Getting into teaching 5 years after PGCE

[snowonthebeachh]

Hi everyone!

I started my PGCE (primary) in 2019 and just after I had completed my first placement Covid hit so it was eventually agreed we would all qualify despite only doing one placement. I’d originally intended to do some TA work to get a bit more confidence/experience in schools however during lockdown my partner lost his job so I had to get a job elsewhere just to bring in some money and pay the bills. One thing lead to another and all of a sudden we’re years down the line and I’m still stuck in a job I don’t want to do.

I really want to try and get into teaching but it’s been 5 years since I qualified with zero experience in schools since and I don’t really know where to start as I feel like I’ve put myself at a disadvantage by doing something different for the last few years and also by qualifying in 2020 and not even doing a full PGCE. I’m wondering if anyone could offer any advice on steps I could take 🙂

You’d still be getting training and support as an ECT. Some jobs are advertised as being suitable for ECT applicants. I’m not sure if there’s a time limit from PGCE to starting.
Have a look on here to see if you can get answers. If you see a job you want to apply for you can always ask to speak to the head and explain.

https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/life-as-a-teacher/teaching-as-a-career/early-career-teachers

Could you afford to do a year as a HLTA now, get yourself back in the classroom, as a HLTA you wouldn't be responsible for planning etc but might occasional have the whole class to cover ppa or something. Then apply for ECT roles