Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Are there any teachers who still like doing that job?

36 replies

Sandrine1982 · 22/01/2024 22:28

Inspired by another active thread where OP asks about a new career after teaching. That thread is very depressing.

So I wanted to ask if there are teachers who still like doing what they do? Or is the situation really so dire?

We have a DD in reception in a large city school and I don't know what to make of the teachers.
Certainly some of them look like they dream of being somewhere else. How sad for the kids. It really rubs off them.

And I know it's not the teachers' fault!! It's resources, class sizes, special needs, etc etc etc.

But really, do any of you guys still enjoy what you do?

xxx

OP posts:
Noodledoodledoo · 22/01/2024 22:56

I am secondary core subject. 90% of the students I adore teaching, and love my job. 10% of them I could walk out the door over tomorrow.

It's hard work, and getting harder, but I still enjoy it. this is my 15th year teaching in the UK in standard comp schools, schools in nice areas but with some behaviour issues.

Lisbeth50 · 22/01/2024 22:55

I've been teaching 28 years and still mostly enjoy it. There have been ups and downs and the job has changed a lot but I still enjoy being with the children and the actual teaching!

PlateIets · 22/01/2024 22:49

Yes, for the majority of an academic year it's either fine, good or amazing. I've not had any issues with parents for years though - that was something that ground me down in the past - and my class is around 50% smaller than average.

Kigali78 · 22/01/2024 22:46

I’ve taught for about 15 years. Secondary. 10 years in the UK and the past 5 years abroad in a private school. I love it, but used to get overwhelmed with the workload at times in the UK. It depends what your strengths are as to which school is your best fit.

Now I’ve been teaching abroad (China), I’m not sure I’d ever like to teach in the UK again. Possibly just A levels, and probably not full-time. I don’t think I’d have the energy for KS3 again.

BettyBoobles · 22/01/2024 22:46

Yes, I love the children, their innocence and positivity (I work in the infant department!) I enjoy the camaraderie of workig in a team of like minded people, we laugh a lot. I also love the holidays and the pay isn't bad either!

fuckityfuckityfuckfuck · 22/01/2024 22:46

Love/hate.

teacher45646 · 22/01/2024 22:39

Plan on leaving in September. I cannot physically do it anymore.

pinksquash13 · 22/01/2024 22:38

I mostly like the job. I work in a primary in a fairly affluent area. I mostly like working with the children although it is becoming increasingly difficult to meet their needs, with less money and fewer resources. I find the job incredibly difficult and often very stressful. I dream of a job that isn't quite so exhausting and doesn't raise my blood pressure so significantly. I wish it paid more for the hours / effort involved. I like that I'm never bored, that I have a sense of purpose and I like the holidays. I think on balance, teaching is for me.

Sandia1 · 22/01/2024 22:34

I left mainstream primary teaching because the management were so horrible to everyone (in a catholic school, FFS). I still work in education, but I'm my own boss, I work full time (I was part-time before) and I'm not stressed. I would put anyone off being a primary school teacher. The only happy ones I meet are working on supply.

JubileeJumps · 22/01/2024 22:31

I work in an inner city primary and I love my job.

FakeHoisinDuck · 22/01/2024 22:30

I love actual teaching which is why it's hard to leave. But yes I'm looking at those threads and job ads... most of my teacher friends have left.

Swipe left for the next trending thread