach First route, which you could do with your qualification.

[t4nut]

Possibly the worst time in living memory to go into teaching. Reconsider.

[Janek]

Ime finding a job as a German teacher is very, very difficult (note how i am mnetting at 09:34 on a Wednesday morning, and not at work...) Having said that, Spanish is very much sought-after.

[Acopyofacopy]

Depends where you are, Janek. 2 people just left my department due to family circumstances and they both were snapped up immediately. Both German specialists with French.

[Kreeshsheesh]

I thought I'd like to work in film or museum education so I did a pgce. I told myself I'd only be a languages teacher for 5 years. 18 years later I'm still here! I love my job.

[rollonthesummer]

I did a history degree and have often looked around for museum roles. I have never seen one advertised. I am still teaching nearly 20 years later...

I wouldn't recommend it.