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Original poster

Do psychology teachers exist?

15 replies

Gimmeesugar · 31/10/2018 09:13

It’s not an existential question! I have a career in the city but, for various reasons, I hate it and want to retrain. I have a psychology degree and it’s always been something I’d love to go back to. Retraining as a psychologist just seems too far out of reach for my age (40) plus I need to earn an actual salary so can’t retrain for 4 or more years, so my mind has turned to teaching as a way in. The question I can’t seem to find the answer to though is, do most secondary schools now teach Psychology (I know they didn’t use to) and are there many jobs available in this field?

Any advice appreciated?

OP posts:

LoniceraJaponica · 31/10/2018 09:15

DD's school always had problems recruiting good psychology teachers, so in my limited experience I think you should go for it.

samlovesdilys · 31/10/2018 09:17

Yes!!! And seriously needed...very popular at 6th form...to keep options open though I suggest you train with a 2nd subject - sociology is also very popular (often 'social sciences'), or regular science??...if you are reluctant to go back to uni I also suggest you look at scitt training which is more school-based! Good luck!!

Rokerwriter · 31/10/2018 09:18

My daughter did Psychology A Level at secondary school (rather than at a college, I mean). Her school didn't offer GCSE but others might. Given how popular it is at degree level now, I would assume it will filter down. I have no professional basis for saying this, just my experience.

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Jackshouse · 31/10/2018 09:20

Yes, but not many in my experience and they tend to be sixth form or college. Teachers pay/conditions in a college are not as good as in a school.

zeebeedee · 31/10/2018 09:29

Lots of sixth forms (schools and colleges) offer it, but to work in a school, you'd need to offer another subject too, as one or even 2 sixth form classes won't fill a timetable.

MaisyPops · 31/10/2018 09:31

Yes they exist. Usually they are doubled up with another subject e.g. psychology and sociology post 16 (with out of specialism humanities at ks3) or psychology at gcse and a level but with ks3 science.

dingdongdigeridoo · 31/10/2018 09:35

I went to an FE college and they had a psychology teacher. I think she also taught criminology. Although if you want to teach something other than psychology there are different routes into teaching. Some of my friends are teachers and they studied all sorts of subjects at undergrad level.

Original poster

Gimmeesugar · 31/10/2018 09:38

Thanks all that’s really helpful. For those saying it’s best to offer another subject too - do you need an A-Level or degree in another subject to learn to teach it?

OP posts:

AdamNichol · 31/10/2018 09:51

My wife was Head of Psychology at various schools and colleges for many years, and now works for AQA.
Big Sixth Forms will offer exclusive psychology roles. But, speaking as a former VI Form politics teacher, can be troubled places to work (pay and conditions, etc).
Schools often have biologists moonlighting into their A-level Psych roles. Or if they are big enough, have a combined Psych/Sociology role.
You don't need a-levels or degree in something to teach it necessarily, might get outcompeted on applications though. If you are in a school, the ability to deliver maths or RE to lower year groups would be desirable. [MNers, hoping I don't open the door to the RE debate again here ]

samlovesdilys · 31/10/2018 09:52

Honestly - degree level - probably not! Think about your degree - was it more 'sociology' or 'science' based and argue it that way. A-Levels would be preferable but again not essential, you train to be a teacher and that gives confidence...

susurration · 31/10/2018 09:55

There was a psychology and sociology teacher at my 6th form, 12 years ago. It was one of the most popular classes.

totallyaddicted · 31/10/2018 10:04

You get paid whilst training if you do the doctorate in clinical psychology but it is very competitive.
Yes of course psychology teachers exist, from gcse right through to university. Lots of colleges now teach it.

PoisonousSmurf · 31/10/2018 10:06

Yes they exist! My eldest DD is doing it for A level at a college 20 miles away.
Couldn't get the course at sixth form as they had no teacher for the subject!

Original poster

Gimmeesugar · 31/10/2018 10:24

Thanks all. My degree was a BSc Psychology and I got a first in it. In terms of teaching another science alongside it, for instance Biology, I only have GCSE level C’s so would that be enough? Clearly I couldn’t teach a-level could I?! I have a-levels in English and Comms studies too.

OP posts:

AdamNichol · 31/10/2018 10:44

Ability to offer GCSE English Language as a resit is often useful in colleges - kids have to repeat ad infinitum until they get the C.
You may be able to teach A-level biology if you can get comfortable enough with the content but also if the department is well set up with a scheme of work and the needed resources.
If your degree had enough Stats, could you do lower school maths?

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