44 and training to be a teacher?!

[AmIinsane2023]

Name changed for this, as a bit different to my normal posts.

I'm 44, currently unemployed, and - after health problems and being a SAHM - I want to get my life back in track and start contributing again.

I've been looking at PGCEs (Secondary English) or Primary 7-11.

A few people said I'm insane to be considering it a) because of my age and b) the way things are in schools these days.

AIBU to be considering this?!

Would love to hear people's experiences/opinions, both positive and negative.

You will learn loads from observing. As experienced teachers we are still encouraged to get into other classrooms observing. No one would find it weird.

That’s great. Things like finding childcare for last minute puking children, snow closures, 6-9pm parents evening (after a 7.30-5.30 day) is a nightmare-if you have that all covered without a partner, you’re well on the way!

@AmIinsane2023 Can you afford to work
as a TA/LSA for a couple of years? The money is shite but it would be far more manageable workload while your dc are a bit younger. It would also give you so much experience that would be invaluable when you came to train.

I’m not sure where you’re based, but certainly where I live, there are lots of jobs advertised for 1-2-1 TAs in primary working with named children. Likewise, there are often LSA jobs in secondary which attract far less applicants than in primary.

Placements are quite hard to get and won’t give you a fraction of the experience that working in schools will. If you can afford it, I would really recommend some time working in a school before applying. You may even then end up with a school taking you for salaried schools direct, where you get a salary while you train.

@Shinyandnew1 I very much doubt I've got every eventuality covered - who does? - but, being a single parent means having to think outside the box and ensuring my DC have an extended network trusted adults who can look out for/look after them if need be.

@SheWontSheCantShesLeft I've got an interview for a TA post, starting in September, next week, so I'll see what comes of that.
Also, applying for other TA positions, both Secondary and Primary.

Have a look specifically for Graduate TA posts as they are often advertised by schools interested in training teachers.

For a decade, I almost wouldn't have dared take a day off sick but things have definitely shifted in my current school and people are off a lot when their children are unwell or are having issues at their own schools. I'm not sure if it's just our head or a change in expectations from staff: more Gen Zers who expect better or TAs who know they'd be next to impossible to replace.