Is teaching that bad?

[typicalityhm]

I’m in my first year at university so have a little bit of time to decide but once I’ve finished my degree (French and History) I would really love to go into teaching, ideally secondary.

I think I want to do this for a few reasons, I really love helping people and when I do something meaningful, seeing that it’s helped someone makes it all worthwhile. I also loved Secondary school, I got on really well with my teachers and had a lot of friends, I loved the environment and it felt like we were all in it together.

My aunty is on MN and she recommended I ask here for advice so I’m actually using her account but with the username changed

Does anyone have any advice as I’ve spoken to my old HoY and she thinks whilst I would be good at it and fit in most schools, she also thinks teaching isn’t looking to get any better with either a Boris or Corbyn government and it’s a burning building I shouldn’t get into.

I have over 20 years experience teaching languages in a secondary comprehensives. Beware that many , many kids don't value the subject and neither do their parents. Team that attitude with poor behaviour and/or low ability, and that's what you're faced with as standard in many lessons. That's not to say there aren't ways of getting through it, but don't expect to make a difference with every kid in every class. It's often a case of gritting your teeth and just seeing it as a job. I've got good at it and I still like it most of the time, but go in with your expectations low.

I don't see the problem if you decide it's for you but I really think it would be wise to do something else first for a few years. Education is all you know! I career changed into teaching just before turning 40 and am still happy with it nearly 10 years on, but I had a lot of transferable skills from previous jobs and I think more of an overview and understanding of institutional politics, which has really helped me.

13 years. Love it but am part-time and have the hide of a rhino.

17th year and loving it more each day

I'm broken. I qualified in 2000, worked f/t for 7 yrs then took 7yrs off to raise my kids. I returned 4 yrs ago and have struggled so much with anxiety and stress. It's not the job it used to be. Teachers aren't trusted externally or even now internally. The whole thing is set up, it often feels, to find blame. I'm shocked by the expectations and accountability and it is making me so sad because I adore the kids (mostly) and feel like I'm quite good sometimes.

I've been sitting here just now googling the dates I can hand my notice in. But I feel trapped by the pay and holidays. Even so, I can't spend every weekend feeling breathless with anxiety like I currently do. There's no quality of life anymore and my happiness and family are suffering. Sorry.

I agree with plasticpatty. It has become a job which is dangerous literally (students with knives, stoned, violent etc. etc), physically (blood pressure, stress etc.) and mentally (60% of teachers admit to having to take anxiety/anti-depressant meds and/or self-medicating with other substances eg alcohol, the others either don't want to disclose or limp along without). Financially it is a short-term job. It is not worth it. My daughters are front-line Social Workers in stressful roles but they don't think their jobs are as bad as teaching. MFL is particularly stressful/demoralising/undervalued by students and SLT alike. If you can get a generous bursary, it may be worthwhile trying to stick it out to acquire QTS which will enable you to teach overseas, but I would not recommend it otherwise. It's no longer a career.

I have done all sorts and still like it. Had two big career breaks and time abroad then kids and returned-came back to a good salary. Have taught in lots of different schools and abroad and it’s as different and diverse a job as any. Find what works for you and don’t stay where you don’t enjoy.

You do need rhino hide and to draw work life boundaries clearly and with no compromise.

Most teachers go straight into the profession after university, so they think getting 13 weeks annual leave is the norm, and they take it for granted, because it is all they know. They have no experience of ‘normal’ jobs in which people get just 20-25 days a year, plus bank holidays. You can try to explain what this is like, but they just don’t get it.

SIL is a teacher, and I often have to bite my tongue when she moans on and on about how tough her job is. Plenty of other people have tough jobs, but they don’t get a fortnight off at Easter, plus a fortnight at Christmas, plus six weeks in the summer plus three other random weeks.

Most teachers go straight into the profession after university,

Really? I don’t know any teachers who have done this. And on my PGCE course most of us were in our mid or late twenties, definitely not straight out of university.

Everyone will tell you different things, and people with negative experiences are often faster to answer, because they feel they have to warn you against something that they regret, which is understandable.
I'm an EYFS teacher and I love it, couldn't imagine doing a different job. The days are long, I'm normally in school from 7:30-5/6pm everyday, which can be difficult thinking of the future if you want a family, but I don't take anything home or work of a weekend. I actually work less hours than my partner, who is not a teacher, and I earn more money than him, too.
All jobs are challenging in their own way, if you decide to teach for a year then nobody is forcing you to stay, I always think you regret what you haven't tried more than what you have, and teaching is a wonderful experience to take to any job if you choose to leave. Best of luck!

