HLTA --> Teaching... possible at 55?

[MickKelly]

I am an HLTA who has been working in a primary school for 4 years as a 1-1, general classroom TA, ELSA, and HLTA - covering classes for ppa and sickness cover.
Before this, I worked in a preschool for 5 years.
I have a degree (Art), an NVQ Level 3 in early years, and an HLTA level 4 qualification.
I have a lot of experience with children with complex needs.
If I were younger, I feel as though my next step would be looking at becoming a teacher... however, I am 55 and am not sure how possible this would be at my age.

Thoughts please!

Your salary would go up and if you were a teacher you would have more than a decade to contribute towards your teachers pension scheme. Sounds like you would be a candidate for the SCITT assessment only route or you could do a PGCE (no earnings though). I agree that in terms of career progression, gaining QTS would be your next step - if that’s what you want. I am 45 and feel exhausted being a full-time teacher but you may have more energy than me!

Well I don't know about more energy... I'm pretty knackered to be honest!!
I am, however, tired of taking on more responsibility and doing more training, whilst still getting paid peanuts... and feel like the only way to earn more would be to train up to a teaching position.
I'd also like to earn some more money so that my dh can reduce his hours, in the very physical job he does. I realise I could probably earn more working in another field, but need to work around school/college timings.
I also love what I do!

I’d make sure there were jobs available in your area before you trained, but otherwise go for it. You will already know what you are letting yourself in for!

It’s definitely possible.

In my last school, I had a HLTA who was 50 and had worked at the school since they were 25. They took the qualifications and gained QTS and 10 years later they are HoD.

Don’t let age be a barrier. Unless you want to retire at 60 then go for it.

The only thing I’d say - I’m guessing you are prepared for the additional workload for the role will bring?

Have you got English, Maths and Science grade C or above at GCSE or equivalent?

Speak to your headteacher. You’ll need a reference from them so they may as well know what you are planning and you might be able to do a SCITT placement in your current school.

I’m 55 and doing a PGCE this year from a non-education background. So you won’t be the only one! I think if you already love being in the clsssroom, that’s got to be a good start.

Very possible. Do it 😊

It is definitely possible, I am coming to the end of my PGCE year now at the age of 50. I was a HLTA for 4 years (a TA before that for 2 years) in primary and have been training to teach secondary to feel like my degree in Chemistry from 30 years ago was worth it.
It’s been hard work I won’t lie (especially the uni work) but I have LOVED being in the classroom doing what I love. It’s a new start for me and a new career to focus on now that my children are older and gives me the holidays with my children too.
Definitely do it, if you don’t do it now you may not ever. My age and experience has also been invaluable for dealing with any issues and I have been told a number of times that us older teacher trainees are valuable from that aspect too.