Teachers!

[MsFannySqueers]

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?

I loved teaching but hated all the crap that went with it. If I could just go back and teach, it's something I'd seriously consider.

It is one of the most secure jobs going at the minute

Supply teaching, secure?

If (when) you catch covid, you will be unable to work and won’t be paid! There is no sick pay and schools can cancel you at any point.

What? Where?!!

I left in July - would consider it for schools I know but not any old school. And not a chance on supply rates.

@Appuskidu

It is one of the most secure jobs going at the minute

Supply teaching, secure?

If (when) you catch covid, you will be unable to work and won’t be paid! There is no sick pay and schools can cancel you at any point.

one of the reasons there is no supply is because it is a crap job At theorist agencies- no pension, paid at lowest new teacher rate even when experienced

the agencies take up to 50% of amount school pays
but they wanted to get rid of LA led supply to save money

And not a chance on supply rates

I think some people think that agency supply teachers get paid much more as a daily rate than contracted teachers!

I would but I have a 1 year old so it's not that simple.
I taught straight from uni then didn't go back after maternity leave. I currently volunteer in a school and wondered if they'd ask me but nope.

Not all teachers hate it (most don’t, actually). We are doing ourselves a terrible disservice as a profession by talking about what we do in such negative terms.

You don’t need to be retired to be qualified and experienced, and yet not teaching in a school at the moment.

Departments and SLTs need to cultivate their contacts and not burn bridges with those who leave (… and DBSs / safeguarding training are really not hard to organise).

When a teacher leaves, the prospect of working freelance for schools should be an attractive option (… and would make good use of what has already been invested in the professional development of so many).

This government seems to go from one mad idea to the next. If teachers are catching covid in droves so schools in danger of closing what do they think will happen when older teachers go in? Same conditions, same 30 kids in a class so how long before the replacements fall ill?

Plus aren't we constantly being told that older people are more vulnerable to serious infection so at 69 I don't think I will he risking my health to help Boris out.

This idea demonstrated how little this government values all that teachers do. Do they think that people like me, seven years away from the classroom can just rock up and provide quality lessons for exam classes? Of course I can't I have no clue about the content of the current syllabus so it would just be expensive babysitting without much value for the GCSE and A level students I used to teach.

Never mind, if some of us go in and fall off our perches teaching to the last, it will be a few less pensions for the government to pay out 😀😳

Not all teachers hate it (most don’t, actually). We are doing ourselves a terrible disservice as a profession by talking about what we do in such negative terms

Good point Billie

Teaching my classes is great. I know the kids, I know where they are on the curriculum and how to address any misconceptions.

Covering a random class is not the same.

No.

I am now a self employed tutor. I have 2 dc at home. If I volunteer in a school, get Covid and am unwell, I can't do my paid work. No work, no money. Simple as that really.

Absolutely not. There was a reason I left. The kids are great, my subject is great, but I just can't handle the atmosphere.

Plus, I am busy doing other stuff.

Nope!

I'd do it if the government sort out ventilation in schools and pay me if I get sick. Otherwise no thanks.

@Billiesmovingout

Not all teachers hate it (most don’t, actually). We are doing ourselves a terrible disservice as a profession by talking about what we do in such negative terms.

You don’t need to be retired to be qualified and experienced, and yet not teaching in a school at the moment.

Departments and SLTs need to cultivate their contacts and not burn bridges with those who leave (… and DBSs / safeguarding training are really not hard to organise).

When a teacher leaves, the prospect of working freelance for schools should be an attractive option (… and would make good use of what has already been invested in the professional development of so many).

Well said.

No. I'm seventy-three now so wouldn't dream of it. I taught secondary for 37 years so did my bit.

I'm amused at the pp who think it wouldn't work because these retired teachers aren't up-to-date with the curriculum. Beggars can't be choosers.

Retired last term would not go back.

We have 6 member of our SLT that have non teaching roles - get them in the classroom first

Do they think that people like me, seven years away from the classroom can just rock up and provide quality lessons for exam classes?

I could. The basics of my subject haven't changed. But I'd think I'd just be covering for subjects other than mine whilst teachers were isolating, not acting as a teacher for a year. I don't see why that's disrespectful.

And many people leave teaching but aren't at retirement age. True some will be employed elsewhere, but some won't and might want to earn extra money for a limited amount of time.

The government advert on the website simply points you in the direction of supply agencies, which is ridiculous. If ex teachers wanted to be doing supply they could already have been doing this. There’s no additional incentive being offered. I doubt many will do this…

I know a fair few retired teachers.

Not a chance!!!

I am 54, and am a qualified teacher.
But I haven't taught in a UK classroom for years.
I was school govenor and still work with families and do private tutoring, so I am not completely out of touch.

In some ways I could walk into a classroom and teach the class (primary). I can still do class control, and teach a good lesson or 6.

But in other ways I have no idea about current paperwork, am not in touch with current curriculum, and so would struggle to get that sorted.

In other words I would be a good body in front of the class, but there would be many gaps.

Would I sign up to supply to help out in January?

No. Not a chance.
Apart from anything else, I have a committment to my private students, and wouldn't risk those lessons.

I'd go back to teaching, except having been out so long (10 years) I would have to go back as a cover supervisor etc for a while and I can't take that much of a pay cut. I won't do supply as its not practical with primary age children. Shame there is little support to get ex teachers back in the classroom or even keep the ones that are already there rather than just funding more teacher training.

My friend is an ex-teacher, now working as a lunchtime supervisor. She says she'll go back to teaching when he'll freezes over.

Hell not he'll

Are the government going to give schools the money to pay for all these supply teachers? Because schools sure as hell can't afford it otherwise.