Retrain from TA to Teacher

[Scabetty]

I have been a TA for 10 years and during this time studied for a degree in early childhood studies (first class). My experience is in EY and KS1 and recently I have been considering whether I should go for HLTA or PGCE. I would have to take equivalency qualifications as I am 'mature' so don't have science. Am I too old? My children are teenagers and I feel the time is now or never for a pgce. Or is HLTA more achievable.

Too old? Never! I think you should go for the PGCE if that's what you want.

I've seen many TAs become teachers and do an amazing job as we have such experience of the running of a classroom from a different point of view and also from probably covering many lessons in various year groups too.

Sometimes I struggle to see the point of becoming a HLTA as it's so much more work for not much more money. If it's experience leading to something else then that's fine but people that treat it as a lone thing (if you know what I mean) often become frustrated.

Seriously , I'd say go for teaching. We need more experienced people in teaching , people who know what it looks like to teach full time and will stay in the profession because of this.

Good luck.

Am I too old?

That's a bit hard to answer without knowing your age

I don't know how old you are, but I did my PGCE at the age of 47. In my fifth year of teaching now, with teenage kids and can honestly say that despite the stress, pressure and 65 hour weeks I love my job.
But those 65 hour weeks are very very real so you need to be prepared for that.

Also OP , I just wanted to say that I was making the decision you are now a few years ago and decided to stay a TA because I wasn't sure if I was definitely done having children. I opted to wait and see but as a parent of teenagers it seems like a great time for you.

Some of the best teachers I know are ex TAs. Go for it, you are certainly not too old!

Thanks for your replies. I am going to look in to this further and perhaps soeak to my Head