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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

AIBU to want to be a teacher?

22 replies

BabyDubsEverywhere · 18/10/2011 22:48

I have started on the Access course this year, will hopefully be starting Uni September 2012 to study history, with the view to secondary teaching.

I'm feeling a little nervous about my choice, others on the course are saying history and the like are dead subjects and should go for sciences and maths if i have a hope in hell of being empolyed at the end.

What do you all think?
Any secondary teachers about who could offer a litle advice on the subject?
AIBU/on a fools errand to try to teach a subject I am really interested in?

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EndoplasmicReticulum · 18/10/2011 22:51

Have you been to a school to see what it's like? That will give you the best insight.

Don't ask me though, I'm a science teacher (can you guess?).

You may find it difficult to get a job, have a look and see what's available in your area as a guide - are you prepared to move when you have qualified?

PotteringAlong · 18/10/2011 22:54

I'm a humanities teacher and i say go for it! Tis a fab job!

History is in a much stronger position than say RE at the moment due to the EBacc

Original poster

BabyDubsEverywhere · 18/10/2011 22:55

We start our placements next week (been waiting for the crb checks, Ive moved a lot!) and I am really looking froward to that. I think hearing everyone else talking about their 'sure thing' subjects has rocked my nerve a little. We are prepared to move about a bit so that should be fine.

I dont suppose I could be really cheeky and ask for a good teachers employment site?

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EndoplasmicReticulum · 18/10/2011 22:59

www.tes.co.uk/

stick in "history" to the jobs bit and see what comes up.

troisgarcons · 18/10/2011 23:00

Maths and Science are sought after subjects- but if you dont have a passion or degree in them - then forget it.

eBacc will fall away, it isnt a compulsory set of subjects, nor is it a qualification on it's own. RS is often a 'compulsory' option - it is in most schools by virtue the curriculum states it must be taught.

vj32 · 18/10/2011 23:01

History is really competitive - both in terms of PGCE places, and jobs. Having done an access course might work against you, just because they have 50+ good applicants for each job and are looking for reasons to discount people.

Serious advice - do history if you love it. Do student associates scheme if they still run that. (You get paid to be a TA - when I was a TA student associates got paid more than we did!!) You need a 2.1 from a good uni. You will get a job if you are prepared to relocate/travel a long way/work in inner city schools. You will also increase your chances if you can also teach geography, RS, citizenship or PSHE, because many schools now offer some sort of generic 'humanities' type course, and many people hate teaching outside their specialism.

But - get a lot of time in schools before you commit to teaching. You have to really really love it to do it as its really tough, especially PGCE and NQT year. And don't assume it is that family friendly - it is long hours during the week especially at certain times of year, and you will also have to work through some/most of the holidays, especially at first.

cricketballs · 18/10/2011 23:03

and don't forget history is included in the bacc which means schools are determined to get as many students to a C grade in either geography or history so specialists in this area are going to be in as much demand as maths/science

PotteringAlong · 18/10/2011 23:04

Ooh yes, student associates! I had 2 crackers last year who were fab.

I think you're right about EBacc trois, justca bit bitter as am an RE specialist and now fielding calls from parents who don't see us as a humanity anymore!

unpa1dcar3r · 18/10/2011 23:06

Blimey VJ32, you've scared the poo out of me! I'm just starting my PGCE...maybe I'll give up, sit on the sofa watching Jezza eating biscuits til i explode. It is already very tempting!
Mines not in science, maths or history but i would imagine history is a good subject...
My SIL has his in Sports Science and simply cannot get a job anywhere. Such a shame.

vj32 · 18/10/2011 23:07

History won't ever be in as much demand as science thats rubbish! Schools employ loads more science teachers because it has much more time on the timetable. Schools will also not employ a non-specialist science teacher but many seem to assume anyone can teach history.

I hope the Ebac gets dropped ASAP - it is being implemented really badly by some schools.

