which is more important - trainee teacher question

[angelfire]

I am coming to the end of my OU degree - 18 months to go - and have been offered a F/T job as a TA.
Taking this job would significantly compromise my study time.
Is it better to take the job to get (more) classroom experience prior to PGCE application and fit study in as and when OR is it better to concentrate on getting the best degree possible and fitting in some voluntary placements as and when
What looks better on PGCE applications?
Many thanks - would really appreciate any help

I'm a teacher and I'd say practical experience would win hands-down every time.

I would say experience probably but depends on the subject and grade shift. If you think this job will pull you from a first to a 2:1 I would do it. If it pulls you from a 2:2 to a third I would be reluctant. Also if you want to teach a shortage subject experience won't matter so much.

It also depends if you want to teach primary or secondary .

The PGCE course will offer you plenty of classroom time- you're thrown in at the deep end cos of the short length of the course!
I'd go straight into the PGCE. Have you looked at other teacher training by the way? Like SCITT or a GTP? These have loads of hands on experience

TA job might lead to school sponsoring you through teacher training?

Thanks for the replies. I am hoping to teach maths secondary. If I get a 2:1 or first my possible bursary is more. It's a tough call.

Maths secondary, they will bite your hand off! I was hounded by the Teaching Agency to apply for maths when they heard I had a maths A level and kept protesting i wanted to teach my own subject Would strongly recommend you go the Trad Uni PGCE route - a friend who had done School Direct PGCE this year said it is a complete shambles - he paid full fees to the Uni, but got nowhere near the training the PGCE students have (training is left to the schools who are patchy at best, and basically in it for the money and use the trainees as TAs anyway.). There is (confusingly) also a salaried School Direct route , replacing GTP, but suffers the same failing as the unsalaried school direct PGCE.

You must take the job. PGCE courses are extremely competitive and you'll be competing with others who already have tons of experience in schools. I would say 18months is about OK to get you on. I am full time also doing OU degree you can do this :)

For those saying wait and apply straight to pgce it it near impossible to get on one without classroom experience these days.

Experience for me, every time.

I would take the job. TA jobs are school hours only so no evening marking or prep so you will be able to study evenings. And ime schools wil often sponsor good TAs through teacher training. I not so sceptical of schools based training, it really gives you an advantage. Unless of course you are hoping for the 1st class honours only super duper head teachers of the future training scheme? I also think working as a TA gives you such an advantage in learning how to handle kids.

Much higher bursary if you have a 1st, so maybe worth busting a gut for that.

My experience of getting on to a shortage subject PGCE was that many got in with no school experience!

Take the job. Partly for the experience, but also to demonstrate that you can manage your time and prioritise effectively for your studies too.

Good luck!

I did my PGCE last academic year (finished in July, currently an NQT) and met plenty of maths and science trainees who had a week or two of experience in schools. Being female and wanting to teach these subjects is a huge advantage.

I do think you will find your training much easier with the experience but I don't think it's absolutely necessary.