Any teachers here who've retrained?

[Theresalwaysmoneyinthebananastand]

I'd love to have a permanent teaching post, but I lack the confidence and skill.
I actually completed my PGCE 6 years ago but for various reasons I've never completed my NQT /ECT year.
I'm with 3 supply agencies and I've just received a letter from one stating that I'm no longer able to work as a teacher from them due to missing the 5 year cut off point, I could work as a Cover Supervisor, TA and so on.
I've worked a lot as a TA, I really enjoy it but ultimately it will never pay much.
Didn't like Cover Supervisor at all, kids lack respect for you.
I like TEFL but it's often zero hours work therefore I've had to have 2 other jobs alongside it to earn a full time salary.
I got 'Outstanding' for my PGCE, but honestly after 6 years I doubt any school would hire me as an ECT, would they?
Funnily I'm actually starting a long term teaching gig in Sept, but it'll be for a couple of months at most.
I'm actually thinking I should retrain in something completely different. Accounting, finance, business admin.
I'd be willing to do an apprenticeship, I just want something full time with progression that I'd enjoy and hopefully be good at. Has anybody else retrained and found something they've stuck with?

I would say now is the time to focus on securing a permanent teaching post with the teacher shortages particularly as your heart seems to be in teaching. You might have to move to a part of the country that's in dire need of teachers though, often less desirable places..

Thanks, I mean I live in one of the biggest city where there are an abundance of posts so I don't think I'd need to move really. I'm just thinking that schools will want people who've recently qualified, and why would they give me a job at this point.

If you want a teaching job, I'd start applying. It's not like you haven't been teaching for the last 6 years, you will have a breadth of experience a just-qualified ECT couldn't dream of.

Just read the ECT framework, make sure you know what all the current jargon means and go for it.

I don't think apprenticeships will be open to you, since you already have a degree.

Are you happy with a (substantial) pay cut? You mention low pay for TA and EFL - as an ex-teacher myself you need to accept that early teaching is a good salary and so if you're starting again in a different job, you're unlikely to even get close to a full time teaching salary.

There are many graduate jobs out there in the business field. You could consider other public sector jobs - police, NHS, civil service.

If you're wanting to stay in schools and are interested in business administration , there's always tons of support staff roles in schools. They pay rubbish though. And also school salaries for non-teachers is term time only pro-rata. So work full time but you only get paid 39/52 of the FTE salary.

In terms if what I did - I ran my own business for about a decade, but the global recession in 2018 marked my downfall. The business limped along for a bit until I realised I needed a proper job. I'm new DSL and Safeguarding for a large secondary. I live it. Pay is rubbish compared to teaching salary, but decent compared to general admin roles. I'd be earning around double if I'd have carried on teaching, but I'm happier out.

You need to check if you are eligible for an ECT role. I think your agency were right- if you don't complete induction (used to be called NQT, now called ECT) within 5 years you are no longer eligible to do it.

You can't be a fully qualified teacher without completing induction.

You might be able to argue that you've done a lot of teaching in those 5 years and maybe you could get something to evidence that you started induction within the timescale.

Check that first though to make sure teaching is even an option for you now.

Could you look at museums, outdoor education, zoos, wildlife Trust venues instead. Although many around here want qualified teachers for their education officers you could apply and explain your scenario, they may be happy with experience instead. You'll get to teach without the other pressures that go along with full time teaching.

I'm fairly certain the 5 year rule got scrapped. We looked into it a while ago for a TA who wanted to start using her PGCE.

Those jobs are very highly fought over, because who wouldn't want to have all the best bits of teaching without any of the ongoing stressses and targets? Not in any sense an easier option to get into.

Ah, sorry just had a quick read. There is no limit on the gap between QTS and starting induction but you can only do supply for 5 years- which is what the OP's agency have pointed out.

At my old school we had an ETC (then NQT) who had been teaching four years post PGCE and was still yet to complete the NQT due to pregnancy and illness, so I’m sure you will still find schools to take you. In fact from one perspective you’re likely to be more independent, organised, confident etc with your added experience.

Thanks, I'm relieved to hear there's no limit on QTS and induction.
I didn't know the thing about apprenticeships not being open to people with a degree, is that official? I'll have to read into it more

I had been conversing by email with a recruiter who was trying to find me a teaching role, all friendly and bubbly, then radio silence. Now just received a formal letter from them in the post saying I can't teach.
I guess if I'm no longer of use then no need to be friendly

Just had a look, apparently you can't do an apprenticeship in a subject you have your degree in, which I get

Stop assuming that schools will not want you - start phoning individual schools and find out
I know teachers who have their PGCE or undergraduate teaching degree and do a year as a TA in school then get employed as a teacher in that same school

Former teacher here, albeit 15 years ago. I'll skip the jobs I did in the intervening years and tell you that I now work for the civil service. Wish I'd gone to work there straight after teaching. Recruitment process focuses on transferrable skills. There are lots pf ex-teachers in the CS. Alas, I'm generally fed up of office life but I can recommend it.

I think it will be about the right school for you. I would definitely have an informal chat with the Head of any school you want to apply to, have a think about what you'll need in terms of support and how keen you are to excel

You can't teach supply anymore unless it's a long term position towards your ect /nqt but you can still start you induction. You might be pleasantly surprised by who would take you on, an Ect with 6 years experience is still the same price as an ect fresh put of training, which one do you think they might want more 🤔

Yes - our manager! All of us in the office wish she hadn't!!

I know this is an old thread but have you had any luck? I did my PGCE 5 years ago and have worked in schools since but haven’t done my ECT years