Best routes for DD to become a teacher

[jazzyfazzy766]

My DD is almost 17 and currently doing a health and social BTEC and would like to go into primary teaching either in mainstream or a SEN school as this is where she did her work experience and she loved it. To teachers on this board: which is the best route.

A BA hons in education or a degree in something else and then a PGCE. I am thinking the B Ed is probably better as she has no idea what degree she would do.

Another option she is looking at is starting as a TA and then looking at working in a school in the pastoral side rather than the teaching side.

Can anyone offer any advice on her best "next routes".

Thank you

Hi Jazzy
There is a specific degree for primary called
"Primary Education with qualified teacher status ( QTS) BA Hons" just google this and you will find many unis that offer it. Rather than doing a generic degree plus PGCE I think she should go straight for a primary education degree ( there is also a 2 year accelerated programme)
As a teacher you do pastoral care as well but being a pastoral leader or DSL is different. Either way a degree in primary education is the right way to go

Here's my experience from a different perspective. I completed a degree in Education Studies with Early Years - this was based around theories of education. Followed by a PGCE course for a year which was intense! I had also been volunteering in my sons school so I had some knowledge of schools.

I found some experiences of PGCE tricky, for example we had one day of CPD on PE training....! Obviously you have placements but if I were to do it all again, I would go down the other route as mentioned above!

Hi

i would advise your daughter to keep her options open.

Maybe start out as a TA to see how things are. (Education changes)

If there’s a subject she likes get a degree in that then train as a teacher.

She needs an exit route in case she finds teaching doesn’t work out.

Sorry this isn’t more enthusiastic.

If she wants to be a teacher nothing will stop her. I wouldn’t want to discourage people. But it is a thankless job at the moment.

I think the specialist primary education degree aa well. The pgce is an intensive year and I can't see how it can cover everything primary teachers need to cover. It barely stratched the surface for me and I only teach 1 subject!

The degree is a good one, so she isn't tied into teaching if she changes her mind. It is as good as any other degree, if you see what I mean.

I also quote this. Teaching is a high workload profession especially today- I am by no means aiming for perfection just to stay above water - I work 12 hours a day and my ECT years will be the same. There is a misconception that primary is somewhat easier and this is a huge misconception - therefore work shadowing before embarking on a degree is key ( as a volunteer and even TA you sometimes don't see the full picture as you leave after the kids - teachers will stay till late) also expectations are the same as in secondary
I am currently doing a PGCE- and I am looking at part time teaching jobs as I can't sustain the 60 + workweek at the moment
It will hurt me financially but I do not see another option