Teacher considering retraining to be as Educational Psychologist...thoughts?

[SENDCo]

Hello

I have 7 classroom experience in a special school (also on SLT) and am considering a career change... Does anyone have experience of retraining as a second career to become an educational psychologist? What are your thoughts? Would love to hear...
Or any mummies who are EPs currently, would love to hear from you too.

[glamourousgranny42]

A colleague of mine ( psychology teacher) recently applied and although she got an interview she didn't get a place on the course. She said the other candidates all had experience as assistant psychologists or similar so my advice is get some eperience that is relevant outside the classroom. Good luck.

[SillySausage1]

I'm an EP (and used to be a teacher). Happy to help if I can. What do you want to know?

[SENDCo]

Thank you both for the reply!

SillyS thank you. I have a few questions:

1. I have 7 years teaching exp with children with send (I have provided outreach/training to other schools and am on SLT). I have the SENCo post grad qualification too. I need to do the MSc conversion first. Do I have a good range of experience to apply for the 3 year training course?
   
   
2. Is there demand for EPs?
   
   
3. Is the funded 3year doc scheme likely to continue to have funded options?
   
   
4. Is the job 'family friendly' and would you recommend the career move?
   
   Thank you

[SillySausage1]

1. yes you definitely have enough experience. Plenty of people I trained with had less. However it is crucial when applying/interviewing to be able to link your knowledge and experience to psychology.
   
   
2. Yes lots of demand once qualified. BUT there is massive numbers applying for the doctorate every year and limited places so getting qualified is the tricky bit.
   
   
3. Yes as far as I know although I haven't checked recently. However given that EPs continue to have a statutory role, I would be surprised if the govt stopped offering funded places.
   
   
4. yes absolutely! It is very fulfilling although the funding cuts in past few years have left us working harder than ever (as with all education professionals and children and adults services). However it is very flexible in the sense that many EPs work part time around family and you can take time off in term time as well as during school holidays. I find it more flexible than teaching was for sure.
   
   Hope that helps. Best of luck with whatever you decide!

[SENDCo]

Thank you so much SS1! Really useful...

[farley123]

SENDCo - just wanted to make you aware of a facebook group that you might find very helpful. 'Educational Psychology - doctoral applicants' www.facebook.com/groups/EdPsychApplicants/. It has over 1000 members, a mixture of qualified and trainee EPs along with many prospective applicants. They are a very supportive and knowledgeable group.

[SENDCo]

Thank you F!

[LockedOutOfMN]

If I had the money, I would definitely do this!

[SENDCo]

What's stopping you LockedOut? You can get funded places

[LockedOutOfMN]

Thanks for the support and encouragement, but I live abroad so funding is harder although not out of the question and I couldn't afford to stop or reduce my work to study or get work experience in that sector (I do volunteer but it's very menial). Maybe in the future.

[SENDCo]

Good luck Locked!