For many years now I've harboured a dream to become a primary school teacher, more specifically a foundation stage teacher. I already have an early years degree and have worked with children since I left school at 16 but a lack of GCSE maths has always held me back (all the PGCE primary courses I've looked at require a C or above in maths). However I've decided to take the plunge and I'm going to resit next year. I've been brushing up on my maths skills for the past few months in preparation.
I visited a careers advisor a while back who told me that working as a teaching assistant is a very good career move if you wish to go into teaching. Firstly because it gives you an insight into what teachers do and secondly because universities like to see that you've had experience in a school before offering you a place on a course. You'd also be able to get a reference from the head teacher to go on your application.
So I've been applying and applying for every single one that I see and not getting so much as an interview. This is despite me having worked with young kids for years and have loads of experience, I even worked as a one to one with a little girl who had severe learning disabilities for two years. All of this goes on my applications and I still hear nothing.
Today I've applied for yet another one. I was told about it by a friend who already works at the school and she suggested it would look good for me to visit beforehand. So this morning I went and met the head and he seemed really indifferent to me, like he as going through the motions. I tried to seem enthusiastic but he just told me that they'd had lots of applicants. Apparently even qualified teachers apply for TA posts! What the hell is that all about?
I feel really dejected and wonder whats the point at all? Sorry to ramble on, but AIBU to just give up?