I want to be a teacher. Guidance needed.

[Mumblecrumbs]

I have been in a bit of a state the last few weeks trying to figure out what to do with my future. I have been a SAHM of three for over a decade and had health problems/mental health problems off and on during that time.
What I really want to do, what I've always wanted to do really, is be a History teacher in secondary.
The issue is I currently have no history degree (though am starting one full time via the OU in September) and no employment references etc for when the time comes to apply for a PGCE. I have tried to do some volunteering here and there but am always turned down as I have no suitable references that aren't family members. It also seems that even voluntary jobs these days are becoming increasingly competitive.

I just really need some guidance. I am lucky enough to have DH to support me whilst I try to build a career from myself but it seems like there is just obstacle after obstacle in my path that I won't be able to overcome.

I really don’t think that teaching is compatible with a young family, particularly combined with a disability. The hours aren’t family friendly, there will be work in the evening, no flexibility for taking leave for fwmily things.

Could you do something with a local museum or the National Trust? Does it have to be a history degree?

History isn’t a shortage subject and you’d be expected to offer other subjects too probably.

I taught for many many years and was an assistant head and SENCo. There’s no wayId do it now, or recommend it. Sorry OP. It just isn’t the career it was.

Good on your friend. I taught for 12 years, only ever met one teacher with a physical disability (she used walking sticks) and she left the profession.

I'm glad it is working for your friend.

OP, I’m in a very similar position to you. I’m a SAHM and I graduate this year from the OU (all being well!) with BA Humanities (Art History and History). I was hoping to go into either teaching or nursing (yes, I’m a masochist) but unfortunately I’m finding the finance prohibitive. I paid for my degree through inheritance after my parents died, but now I’ve spent up. It depends where you are in the country, but the PGCE would cost £9k and a nursing degree would be £18k. I know I could have a student loan, but I don’t want a load of debt hanging over me (I’m 48). So at the minute I’m in limbo as to what I can do with just the degree. I can’t afford any extra training. Just something else to think about.

Firstly well done on getting onto your course. A degree is essential. Secondly, History is very competitive. I have a good history degree from a red brick university with two years experience as a teaching assistant and couldn't get onto a History PGCE. There were 13 places that year and 375 applicants. I was lucky to get an interview. I teach primary now and am glad I did because I love it. I should say though that it is both physically and mentally draining. You have 3 young children- prepare to not attend their assemblies etc. Do you have school experience? If not then I recommend a teaching assistant job. Good luck op.

Can someone break down the 60 hour week bit please? Does that include marking/ lesson planning at home? How many hours in work vs working at home? Does this vary in holidays? Is it the same in primary as secondary?
I’m another one who likes the idea of teaching but needs to know more about the actual practicalities.

Can i just point out if we tell everyone not to get in to teaching then the situation will get even worse?

I like my job. Im secondary English. It is demanding and draining at times but i honestly think that's part of the sector. Any job on this kind of wage has its own stressors.

I've found working in public sector now there are far more accommodations made for health than would be in many private sector careers in my personal experience of both.

The school is definitely key to how you feel going to work every day. A strong leadership carries you over all the worst bits. Plus the holidays are amazing obviously. I will usually spend 3 days max over the 7 week summer planning for the next year, not a huge task. I only work weekends when we carry out big assessments. You have off days with the kids but then an hour later something great happens.

Like anything, its what you make it.

Contact your local secondary. Shadow a couple of teachers for a day and see what you think. You could then offer to take small groups for projects that supplement the curriculum.

Don't let the negative Nancys put you off!

Can i just point out if we tell everyone not to get in to teaching then the situation will get even worse?

So we should tell them it's fine and let them feel like it's their fault when it's appalling?

The profession needs an overhaul, led by government, to make it attractive to enter and, more importantly, to stay in. Not the constant rotation of NQTs who stay for fewer than five years and then leave, or the unqualified teachers paid tuppence.

Any job on this kind of wage has its own stressors. The why is the retention rate for teaching so much lower than other comparably paid professions?

Can i just point out if we tell everyone not to get in to teaching then the situation will get even worse?
I'm inclined to agree, however it is important people go in with their eyes open

Sweeping comments full of hyperbole from people who are feeling jaded are almost as unhelpful as the teaching adverts where some attractive 25 year old teaches in a modern classroom full of iPads with a class of 15 and tells everyone they can be head of department after 6 weeks in the classroom.

Can i just point out if we tell everyone not to get in to teaching then the situation will get even worse?.

Well, you can tell people whatever you want to. I’m going to be honest.

Can someone break down the 60 hour week bit please?

I’m in at 7.30 and leave at 5.30/6, so that’s 50-52 hours. Easily do another hour or so each evening and more on a Sunday afternoon, it see on mounts up. Obviously it’s not the same in the holidays. I would use those to plan whole units of work or do bigger assessments.

At school, it’s spent setting up lessons and resources, doing displays, meeting parents, phoning parents, emailing parents, planning with colleagues, staff meetings, assessing, marking, entering data on the computer, moderating, risk assessments, planning assemblies etc

At home and on Sundays it’s more taking the general planning and using it to make my own planning for each lesson that I’m doing.

Bookish, we need to be realistic about the profession to people who are asking for advice. I think we've all said that we love teaching and enjoy it as a vocation. However, working conditions are desperate. It does no good to pretend otherwise.

It does no good to pretend otherwise.

And the problems seem to be more in retention than recruitment.

My lovely DH left at 6:30am and still isn't home yet. Assistant Head.

Oh, back now, ravenous as not had time to eat all day. Oh, and they want him on during school holidays to run an "enrichment" programme. He often says the only good thing about teaching is the holidays, and now they're eroding those from our family life, too

And the problems seem to be more in retention than recruitment.

Which suggests people don't understand the realities of teaching, so threads like this are vital to ensure people go in with their eyes open and we don't waste huge amounts of money on training and recruiting.

To be completely honest, I would not advise someone with previous mental health issues to become a teacher. It’s a job that takes up your whole life, giving you very little time for yourself, your family or your friends, and it takes a toll, physically and emotionally. (I was a teacher before I left the UK).

Which suggests people don't understand the realities of teaching, so threads like this are vital to ensure people go in with their eyes open and we don't waste huge amounts of money on training and recruiting.

Absolutely.

Don't let the negative Nancys put you off!
Patronising twatishness. Of course stick to your dream, but go in with eyes open. The pp is clearly en route to senior management.

@Howmanysleepsnow the 60 hour week- 7am-6pm in school, plus an hour or two in the eve for marking and planning. I also found reports meant I was working until 1am in the morning. I'm now doing supply teaching which is less demanding.

I did not say in my post it wasnt a difficult job. It is, which is why i advised actually going in to a school.

And to the PP saying I am on my way to SLT, I could not think of anything further from the truth. I get in at 830, i leave at 4.30. I have good relationships with pupils which helps immensely. I have done the 60 hour weeks making a martyr of myself but i realised that just is not for me.

Teaching is the last job.
Don't do it.