To consider re-training as a secondary school teacher at 48?

[Crustyjugglers]

Just that really! Anyone done similar and how have your experiences been?
I've been in my current line of work for 20 years and am very bored and unsatisfied. I have a 6 year old daughter, supportive partner but not terribly much money although we'd manage with some sacrifices ...
Am I insane?

Why do you want to be a secondary teacher?

Yes, you probably are insane. I’m a teacher so I'm also insane.
What’s your subject?

I wouldn’t. I’m your exact age and have been teaching secondary for 25 years. Contrary to many other opinions I love my job and wouldn’t want to do anything else, but would I want to start from the beginning again now at my age? Absolutely not.

I changed career at 40 (also into education, although uni rather than secondary school) and I love it. Go for it!

Honestly yes you'd have to be pretty insane to consider it. It's a strange move to make so late in life. I'd start by asking yourself why a secondary school teacher, what experience do you have and why now when you'd be over 50 before even getting into the classroom?

Lucy Kellaway did this & hasn't published her regrets yet.

As of 2024 (interview in Times cited in Wikipedia), still teaching in London, about 7 yrs after she left previous career.

I'd definitely consider leaving if I was bored and unsatisfied with my role after that length of time. But teaching? No.

I would think it depends on your subject. If it's Maths then yes go for it. I'll explain why when you've told us your subject OP

I cannot think of anything worse. I get the itchy feet but teaching, no way .

ps: interview with LK from 2 months ago, I think...

Go for it, it will be really hard to do and the first few years will test you but it is a good career and when you get the balance right, a good quality of life. I trained when I was late 30s and my kids were 4 and 6 and was able to be with them every holiday etc. it gave them a lovely childhood and me a challenging and interesting career.

I changed careers again when I was 53, no regrets about that either.

I did this at about 38. I am flagging a bit at 52 though and I mostly only teach sixth form. Do you have unusually high energy levels? Do you like teenagers?

Have you been into a secondary school lately?
If not, see if you can somehow visit one and don't be going with any rose coloured spectacles on!
They can be brutal at times. Some kids have absolute no filter, you will need thick skin.
There maybe some lovely schools out there but they will in all probability have an element of naughty/gobby/entitled kids.

Have you seen what they actually got paid?
One of my daughters is a teacher and it’s fine for her for now but it’s part of the bigger picture absolutely not the long-term career strategy

You are mad. Welcome aboard!

I trained to be a secondary school science teacher at 34/35. Best decision i've ever made.

It has tested me in ways I couldn't have imagined but is the most rewarding job. Knowing you are making a difference to many children makes the hard times worth it.

I took the SCITT route, gaining my qualification while teaching. Far preferable to the University route which is not as hands-on.

Before committing to training I got in touch with training providers and visited a few schools in my local area for a day to see what it was like. I wanted it warts and all and got it, visiting some Ofsted Outstanding school and some at the other end. This was vital, it confirmed it's what I wanted to do and made me aware of what I didn't want from the process and profession.

I mean she founded a company at the same time based on older people joining the profession so can't exactly say anything other than she loves it.

Plus she now works part time teaching economics. I'm not sure her experience is really comparable to the vast majority of new teachers.

@Crustyjugglers - lots of people do go into teaching at your age. In some respects it’s easier for older trainees, because their life experience can help them to see through/not take as seriously, all the politicking and SLT nonsense.

However, I do believe that going into teaching should be because it’s something you are called to, not just because you can get accepted onto a course.

There are various ways of finding out if teaching is for you.

Try:

https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/events/about-get-into-teaching

And/or SCITT Taster Days like this one, (Google for your local area):

https://www.bluecoatscittalliance.uk.com/school-experience/open-days-recruitment-events/

I’d say go for it. I qualified as a secondary school teacher at the age of 41. Fifteen years on I’m still going and mainly enjoying it. I work in an inner city school and wouldn’t go anywhere else. I love the chaos, the staff working as a team and the children who , for the most part, are frankly hilarious.

I left secondary teaching at 34 after 7 years. I was burnt out and absolutely exhausted. I can't even begin to imagine starting a career in teaching at a point in my life where I was also grappling with menopause etc. Do not underestimate how insanely tiring and insanely stressful it is.

I think you are crazy for doing this but I would say go it. You can always do supply teaching if it doesn't work out.

I’d say it depends what you do now, and why you want to do it. It definitely wouldn’t be boring, and some elements are satisfying but then some really really aren’t. I’m going to assume you already know that teachers don’t just work 8.30 to 3.30 (your OP sounds sensible!) but one really difficult bit is not being able to go to events in the school day. My friends are a mix of SAHMs and PT/FT but flexible workers and I really envy them being able to go to all/most events. I don’t hate my job, but if I could be 21 again I definitely wouldn’t have chosen it, and generally warn people against doing it too!

Well you could have 20 years work in front of you so go for it. Even 15 years is worth doing.

With a 6 year old daughter are you prepared to miss out on school things, potentially plays and parent' evenings. Are you prepared to put ur daughter in 2nd place whilst prioritising work? Im 55. Child free. Leaving early at 55. Done for 30 yesrs. No other job lined up yet. Will need to do something. The job for me, and many others, has become too demanding. I like teaching. I just don't want to work so hard any.more. Can u book some annual leave and go into a school for a week to get an insight.

Yes! sorry prob not what you want to hear. But I went into teaching and really regretted it.

so many children have so many problems now. Leadership seem to not know or be allowed to deal with them effectively. There’s no money. A huge lack of teachers, lack of support.

Lecture in a college or university yes - state school , it’s awful (in my opinion)

Not quite the same, but I moved from university lecturer/ course leader/ research supervisor to secondary teaching at 50. I had a very happy 15 years teaching in an independent secondary school.

It wouldn’t work for everybody, but it was a really good move for me. As somebody who hadn’t been worn down by teaching, but with plenty of life experience, I was more resilient than some of my colleagues to cope with the stresses of teaching.