Teacher Training PGCE

[giddyfeet]

I went back to university as a mature student and completed a degree in media writing, which, as the title says, is all sorts of writing for the media, mainly journalism and film studies.

I did go through a period of trying to get into journalism but as I am not in london, 18 and willing to work for 12k a year that did not get very far.

I was a communications assistant for a while but could not settle myself into the vulger world of marketing.

I am not running my own web design business but I don't like working on alone, sat at the computer and am now considering, in an attempt to get a "proper" job, going in to teacher training.

I read an article in the Independent newspaper saying that people with a 2:1 or higher can be fast-tracked into the classroom and I started to think that maybe teaching isnt that bad an idea at all. I wouldnt want to be fast-tracked (I would go to uni and do the pgce) but I am attracted by a regular wage, a job that will offer something different every day, challenges, getting some kind of respect but also because I am desperate to live in Australia and this would give me the points that I need. Plus I really want to go on to further study but can't afford to and the govt will pay me to do this.

So my questions here are - are any of you doing teacher training? how do you find it? at uni i was quite shy talking in front of groups of people and hated the being centre of attention thing during presentations so I am concerned that I may find teaching difficult in that respect but does it get easier? does it really fit in well with being a mother (I have a 10yo)?

I'd appreciate anything else you can tell me too.

I am considering teaching English, Drama and Media to 11-18 year olds.

Thanks

I know what you mean, Syrup. There's always a compromise to be made.

Not sure if you're still watching this, but I am also doing my pgce course at the moment, and will finish at the end of June. I have 2 kids, 3 & 5. There is a lot of work, and I find that I am working 3 hours every week day evening to do all the pgce paper work, but this means that I get to spend the weekend with the kids.
I assume that once I have done the pgce then I will be able to manage everything at school, so will not have to work every evening, which to be honest is just like any other full time job. I leave at 7.30 and am home at 5, but unlike every other full time job, I will have the time with my kids during their school holidays.
As a parent you are already used to being mega organised and multi-tasking, so you will cope aslong as you are 100% confident in your childcare arrangements!

How on your own are you with lesson planning? I was thinking after a degree about the possibility of doing a pgce, but I'm concerned I wouldn't think up enough activities for all day every day! I'm thinking of primary btw...

Australia is desperate for hairdressers and Chefs not teachers and nurses contrary to popular opinion and with a degree you'd get into Western Australia without any problems at all.