School admin to teaching?

[MrsMoiraRose]

I currently work in a secondary school office, doing basic admin.

I have some experience as an LSA and as a TA, but not much! I basically used to help out in my previous school and did 1:1 support for students with SEN.

I want to become a secondary English teacher. I could just apply now for a PGCE and think I'd have a chance of getting a place, as I have a degree in humanities and languages from a good uni, plus A level English lit.

Should I just go for it or should I look for more classroom experience first? I could ask if I could do maybe half a day as an LSA in the school I already work in for example.

Thanks

If you’re in my area (south east)- there is a massive need for English teachers - regardless of what bursary the gov is offering, you’d get a job in no time. I’m also sure some places would offer you to do either teacher apprenticeship or unqualified route.

if you have some experience I wouldn’t say you necessarily need more, but it would help you make up your mind as to whether it’s actually what you want to do…

Thanks @Smeegall. I do want to do it. It's a matter of when not if really!

Yes, I'm in the SE too

I would ask to do some observations at your school of English lessons but otherwise not need to get masses of experience.
I recently trained as a science and found Now Teach who support career changers very helpful - you also should be eligible for a bursery to train

I disagree with the PPs, I think more experience would be useful to you. Definitely try to observe the English department regularly and if it possible to get some experience as an LSA / cover supervisor this will give you a better idea of what life is like in the classroom. You may get a PGCE place fairly easily but that doesn't mean you would feel prepared for the course if you know what I mean.

I have to say that being a TA gives you only a very limited idea of what a teacher needs to do as the role is so different -