What would you think if your adult child wanted to become a primary school teacher ?

[SwanWings]

Really smart, still in uni, it's that adult dc life and their choice, but I probably worry it could lead to a hard life, low pay, too many demanding parents, unrealistic expectations from the schools, being inspected alot.

Just wondering what you'd think if was adult child considering this
Of course we will support dc regardless and of course its a valuable job indeed

They really do not see up classrooms over Christmas and for weeks on end in the summer! I’ve been a governor of three schools and whilst teachers work hard in term time it’s light in the holidays except for the heads. It balances out.

Some clearly do as I know people who do it - three days so far in school setting up the room. Several more days planned meeting with other teachera for curriculum sorting and handovers etc. Not to mention the planning they are also doing.

I'm always bemused by governors commenting as I've never worked in a school where governors would have any idea how much I do or don't work. My own parents-in-law, who live minutes from me, assumed I left for work about an hour later than I did and I'd had the job for 7 years! I do a full working day for every week of holiday I get, which I don't really mind and certainly don't complain about. It's similar for the other teachers in my primary school.

I would be fine with it. There are issues in teaching, but there are issues in many fields of work. If it doesn’t work out for them, they can leave the profession and try something else, a different job entirely, move to adult education or even teach abroad like some of their relatives do. But I’d be happy they have an idea of what they want to do, because when I was around that age I had no clue and no direction.

My DD wanted to be a primary school teacher. Her sixth form asked them all to do work experience, so she went to a local school. She soon changed her mind.

It would be interesting to see if the opinions of teachers currently teaching are different to that of those who have never taught.
I can probably guess the answer.
I taight for 22 years (primary) nnd would be very concerned of any of my three wanted to go into teaching (not that they would).
It makes me smile when you get the "My 25 yo son/daughter has been teaching for two years and loves it."
Tell me that again in another 20 years when your child has a family of his/her own and is on the edge of burnout!

Honestly kids these days will be working 50+ years before they retire. They are unlikely to own their own homes, probably most won't have children so are fluid in terms of locations. I'm all for letting them go where their interests lie. Let them try, if they don't enjoy it so what they move onto the next thing or move within their industry.

In regards to teaching it opens up so many opportunities if the classroom isnt a good fit. My brother has spent years as a qualified teacher teaching English all around the world. He travels in the school holidays, whilst he's not rich financially he is in life. He spent his early career teaching in PRU's, primary schools in deprived areas and the like.

@Oioiqueen Has he got a family of his own?

I'm a primary school teacher OP and I do enjoy it for the most part. That said I wouldn't encourage my children to teach (& I think most teachers would say the same) as there's definitely less stressful and easier ways to earn a living. It is a good job though, it's rewarding, never boring, the holidays are great and you have security. You can also teach around the world, tutor or do supply. Plus the skills are transferable to other jobs. I think other posters recommend volunteering in a school first which is a good idea. A year as a TA first would be a great way for your child to get an insight into schools.

Nope the chance never came for him.

However for someone starting early in a teaching career that also wants to see the world it's a good way of paying for that before settling down in the UK.

However he has worked with others who have the same lifestyle that have families. Not how I would parent moving my children around the world every 3 years to international schools.

No. Though unless you are ‘just’ teaching, as opposed to a subject head, or SN lead or cover sports on weekends etc, you might do more, and some over the holidays. And if not, it doesn’t make the 50 hours any easier when your partner is working full time and you have your own children. It’s not like you can work from home. It really is a vocation imo.

I'd be really proud! It's a well respected and noble profession IMO. Its contributing to society and important meaningful work. Plus long holidays with holiday pay. If she leaves and changes career path so be it, none of us know what way it will work in any field. It's not a moment for 'I told you so'. Every path has challenges, entry level jobs being replaced with AI, competitive markets, unhealthy working environments, short term contracts with no job security etc., there is no very easy option out there. A person's success in a field is as much to do with their personality and ability to manage stress and social situations as it is their skill set so no young person really knows how anything will work for them.

Retired teacher here. It’s a difficult job at times and the pay isn’t great but the personal rewards of seeing children grow and develop are amazing and in my experience there’s a lot of fun and laughter. I’m glad I chose teaching as a career. It’s never boring anyway! Also, if she ever thinks of having children it is lovely to have that extended time with them in the holidays. We made so many happy memories (husband also a teacher).

@LizzieLazzie When did you last teach? The job now is very different and demands are ever-increasing.
It is not an own child friendly choice whatsoever.

@Dontlletmedownbruce sadly I don’t think many people share your opinion about teaching being well respected. I think over the years it’s become less and less well regarded. Just look at how some people speak about teachers on here.

Someone has got to be a primary school teacher.

Lots of teachers prep and mark at home. It’s actually quite a family friendly job. Not all work has to be done in school. Many heads I know have dc and many teachers and they absolutely do value the holidays and not needing expensive child care. It’s also a great part time job and job shares are quite normal too. I do think it’s a great profession and has many upsides. The down is a crap head!

I’d hope they didn’t feel like it was a ‘calling’, as that’s the road to burnout!

I'm a teacher but not in primary. It can be very stressful, can take over your life. It can also be extremely rewarding. The money is ok, once you get higher up the pay scale, and obviously the holidays.
The primary teachers I know are knackered and spend most of their weekends working.

What on earth are they doing 7 days a week? I’ve never seen this. I know a few disorganised ones who seem to flounder but most get work done fairly efficiently - like any other professional.

This. I’ve taught young children, university students, and older adults. They have their own challenges and rewards. I’ve loved it all, even though it’s hard work, and life a regular office job, it doesn’t stop when you leave the building at the end of the day. Pay was ridiculously low. I’d still do it all again.

Teachers are the foundation of personal growth. Without teachers it is impossible to not be ignorant and to not be illiterate. Teachers make us open minded and healthy minded.