Did anyone else regret training as a teacher?

No regrets here. I qualified 17 years ago, was an AHT, left to concentrate on my growing family and now I’m back in the classroom, where I’m happiest. It’s not for everyone, but I love it.

I didn't say she didn't have it. I said I'm glad I have it.

She hasn't passed passed her ECT. There will probably be jobs she can do without passing her ECT but she hasn't found one yet.

OP has QTS. I didn’t do any NQT or ECT years and I need QTS for my current job.

Nope. It's a very good qualification to have. I'm no longer a classroom teacher but have diversified into exam marking and tutoring and make a good income from it. I wouldn't have this work if I didn't have QTS.

NQT/ECT years are brutal. But it's 2 years of hell in order to reap the benefits.

You still have your degree, even if you didn't pass your ECT. Can you use your BA / BSC to do something else? You might need to undertake further training.

It’s incorrect.

Covid.
A more prescriptive curriculum.
More hours expected.
The list is long.

I got QTS in 1995 when there was no NQT year and no ECT years. I still have QTS and a DfE number. QTS and ECT are separate.

Not really. The first part of my teaching career was brilliant. I simply made a bad move after that and stuck it out far too long. I wouldn't go into teaching today but as well as the nightmare of the last part of it I do have some wonderful memories.

Agree with all of this. I don't regret my academic qualifications, but I do all of my teaching and CPD qualifications, particularly those, that were funded out of my own pocket. I don't miss being shafted by SLT, I loathe Ofsted, I don't miss gobby college kids giving it large and only being in college, so their parents can get benefits. I don't miss the stress, aches and pains and headaches, after having to shout over large classroom numbers. Early retirement at 50 and have had 4 years of absolute bliss. I wasted my career opportunities, going into teaching. However, seeing kids achieve was the highlight.

I used to teach - did 12 years before I moved into something else. I don’t regret it as it gave me a lot of skills that I use in my current career. Try not to think of it as a failure - just an experience that you can use to pivot to something else

What happened 5 years ago?

DS had a terrible experience at his training school (Schools Direct) and almost had a nervous breakdown. fortunately he was able to go back and complete his training at a school where he had connections and he became a valued member of staff there. Some schools are toxic. Have you considered doing supply so you get a sense of what your local schools are like? Also, why don’t you use your qualification and do some tutoring?

This is not true. You gain QTS via successful completion of the PGCE or via various other approved routes. You gain an induction certificate after completion of the NQT/ECT. They are two separate things.

You’re responsible for kids messing around in your class, you need to create an environment where they don’t do that.

Ha! There are some schools where virtually no teachers can achieve that. Especially schools where SLT have that attitude and do not suppport their teachers.

I know what you mean, and many schools are brutal, but not all are like this. I've been a teacher for 30 years. It's all I ever wanted to do. I've worked in some good schools and a couple of awful ones. I now work in a lovely girls' grammar school. Very few behaviour problems. Observations are infrequent and positive. I won't leave until I retire.

I personally don't regret it - about to go into my 15th year. This will be my 4th as a HoD, I did 2 years as a 2nd in dept prior to that and 3 as a KS3 lead.

For the most part, I genuinely do love what I do, but I have been lucky to teach in good schools (this is my 3rd school - spent 5.5 years in the first and 6 in the 2nd). My current school has great colleagues and senior team, plus we work very hard to make sure behaviour is excellent (and it is!).

That having been said, it is an extremely tough job - it is hectic and non-stop in term time, there is pressure for results because the kids need them! It's certainly not for everyone and there is no shame in that!

Have a think about the skills you have and perhaps look at a different career. What was your degree in?

Totally agree OP. Awful, awful job. Ridiculous work load and still nothing is good enough. Far too many competing needs in the classroom to give any of the kids what they need. Then you get pulled up because the backing to your display boards isn't acceptable.

I used to ask my waste of space mentor how she would approach my to do list in the hours available. Her response? "That's teaching!". I eventually told them that they could stick teaching up their arse. Left mid-term. Took a couple of years to sort myself out after that and still paying the student loan, but couldn't be happier.

Also Op, would you consider teaching adults? It's a totally different vibes to schools and you don't need QTS. What's your degree in? If you have a degree and a PGCE, you can teach anything vaguely in the subject area of your degree.

The PGCE is easy, but no-one goes into teaching for the money! And there's loads of bullying/ toxic work environments in education.

Try to think of all the skills you’ve gained…Teaching is bloody hard…and when you have a tough situation going on too it’s the final nail in the coffin. There are many who stick in it and are absolutely miserable…try to think that although people are successful you’ve been brave enough to quit and find something else whilst looking for something else. That’s not an easy task don’t be too hard on yourself. Keep going you’ll find something that appreciates you and lets you shine you’re just not quite there. Try not to compare yourself to others just do you and you’ll get there.

I managed 12 years as a teacher somehow. I was a good teacher, but it was a stressful job and ruined my mental health. Dealing with poor behaviour broke me in the end.
I was 36 when I changed career and never looked back.

If you didn’t pass your ECT years then you’re not a qualified teacher so you haven’t trained to be a teacher, you’ve tried to train to be a teacher but haven’t passed your ECT years so you have a PGCE but not QTS. It’s a tough couple of years to get through and the school you’re in makes a huge difference. You’re responsible for kids messing around in your class, you need to create an environment where they don’t do that. It doesn’t sound like the right career move for you. I was a teacher for 21 years and still work in education albeit in a different role.
I’d just accept that it wasn’t the career for you it doesn’t mean the only other option is low paid admin work though.

See it as a lucky escape. Onwards and upwards to a job where you’re not under a microscope.