Until we get away from the idea s that isolation is an abuse of human rights, exclusions are the reason for young people ending up in prison and teachers are entirely accountable for results, I don't think teaching is going to improve. Currently, it's very difficult - huge classes, declining behaviour, testing until teachers can hardly see the things they're marking.

When it's good, it's the best job in the world - but it takes a high toll emotionally.

All jobs are challenging in their own way, if you decide to teach for a year then nobody is forcing you to stay, I always think you regret what you haven't tried more than what you have, and teaching is a wonderful experience to take to any job if you choose to leave.

I would caution against this way of thinking. In my experience (and that of many other teaching colleagues I know) it is a very difficult profession to get out of. I would say do the opposite - get a couple of years of another job under your belt. This is then your safety net. Teach for a year or two (especially if there is a hefty bursary in your subject) and have this previous career as a fall back. Teaching recruitment being the utter cluster fuck that it is, you are very unlikely to not be able to get into teaching at a later date.

DS is in his 4th year of MFL teaching. He loves the teaching side but like most teachers finds it's all the other stuff which comes with it a bind. His school seems a good fit and I know he would be reluctant to move on if things remain as they are now.

He knew he wanted to teach when he was at university so took steps to get some experience early on working in local schools to encourage language study and worked in a state boarding school in France on his year abroad which was an eye opener!

The MFL bursary is very good at the moment (26k plus early career payments) and if it remains that way it's definitely worth a punt. My understanding is that History is far more popular despite the heavy marking load that comes with a more essay based subject. The current history bursary is 9k.

I am an mfl teacher with20+ years experience. If you'd asked me 3 years ago, I'd have said run away fast. However, I have now dropped all responsibility and moved to a new (independent) school and absolutely love it all over again. I love being in the classroom ,and although languages are not prioritised by anyone (students, parents, staff), love enthusing and have a decent uptake at Ks4.

Btw, the more languages you could teach, the better. With history in addition, you'd be quite employable at my school!!

I’ve been offered a place on a primary PGCE course, I’m currently working as a part time TA at a school in a deprived area. I do enjoy it and the teachers I work with are encouraging of me doing the PGCE.

It is hard work though and the attitude of some 6 year olds who cannot follow basic instructions and say “no” repeatedly is eye opening. But I still like it.

I would say absolutely get classroom experience. I volunteered in a school one day a week for a few months before becoming a TA. I used to be a military officer so perhaps I’m used to tough working environments!

Most teachers go straight into the profession after university, so they think getting 13 weeks annual leave is the norm, and they take it for granted, because it is all they know. They have no experience of ‘normal’ jobs in which people get just 20-25 days a year, plus bank holidays. You can try to explain what this is like, but they just don’t get it.

Who is this they? Teachers aren’t one homogeneous group, you know !

It always makes me laugh when people (who aren’t teachers) try saying this. I think there are only two teachers at my school who did teacher training straight from university.

I think it depends on the school and the management team.

I've been in a non-teaching role in a secondary school for 6 years.

Do the PGCE straight after your degree and then give it a go. You can always leave if you don't like it.

My mistake was not doing my PGCE as soon as I finished uni, now I have family commitments and can't afford to take a year off to go back to uni.

I qualified in 1998 and have taught in an independent school for 13 years. It’s great. My guilt at leaving the state system is overridden by my relief at not having the constant scrutiny, criticism and goalpost moving on my back.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/the_staffroom/3687046-Anyone-else-had-enough

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/the_staffroom/3698691-Teachers-with-young-children

@AgeLikeWine

The holidays are literally the only perk of the job! Most teachers work 60+ hour weeks in term time and some of the holidays. My contract is 32.5 hours per week for 195 days per year. Double the hours gives a more realistic picture.

I love being in the classroom with the students. The first few years are brutal. However if you find the right school it can be a brilliant job.

Basketofkittens being told "no" is bad enough what about F...OFF! from 5 & 6 yr olds! Six staff left in the last 14 mths. Think I might be next. Lots off with long term stress. Ditto staff on Anti D's. Think long and hard.

Shortage of MFL in this county.

There's no 'one size fits all' answer. It depends on the school. It depends on your personality. It depends on your outlook and career aspirations.

I've taught for 10 years and it's been brilliant at times and awful at times. Give it a go!

It depends on the school - don’t be afraid to try a few to find a good fit- try independent or overseas. If you are prepared to move about a bit to find somewhere you really like, it could be a good job.