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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Teachers!

564 replies

MsFannySqueers · 20/12/2021 11:01

So retired/ex teachers are being asked to consider returning to the classroom because of possible staff shortages in the New Year. Is this something you would do?

OP posts:
manysummersago · 20/12/2021 11:02

The answer here will clearly be no.

In reality I think a few might. We’ll see.

sarah13xx · 20/12/2021 11:03

I’m on mat leave but not for all the tea in China 😂 they’ll be lucky if I’m even going back at the end of my year off and I don’t look for something else. Maybe they need to question why so many teachers leave or retire early 🤷🏼‍♀️

2toastornot2toast · 20/12/2021 11:04

Hmm hilarious as if!!! Cant even get supply staff this term and we were throwing money at them.
Ex and retired teachers also would struggle to be up to date on the constantly moving nature of teaching.

GettingLardy · 20/12/2021 11:07

I retired at 55 in the Summer. My life has improved so much by no longer being in a classroom. I would never go back.

Suzanne999 · 20/12/2021 11:08

No way. I suppose I still count as a qualified teacher, qualified at 21, taught for 4 years then left on maternity leave and never went back. I’m about 30 years out of date, doubt anyone would want me.

superram · 20/12/2021 11:08

I left teaching and then returned as corporate life isn’t for me. I only work part time and would do extra days for my current school (but they won’t ask as I’d want my full salary not supply rates). I won’t be volunteering in other schools.

MissCruellaDeVil · 20/12/2021 11:09

We can't get supply staff in so doubt retired teachers will want to come in, the standards wouldn't be the same either, teaching moves so fast.

Howeverdoyouneedme · 20/12/2021 11:10

Where has this been reported? Are they paying people? I haven’t taught for six years so would consider actually, but not for free!

123rd · 20/12/2021 11:11

Ha ha...no
Do we not need to worry about DBS checks etc??

DoubleDeckerSwimmer · 20/12/2021 11:12

@Howeverdoyouneedme

Where has this been reported? Are they paying people? I haven’t taught for six years so would consider actually, but not for free!
Press release from DfE today: www.gov.uk/government/news/education-secretary-calls-for-ex-teachers-to-return-to-classrooms
DoubleDeckerSwimmer · 20/12/2021 11:12

@123rd

Ha ha...no Do we not need to worry about DBS checks etc??
They want them to register with supply agencies.
Appuskidu · 20/12/2021 11:13

@Howeverdoyouneedme

Where has this been reported? Are they paying people? I haven’t taught for six years so would consider actually, but not for free!
Well, there’s one taker at least then!
Tillsforthrills · 20/12/2021 11:15

Why should they expose themselves to help out this inadequate government.

ThanksItHasPockets · 20/12/2021 11:18

It has been roundly ridiculed on MN but in the real world I know two former colleagues (recently retired) who have contacted our headteacher with their availability. One has already been involved in the catch-up tutoring programme for vulnerable pupils.

madisonbridges · 20/12/2021 11:18

I might but I don't have a current DBS so probably couldn't.

AnkleDeep · 20/12/2021 11:19

Not a chance in hell.

RAOK · 20/12/2021 11:20

The dfe have launched adverts. Schools are not a safe environment for retired people currently.

cauliflowersqueeze · 20/12/2021 11:22

@123rd

Ha ha...no Do we not need to worry about DBS checks etc??
Absolutely. And they can take weeks to come through.
BiggerBoat1 · 20/12/2021 11:22

There aren't even any supply teachers available!

Plus, retired teachers will not have up to date DBS checks and may well not be familiar with the current curriculum.

manysummersago · 20/12/2021 11:24

@ThanksItHasPockets

It has been roundly ridiculed on MN but in the real world I know two former colleagues (recently retired) who have contacted our headteacher with their availability. One has already been involved in the catch-up tutoring programme for vulnerable pupils.
Same. A couple of my erstwhile colleagues have agreed to go in. It’s to their old schools though.

We also have some part time staff who have come in on their days off.

Prescottdanni123 · 20/12/2021 11:24

Retired people of a certain age probably won't want to take the risk.

Younger people who have worked in teaching before and are currently out of work might consider it. It is one of the most secure jobs going at the minute.

TheHoptimist · 20/12/2021 11:24

The DfE is releasing the tiny numbers of QTS they have to help.
I think other is a reason that most are no longer teachers!

TheHoptimist · 20/12/2021 11:25

@BiggerBoat1

There aren't even any supply teachers available!

Plus, retired teachers will not have up to date DBS checks and may well not be familiar with the current curriculum.

Actually lots do as they are governors registered with the update service.
Appuskidu · 20/12/2021 11:27

One has already been involved in the catch-up tutoring programme

Someone from the government (I forget who) was on the telly last week saying the problem with supply in schools was because supply/ex- teachers were doing the catch up instead of supply teaching, and they needed to stop doing that and ‘step up’ back to the classroom.

Useruseruserusee · 20/12/2021 11:27

I’m a full time teacher in London and currently have Covid. I can only have caught it from work as I drive there and back by myself, I’ve been nowhere else and no one else in my house has it. I was trying to be careful for Christmas but that’s gone out of the window now. If I knew a retired teacher personally, I would advise them not to take the risk.

However, it would really help with cover. There’s just no supply around. Last week we had 10 staff members positive, it’s really difficult to keep things going like that.