I will be moving back to UK after an extended period out. I used to teach secondary science (specialist degree + GTP year + NQT year + 2 terms employed) but became disillusioned. Recent talk in the news about teacher retainment and going back to the classroom have got me thinking about taking up the profession on reentry. But this makes my thoughts turn to why I left 12 years ago:
- the headboring numbness from discipline issues
- high quality prep and assessment (marking in particular) was not possible unless I dedicated all my free time. I now have kids so this seems even less likely to happen
- loving actual teaching but hating: teaching to tests, teaching topics of low value, seeing other teachers undermine school ethos (kids eating sweets in class, using IT to placate Y11, ignore poor behaviour e.g. verbal rudeness and insults).
As alternatives, I'm thinking about perhaps trying private ESL teaching - teaching French and maths (science is a lot of prep and marking + safely issues) - going into supply (is that even possible after such a long time out - would I have to pass a certificate or something?) - working in a private or grammar school - working in the LEA or in education more widely (uni, publishing, training).
I would be fearful walking into a classroom after such a long time out. I fear I would go back to old ways - sweaty armpits, facing a class of 30 undaunted, physically intimidating Y11s, wanting above all to turn about and run out the door!
What are your thoughts? Are you thinking about going back into schools? What are your fears? What will you do differently next time?