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Original poster

PGCE - Secondary

62 replies

RachCCE · 10/06/2025 06:48

Hey Guys,

Bit of background, I'm 20 years industry experienced in mid to senior level business management. Jobs include:operations, projects, marketing etc. I did a degree later in life and graduated in 2022 in Business, Management & Leadership. Opportunity has arisen to do secondary PGCE in Business at a local MAT.

I'm currently working (following a year off mat leave) at a private sector SME as contracts and ops manager. I choose my own hours but the phone doesn't stop, as is the private sector. Clients will contact me anytime from 7am to 8pm. Most of the "work" can be done on the phone/laptop from anywhere but it is a constant contactable situation.

Prior to mat leave i worked at the local college in student recruitment, purely for the term time hours (and pension). Just done my first school holiday, two weeks, three kids (15,9,1) and not having term time has been HARD.

I'm not naive that teaching won't be hard work BUT with significant senior level jobs, sometimes 60 hours a week and the requirement to be almost constantly contactable I think I will manage.

Anyone out there who has come from industry, LATER IN LIFE, to go into secondary teaching? I'm looking for reasonable discussion around workload.

I don't need to hear you work from home and it's hell etc.... I'm well practised at long working hours, and effective time management. If anything I'm looking for the positive contributors to give me some real world pros and cons.

Thank you :)

OP posts:
Original poster
RachCCE · 10/06/2025 08:07

TooManyCupsAndMugs · 10/06/2025 08:01

On a good day, I love teaching and being with teenagers. But although every teacher wants to change the world, please be aware it isn't as simple as "I'll be so wonderful and super engaging, the kids will just fall into line". It doesn't work like that honestly.

Show quote history

I know, I know. I'm riding on the dream cliche haha. But better have that attitude i guess?? What's the worst part of the job for you?

OP posts:
TooManyCupsAndMugs · 10/06/2025 08:01

RachCCE · 10/06/2025 07:50

Oh ill try do that thank-you, very novice mumsnet user!

I do like teenagers en masse, and my subject is so subjective and thought provoking I feel like I can really get them interested and involved.

I know teachers are reading and thinking.... eye roll haha. But genuinely when I was at uni as a mature student even then I felt student engagement could be SO much better and I feel up for the challenge.

Edited
Show quote history

On a good day, I love teaching and being with teenagers. But although every teacher wants to change the world, please be aware it isn't as simple as "I'll be so wonderful and super engaging, the kids will just fall into line". It doesn't work like that honestly.

Original poster
RachCCE · 10/06/2025 07:50

TeenToTwenties · 10/06/2025 06:54

You may be better off asking for this to be moved to The Staffroom topic which is specifically for teachers.

Do you like teenagers en masse?

Oh ill try do that thank-you, very novice mumsnet user!

I do like teenagers en masse, and my subject is so subjective and thought provoking I feel like I can really get them interested and involved.

I know teachers are reading and thinking.... eye roll haha. But genuinely when I was at uni as a mature student even then I felt student engagement could be SO much better and I feel up for the challenge.

OP posts:
Original poster
RachCCE · 10/06/2025 07:48

SherlocksDeerstalker · 10/06/2025 06:58

I did it and it’s been an amazing nice for me. I’m just coming to the end of four years in, and although it’s never been easy per se, it is definitely manageable for somebody with your skills and experience (similar to mine). You just need to be a multi tasker and adept at having a million different plates spinning at once! I’d go for it in your shoes. I love working with young people.

This is just the positive response I needed, I've really really looked forward to it yet every time I tell someone in my life I get a funny face and a groan!

OP posts:
Original poster
RachCCE · 10/06/2025 07:47

Hercisback1 · 10/06/2025 07:03

Sounds like workload won't be an issue so park that.

Having mentored and career change students, the biggest issue is usually behaviour and accepting feedback to improve. Can you cope with a room of teens being rude and remain calm? Can you cope with constant feedback and improving yourself?

The ages of your children are very spread. You'll never be able to go to anything at your children's school. Do you have cast iron childcare?

Solid childcare, have needed it for the last 15 years, spending alot of time working in London (staying a few days at a time). Being yorkshire based the childcare has needed to be spot on due to my work travel.

Happy to receive feedback, on a constant self improvement journey and always looking and seeking ways to improve. Very very optimistic and positive in general so I find feedback useful rather than a criticism.

Kids trash talking will be my biggest learning point, I've had some experience at college but have very very well disciplined children at home and I feel my style of discipline is perfectly suited to teenagers....I know this probably sounds naive to everyone!

OP posts:
Original poster
RachCCE · 10/06/2025 07:45

TooManyCupsAndMugs · 10/06/2025 07:08

I'm a secondary school teacher and yes, you do have the measure of how much time it takes up. However the money probably isn't consummate with the hours worked and at times it REALLY bothers me how kids speak to adults, you will be amazed at the lack of respect. I had a student say disdainfully "YOU have a degree in (subject) ?" like he couldn't believe it.

Definitely not in it for the money, I know its low hourly rate when worked out. But I can finally afford to take the pay cut if that makes sense. Other half can support the drop in salary so very lucky in that sense.

OP posts:
Original poster
RachCCE · 10/06/2025 07:43

PotteringAlonggotkickedoutandhadtoreregister · 10/06/2025 06:55

I haven’t done that but I am a secondary school teacher…

…and on its day, it’s still the best job in the world.

I love it, and would never say don’t go for it. I would say that it’s a really hard job to do if you don’t really want to do it, but are just doing it for the holidays etc.

Not just the holidays, although huge bonus! I have worked with PRU teens on a voluntary basis since I was 18 on and off. During my time at college I learned my happy place was when I was with the kids, talking to them etc. It's definitely the "dream" to inspire young minds, I know its a cliche ...

OP posts:
TooManyCupsAndMugs · 10/06/2025 07:08

I'm a secondary school teacher and yes, you do have the measure of how much time it takes up. However the money probably isn't consummate with the hours worked and at times it REALLY bothers me how kids speak to adults, you will be amazed at the lack of respect. I had a student say disdainfully "YOU have a degree in (subject) ?" like he couldn't believe it.

Hercisback1 · 10/06/2025 07:03

Sounds like workload won't be an issue so park that.

Having mentored and career change students, the biggest issue is usually behaviour and accepting feedback to improve. Can you cope with a room of teens being rude and remain calm? Can you cope with constant feedback and improving yourself?

The ages of your children are very spread. You'll never be able to go to anything at your children's school. Do you have cast iron childcare?

SherlocksDeerstalker · 10/06/2025 06:58

I did it and it’s been an amazing nice for me. I’m just coming to the end of four years in, and although it’s never been easy per se, it is definitely manageable for somebody with your skills and experience (similar to mine). You just need to be a multi tasker and adept at having a million different plates spinning at once! I’d go for it in your shoes. I love working with young people.

PotteringAlonggotkickedoutandhadtoreregister · 10/06/2025 06:55

I haven’t done that but I am a secondary school teacher…

…and on its day, it’s still the best job in the world.

I love it, and would never say don’t go for it. I would say that it’s a really hard job to do if you don’t really want to do it, but are just doing it for the holidays etc.

TeenToTwenties · 10/06/2025 06:54

You may be better off asking for this to be moved to The Staffroom topic which is specifically for teachers.

Do you like teenagers en masse?

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