Re-training as a primary school teacher

[Beckyboo75]

Hello MNs,
I am hoping for a bit of advice as am now confused after reading all of the posts and opinions in this area.
Since leaving university have been working in Sales (I now work part time). It is very well paid but honestly very dull. I commute three times a week and also have 5 children (ranging from a 16 year old to 3 year old twins). I just feel that I am not using my brain but am instead spending my days cold calling, talking to people who can't wait to get me off he phone!
I have been considering Primary school teaching for some while and am hoping to go down the GTP route and have applied for classroom experience in all participatng school to a positve response.
What scares me a little is all the tales of 11 hour days followed by homework till bed time and weekends sacrificed marking.
I am not blinkered to the fact that teaching is HARD WORK but this sounds like longer hours than my husband works (and he is in a highly pressured London job).
My motivation to teach is to be creative, to work with young children (rather than cynical old men) and because I think it would rewarding. But have to say that if I had no time to ever spend with my own children this would put me off. Can someone please give me a realistic picture of what it is like?? BBxxx

Hi. I work as a Secondary Teacher but have close friends who are Primary Teachers. Most Primary Teachers I know are in school before 8 and probably work till 5, then mark and plan for a couple of hours every night plus at least one full day at the weekend. Your GTP year will be really hard work and your NQT year too not leaving a lot of time for your family. Finding a GTP school can be difficult and sometimes, although it shouldn't be this way, you are employed as a cheap alternative to a qualified teacher with little support during your training. Primary jobs are highly competitive too, so it might be worth investigating the employment situation in your area. Some of my friends attended interviews that had had over 100 applicants. Also, you haven't mentioned your Degree Subject. If this isn't a core subject you may find it difficult to get accepted onto a course. Good luck.x

Hello - I'm a primary teacher, and first of all, it sounds as though you have good reasons for wanting to go into teaching, rather than thinking it will be an easy option with child friendly hours, which some people seem to.

It is a fantastic job, but the first few years in particular are tough. I trained when I was single and childless, and regularly worked 7.30am to 6pm at school plus marking and prep in the evening and planning at the weekend.

The good news is it does get easier when you have more experience - I don't do anything like those hours now and would say I spend more time with my dcs than other friends who work - I leave at 4pm once or twice a week and work in the evening instead, and the holidays are an obvious bonus. However, this is nearly 10 years down the line.

I personally would think very hard about training with young children - your twins will be at school in a couple of years - could you wait until then?

It is a wonderful job though for all the reasons you say - no two days are alike, it is fun, rewarding and creative...but hard work!

Good luck whatever you decide.

Ditto everything mamaduckbone said!