Is it really such a terrible time to go into teaching?

[paperdreams16]

Hi all,

Looking for some honest advice and hoping it's okay to post this here! Since I was very little I have always wanted to teach. I was set on doing my degree in Primary Education until the last minute when my English teacher convinced me to do English Language and Literature (I now hold a 2.1 in the subject from fairly well respected university)

Towards the end of my degree I set about applying for PGCEs and was accepted onto one for primary education last year, which was meant to start at the beginning of last September. For various reasons, I decided to postpone the year and now currently work as a TA in a special school. I fully intended to reapply for PGCE courses starting this September and have completed my application, but haven't sent it yet. I'm seriously considering giving up on the idea of teaching at all. All I seem to read or hear these days is 'don't go into teaching, it's a mess' and all the teachers in the school I work in say that the hours they are putting in is absurd.

I have always wanted to purse a career in education, but working in a school has opened my eyes to the politics of it all. The children at our school are fantastic and I care deeply for them, and I and the other TAs are so excited when they make progress. The teacher, higher leadership etc however only seem interested in the children meeting their targets and getting it down on paper. I don't know if I want to work in an environment where the actual teaching comes second to the endless paperwork, policies etc.

So, is it worth doing a PGCE or should I abandon it entirely? I am still receiving emails about completely my application but assume I am running out of time to make a decision. I'm young (21) and have only recently achieved my BA so am looking at potentially applying to graduate schemes come September instead of looking at QTS. I've had my heart set on teaching forever but it doesn't look like something worth going into at this time. Are there any perks, or is it really so awful now?

Thank you, this turned out a lot longer than expected

Most people in teaching have never done another job.

I think that's crap actually. Most of the teachers I know have come in after another job.

You seem very set on implying that teachers don't know how good they have it with the holidays yet you do supply and admit you would never teach full time!

Mrs Guy has a good gig & good luck to her. I get the impression she's doing supply competently & keeps busy.

She does not speak from an informed place about being a teacher, as she hasn't yet worked as a ft teacher - & apparently intends never to do so.

I know a few colleagues who've gone down the supply route & I can see that it's attractive.

It doesn't bear much relation to yer actual teaching, though.

Someone who has never had their own class shouldn't comment on teaching as a job. They've no idea.

'It doesn't bear much relation to yer actual teaching, though.'

Well, only most of the good bits.

been teaching several years in UK and problem with teaching i find is not just the paperwork and marking, it's the ridiculous politics that goes on in schools and the lack of support. Once that classroom door is closed and it's you and 30 kids it's sink or swim and if you are sinking and there's no help around you then the nightmare really begins.Too many schools see the teacher with little rights and vulnerable while the kids and their parents walk over the SLT and call the shots...worse is when the teachers around you stab your back....

I think a lot of it depends on your school and personality type.

I know people who work in schools where they bully/pile the pressure on/change things every minute - it sounds awful. Luckily, my school is ok. It can be stressful, but they are supportive.

I also know people who plan into the night, making sure everything is perfect - that's just not me. I plan my stuff, I teach it. I care about my kids a lot, but I also know that if I am stressed and tired, they won't have a good lesson. So I try to reign in my perfectionism.

But I think the majority of that is that I'm at a school that allows me to do that.

I've been teaching nearly 20 years and yes it has changed. However, the reason for teaching hasn't! I still enjoy seeing the students develop and have made good connections with while families. Even after a hard academic year I would still say it's the best job in the world

I have been teaching for 18 years and agree it is a profession of highs and lows. However, more than anything that keeps me there, is the other teachers. Whichever school I have worked in, I have always worked with some absolutely lovely people (and always some awful ones!) But is the camaraderie with them and the pleasure of seeing students succeed that keeps me in the job...

I'm lucky enough to work in a great school so I do enjoy my job. My previous school was awful though and I was off ill for a year with stress because of that. Even though I like my current job I'm always suffering with something (migraines, sore throats, extreme tiredness etc) and that makes me wonder what the stress is doing to my health. Just the other day a mum in the playground stood in front of my whole class of 6 year olds having a complete go at me for nothing so that sort of thing doesn't help either.

We have had just been told that there is no money left for supply (or many other things) in our school for the next academic year. That means no courses, probably missed PPA, having to cover an extra class and so on. This can only mean additional stress and I'm not sure how much longer I will last.

Don't do it, unless you are in a private school with a nice atmosphere, not a hot house. It's probably the most stressful demanding job in the country at this point.

Would second those who have said that it really depends on the school. It is very hard work but I love my school and love having a class of my own. I don't really mind the extra work if it helps the children. But - there is a constant feeling of never feeling that you are good enough and you have to find a way to live with that.

I'm clearly in a minority here but I love my job. I'm in a small school (secondary) but the emphasis is on creating an environment were people want to work. However, this is my third school. By all means try it but I think you have to focus on finding the right school for you, not just having a job. Sometimes that does take time (took me five years!). It's not all bad, honestly.

I think the OP has probably made their decision by now as the OP is over a year old.