Original poster

BabyDubsEverywhere · 18/10/2011 23:07

My Dh is currently changing his career so he will be able to do all the school things (for our DC) and so I can actually get out there and do something! Its also a locationless job for him so we will be able to move to suit me and he can pick up again where ever we end up...thats the theory any way

Do you have to cover two subjects at degree level to teach two subjects or combined humanities. I have heard of this combined approach but havent seen any info about it from a pre degree/pgce level iykwim?

Also, does it matter for teaching at 'normal' schools where you got your degree? thinking the old polytech/redbrick argument.

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Original poster

BabyDubsEverywhere · 18/10/2011 23:09

Im looking up student associates as we speak, thank you :)

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PotteringAlong · 18/10/2011 23:13

My degree is RE and although I have an a-level in geography I have nothing in history but teach all 3!

Often integrated humanities is skills based - a good place to start is look up guy claxton and building learning power. There are lots of models but that's a common one.

vj32 · 18/10/2011 23:15

I think the trick with teaching is to find a good school - which isn't always the one that gets the best results, but the one with good supportive management and a good department that shares resources etc so you don't end up having to do everything yourself. Schools are really peculiar places.

unpa1dcar3r - I managed to find work for 3 years (fixed term contracts, but continuous) despite not being able to relocate, so it is possible. I'm more of a 'plan for the worst and then anything better will be nice...' kind of personality though, natural worrier. So I might be putting a negative spin on things. If you are going to curl up on the sofa instead of uni, I recommend both Helicopter Rescue and Homes Under the Hammer. Both excellent fluffy morning TV. Saw about 10 seconds of Jeremy Kyle the other day and just bblllrrr.

vj32 · 18/10/2011 23:19

Do a straight history degree to teach history, maybe one or two courses per year of something else, but don't do 'History and Geography' or whatever combined honours as it could make it more difficult to get on a PGCE - everyone on my course did straight history.

Once you are qualified the head teacher can tell you to teach anything. I have taught IT and psychology for example. You could end up teaching anything if there are gaps in your timetable.

Original poster

BabyDubsEverywhere · 18/10/2011 23:25

I really appreciate this thankyou, its great to get an extra perspective. We are going to really struggle to get through my 'learning' years as it is and really want to be prepared for likely outcomes, VJ32, Im like you also, I always try to anticipate the worst, less disapointment :)

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Original poster

BabyDubsEverywhere · 18/10/2011 23:34

Oops! I have just seen the all the teacher threads in AIBU tonight, I do wonder WHY i really want to do this so much sometimes

OP posts:

stressheaderic · 18/10/2011 23:44

I did my PGCE in 2005. You're talking 3-4 hours work (and I mean shut yourself in the offce, not have laptop on knee in front of TV) every evening, and at least one full weekend day during placements. This is because planning has to be so rigourous, detailed and you're expected to create resources from scratch in some cases, to prove yourself.

NQT year a little less, and it gets gradually easier after that, until a few years in when you're given/expected to do extra responsibilities.

In term time, expect to have no social life, be totally immersed in school, be knackered to the point of exhaustion, be standing at the kitchen sink going over lessons and ideas in your head.
In the holidays, expect to make your non-teacher friends very envious, and possibly mind their kids. You do also have to fit every appointment into half terms as annual leave does not exist.
This coming half term I have carpet cleaning man, car MOT, dentist, optician, smear test, and 2 hosp appointments for DD, plus Xmas shopping cos no time to do it until Xmas week when we break up. Relaxing week off it won't be!

It can be very rewarding but also totally thankless (esp in secondary) - it is a true job of ups and downs. I think it is quite well-paid and pay goes up quite quickly. If you love it, go for it, a teacher who enthuses about their subject inspires kids the most.

troisgarcons · 19/10/2011 06:39

Good Geography teachers are few and far between - so if you have a degree in that - then i would assume that would be your choice.

Whatmeworry · 19/10/2011 07:05

If you think you can deal with the precious mummees on MN you'll deal with the rest no problem :o

NinkyNonker · 19/10/2011 07:50

Have you looked at the gtp? Can't remember if you said you had a degree.

Original poster

BabyDubsEverywhere · 19/10/2011 11:30

Ninky, no I have just started on an access course, will start degree September 2012. Looooong road ahead, but quite excited about it all :)

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