After reading a thread warning against teaching as a career!!

[SunsetOnTheHorizon]

I'm due to complete my degree and I am applying for a QTS+PGCE course for September 2026.

I am aware the teaching sector is a nightmare to work in right now (going by the recent thread).

But my main aspirations are to 1) work as a supply (once I've completed my ECT years) and 2) to work abroad 3) work in specialist schools not mainstream. Considering these 3 factors is it still a stupid idea to go into teaching? Thankfully my dh brings in the bulk of the income, this is something of a dream that I am looking to fulfill. Always wanted to teach, and didn't get round to it as I ended up raising a family. I currently work as a TA in a special school - that's why I am more inclined to work in one once I'm qualified.

AIBU to continue pursuing my dream considering the current climate?

Pick almost any career and you'll find people moaning about it.

You already work as a TA so you have some insight already.

If you're happy to do it then go for it and don't worry about what others say.

If you already work in a school, then you can see for yourself what it’s really like and make your decision with open eyes.

I think teaching is something worth going into if you have a passion for it. It's not an easy career but you know this! There's lots of jobs that are hard work and I wouldn't want to do but it's a good thing someone does, eh. Would you want to be a firefighter, air force pilot, bank manager?

I think lots of people have fulfilling careers in teaching. Go fulfill your dream 😀

I don't want to commit to my studies and then give up half way - I'd rather make a decision now and be at peace with it. But on the other hand, if I didn't pursue this, my 90 year old self won't forgive me. I do have an insight, but TA and LSA roles are polar opposites to Teaching roles. We have it tough, but in a different way. A lot of the teachers at my special school always emphasise how they would never return to mmainstream.

I've been on MN for around 15 years I think and there have always been threads by teachers saying how awful the job is etc.

But then again it's like relationships in that most people don't bother posting when everything's good.

So I'm sure there'll be plenty of teachers out there who are happy with their career choice.

I'm now a headteacher but still absolutely adore my job and genuinely look forward to going to work each day still after 13 years. I also did a stint abroad for 3 years which was hard work but the lifestyle was incredible and now I work in the private sector. I don't think it's so much the 'teaching as a career'; If you find a school that you enjoy being in the job can be hugely rewarding!

Sorry that should have read as 'I don't think it's the teaching as a career in general that is horrendous, I do think there are some terrible schools out there who demand far too much from their teachers. So choose your first job post wisely! Look for a school with a very low turnover of staff- my school for example, the newest teacher has been there 5 years. Some over 20 years.

I don't think it sounds mad. I think teaching abroad sounds like a great way to explore different parts of the world while earning. I agree some specialist schools seem more appealing from a workload perspective but the day still looks tough. Supply is the only thing I'd take issue with. I think you need to be a good experienced teacher to tackle supply with ease. It takes away the nice bit of teaching which is building a relationship with the class / parents. If I were you I'd train and teach mainstream for a few years to get experience before then moving on to what you've suggested.

Some I know is recently qualified. She found her placements quite tough, but now seems to be settled into the school she got a job at after finishing her PGCE, so I think the school can make a big difference.

I work in international special ed and would 100% recommend it. If you can do the NPQSENCO once you're qualified and have at least 2 years experience in the UK, you'll be able to get a job as an inclusion teacher in a British curriculum school overseas.

Teaching is fantastically rewarding if you have choices and a reasonably thick skin.

I did 10 years in private secondary after a career in finance. Many good teachers are either second career teachers or married to the main earner.

A lot of these go part time (I did about half way through) due to a combination of child care and not wanting to work ridiculous hours during term time.

And you will have to put up with petty rules, SLT who treat you like Year 14 and ridiculous parental demands. So you need to be able to stick up for yourself and move schools if it isn’t working for you.

But, the upside is actually inspiring young people and working in a genuine community of like minded people. If you like the ‘teaching’ bit of being a teacher, I would say that the rest is worth it.

Get yourself in at a decent school and it’s a great career. Get in at a school with unsupportive management and it’s hell! I would be careful with supply though. Whilst it pays well it can be very stressful getting your head round all the expectations of different schools and routines. A regular or long term supply contract might be better.

I think they are very few and far between.

30 years a teacher in an Ofsted outstanding school used as an example by DFE as a well run caring school.

It still utterly broke my mental health.

I know quite a few 30 something teachers through my sport they are all happy in their jobs (state secondary single sex nice area) and talk fondly of their pupils albeit eye rolling but nothing sinister.

Teaching is a great career. I would say stick to SEND. I was a teacher for many years. My favourite jobs were SEND and working in a Pupil Referral Unit weirdly. Smaller classes, more support and the ability to really work closely with the children. I do something adjacent to teaching now and I miss it sometimes. I sometimes ask my boss if I can go back but I feel I've lost my 'edge'.

If you are looking for a 9-5.30 job with an accurate job description, a six figure salary, flexibility and routine then teaching is not for you.

Teaching is a vocation, one you have to love, but you have experience of working in a school, you have a clear view of the conditions and the pupils. I see no reason to abandon your dream.

I am a teacher and mostly enjoy my job.
i do wonder about your aspirations to do supply though. It is very poorly paid and you don’t get any of the good bits of teaching- developing relationships, paid holidays etc.

If you want to do supply, you could get a job as a cover supervisor and see what that’s like for a term. In my experience, the teachers doing supply are those that could not secure a permanent job, and there is a reason for that. Supply really is one of the most demoralising jobs ever!

I wouldn't consider supply unless you are employed directly by the school and paid to scale. Often supply is paid at cover supervisor rates which is poor. I think specialist schools tend to be better and it sounds as if you have the experience to get a job with them.

You have to treat the job like a job. Too many teachers get sucked into doing extra for the kids. Before you know it you're working 60+ hour weeks and paying for classroom supplies. The worst situations are staff working part time hours but spending their days off catching up on work.

If you are a perfectionist don't even think about it. Your mental health will tank.

Supply teaching will test your skills and knowledge to breaking point, work is patchy and pay is paltry. You’re lucky you have a supportive DH.

I rarely talk about my job, but I teach abroad OP. You do usually need 2 years UK experience to work abroad to get a work visa, but there may be exceptions. The PGCE is recognised pretty much everywhere. I am very happy with my workload, and the parents here are v. supportive. Good kids. Not all international schools are the same, you need to choose really carefully because it's likely a 2 year commitment (all contracts I've had for various international schools have been 2 years at a time). I've heard some horror stories about other schools but always seem to have landed on my feet. You do need to be able to concede to the laws of the country you move to, though, and adapt to the culture, which is another reason to research really well.

A really good friend is a teacher and says it’s definitely tougher but she adores her job and says to people if you feel it’s for you then it really is

I have 30+ years experience in state secondary schools. After being a SAHM, I did supply and found it quite challenging: the transient state makes establishing discipline more difficult, can be exploited by students who are determined to push your barriers. Teaching is easier and more effective when underpinned by sound discipline; without it, this rewarding but demanding job is a struggle.
It might be something to consider when you have completed your ECT years.

Friends are fairly newly qualified teachers in the Middle East (not Dubai) and love it out there although it’s expensive. Their salary is tax free which helps a lot and they go to the beach and do water sports after work.

I am a teacher and I love it.