Should I go into teaching secondary?

[Lemonsqueasy]

I've been teaching EFL (kids and teens) for two years, before that I was a carer for a woman with behavioural problems, so I've always had jobs which require patience / control of one's temper. My current teaching jobs means I'm teaching classes of similar sizes to the UK. I've become pregnant about seven years earlier than would have been ideal so am returning to the UK with DP and feel I need to get a job with good security etc. I'm worried about the long hours and pressure but think it could be a challenge which would pay off. Any thoughts would be extremely welcome! I'd teach either English or MFL.

Long hours and pressure: check.
Does it pay off? Well that really depends.

I'm coming to the end of my PGCE in one of your chosen subjects and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. The system at the minute is broken.

You can search through threads and threads on here advocating for both sides - those who love their jobs and schools, and those who are desperately trying to leave.

DS teaches MFL in a large secondary in outer London. He's at the end of his 3rd year. He really enjoys the actual teaching, all the crap that comes with it, not so much. His school has a strong discipline policy which no doubt helps.

He works long hours but still manages to have a social life. Looks like it's important to be organised and not be too much of a perfectionist otherwise it will drag you down quite quickly. From threads I've read about teaching finding the right school for you seems key, trouble is in teaching you just can't move on quickly if it isn't right.
Good luck whatever you decide.

MFL is always looking for people but the problem is that many schools are cutting back on MFL provision (you don't say what language you do but French is often the Last Man Standing in schools) and in lots of schools , sadly, students' attitudes to language are not positive. I have taught MFL and English and found the MFL lessons very intense and behaviour management more challenging but the marking was lighter and quicker so it's swings and roundabouts. Teaching a core subject brings a lot of expectation and pressure. I don't like that it matters, but realistically it does : the bursary is much higher for MFL than English even though the recruitment problems are huge in English in many areas

Good , committed, qualified MFL teachers are gold dust.

You don't mention qualifications : do you have a degree ? What in? Do you ahev a teaching qualification (or intend to get one)

Do you have CELTA and DELTA?
If so, you might want to look at casual university teaching with undergraduates from overseas. Its usually on short courses which means that it’s seasonal/insecure but it’s bloody well paid when in session. Check out the BALEAP website and PM if you want a more detailed chat.

I would recommend teaching. I really enjoy it, but (and its a substantial but), it means getting yourself into the right school.

The first couple of years are tough, but once you find your stride then things get easier. A good school that has robust systems in place and values staff is key though. You don't want to be in a school where behaviour management is down to each individual teacher trying to entertain the students and students decide if they'll behave based on how popular you are.

Most of all, to stay sane in teaching you've got to remember that whilst you personally invest, it's just a job at the end of the day. It's not your whole life and sometimes things are good enough.

How much time have you spent in Uk schoolS (the plural being of supreme importance here!!). Shadow some teachers. Find out what it's really like, and then decide. Don't just decide based on what you hear.

English - huge amount of marking and extra pressure for GCSE results. This is not taken into account for salary or free periods.