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Original poster

Teaching career at 50

28 replies

user1470680826 · 20/02/2017 16:20

Hi There
Well, I'm 50 and do you think that's too old to go into a job as a Teaching Assistant, Early Years? I'm currently a School Meals Supervisor in a primary school. I have grownup children of my own and loads of experience working in schools, mainly secondary, as Receptionist and 6th Form Supervisor.
I am degree educated but in a different discipline, I love my job but need more of a challenge. Just would like opinions.

OP posts:
Saucery · 20/02/2017 16:22

Not too old at all, if you are fit and energetic.

Leeds2 · 20/02/2017 19:19

Why ever not!

Redlocks28 · 21/02/2017 17:30

Teaching or TA?

TA-absolutely!

HarryTheHippo · 21/02/2017 17:31

Came to say no way to a teaching career at 50, but saw you meant TA! Yes to a TA if you have relentless energy.

measles64 · 21/02/2017 17:33

Friend who worked in bank for over 20 years, did open university degree then a years teachers training, has now been a teacher for three years and loves it. She was over 50 when she did this.

JayzuzMaryJoseph · 21/02/2017 17:33

No to teaching, but absolutely yes to TA. MY DD''s (primary) class TA is early 60s and fabulous.

Ollycat · 21/02/2017 17:35

Why are so many people saying no to teaching? I know a number of people who've gone into teaching at 50+ it's hardly over the hill!!

rollonthesummer · 21/02/2017 17:55

There are no teachers left now over the age of 50 in the last 3 schools I've worked in-they have been hounded out for knowing too much and (for those experienced teachers) being too expensive.

I would not recommmend it as a new job for anyone over the age of 45!

HarryTheHippo · 21/02/2017 18:01

Really olly? Most teachers I know over 35 are leaving or have left. In the 2 schools near us I don't think any teacher is over 40 if that.

Original poster
user1470680826 · 21/02/2017 21:03

Hi There,
Well, many thanks for your thoughts, I'm going to apply for the role as I certainly think with my mature years I can offer invaluable experience.

OP posts:
MissMillament · 22/02/2017 16:29

I am 53 and retrained as a teacher 5 years ago. It is exhausting (think 60+ hours a week) but I absolutely love it. I am aware that older teachers face issues in some schools but it does not appear to be an issue in mine - I am regularly given promotion and training opportunities. Go for it, OP.

Silverine08 · 26/02/2017 06:59

I would definitely say go for it. And I can't see why teaching is a no go either. Im turning 40 next year and having spent 15 years as a lawyer in the city, I changed to teaching secondary school English this year. I'm teaching a near full timetable alongside getting my PGCE but it means I've been paid whilst getting qualified. I'm working at a school Ina deprived area and I absolutely love it. I would agree with the fact that most teachers are young and the older ones have generally left but I think it was more down to changes in the profession than age. Think if you are older and come into it now it's different.

Also workload can be a bit about perception. I definitely work hard and generally am doing something work related from 7-7 every day but in my last job I was working between 12-16 hours a day, never took even half my holiday entitlement and had a two hour commute each way. So in comparison, my 7 minute commute and holidays every 5-6 weeks feels like bliss!

Whocares2017 · 26/02/2017 07:05

Over 50s are ancient in teaching in my area too. School reorganisation across the county has got rid of them (paid off through redundancy.)

As a TA I would find out what the situation is re vacancies in your area. It's quite competitive where I am as in lots of experienced and qualified applicants including trained teachers for each job.

user1483972886 · 26/02/2017 08:17

Disagree re over 50. Our neighbor is late 50s and teaching 2ndry. HT at our primary is in her late 50s. If you have the energy go for it!

HarryTheHippo · 26/02/2017 09:38

Silver - presumably your old job was paid quite differently! I don't think it's just perception.

user1483972886 · 26/02/2017 10:01

I agree with silverine08. Teachers do work very hard and no one is disputing that but other people work crazy hours too.

HarryTheHippo · 26/02/2017 10:06

Noones disputing that other professions work crazy hours too are they?

10Betty10 · 26/02/2017 10:08

I don't think it's too old for TA at all, however, you do need to be aware that a lot of education providers are massively cutting their numbers of TA and LSA's, which means that finding jobs can be difficult and competitive in this area, especially when you are starting out.

10Betty10 · 26/02/2017 10:16

(I'm a teacher and have lost a lot of brilliant TA/LSA's to redundancy over the last couple of years)

Whocares2017 · 26/02/2017 10:22

Which part of the country are you in? I would imagine there are most opportunities in London and the South east. Definitely check the job situation where you are. It's dire in my county/city.

Redlocks28 · 26/02/2017 10:24

I don't actually think there will be many TAs left in a few years the way things are going.

Or there will but they'll be 'Assistant Teachers' -paid peanuts and essentially doing the job of a teacher, in 7am-6pm, marking all evening, plus observations, assessment etc

HarryTheHippo · 26/02/2017 11:36

I think thay will happen. Already unqualified teachers can coverlessons, take ppa etc.

10Betty10 · 26/02/2017 18:27

If you are Midlands it is pretty awful for those positions at the mo, so will only get worse as the others have said.

Original poster
user1470680826 · 15/03/2017 15:31

Many many thanks for all your replies! I am pleased to inform that I have managed to get an interview for a TA in a primary school. The lady said the interview can last for over an hour so I should dress appropriately?
What does that mean please? Should I not wear a business suit? I dare not ask them or they might think I don't know any interview etiquette! I've seen how other teachers dress and they are very casual, leggings and boots sort of thing. I was thinking of wearing a dress, long cardigan, tights and Mary Jane shoes. Is that alright?

OP posts:
CountryCaterpillar · 15/03/2017 15:40

That sounds perfect! Congratulations :)