if you are a primary school teacher and had your time again, would you

[IamAnIAMSgirl]

Qualify again? Also, what are the best and worst bits of the job?

Been thinking about doing a pgce and it would be good to have some feedback from people about the job itself retrospectively.

Thanks

I am an ex-teacher, primary SLT. I left after maternity leave.

I am glad that I did it. It gave me a professional qualification, a position of responsibility and a huge amount of challenge.

However, I wish that I had left a year or two sooner and enjoyed some of those evenings and weekends before the responsibilities of parenting came along!

Best parts: working with children, feeling part of a community.

Worst parts: workload, poor management, takes over your life.

Yes and no
Yes because I have had many years loving my job in the late 70s 80s 90s
No to the last 10 years as teaching has become a job I don't recognize or enjoy nearly so much.
I certainly wouldn't be recommending it now.

No, I wouldn't.

Not in a million years!

At times I've loved my job but since having my DD I've resented it. Pregnant again now and on a two year plan to leave.

I'm secondary but I wouldn't, you can never have an evening off without feeling guilty

I've been out of mainstream for a few years now and wouldn't go back. However I don't regret qualifying, you can always get work if you really need it!

Yes because I work in specialist provision.

If I would be forced to work in mainstream not a chance in hell.

I think it's a great job. I'm sure there's a huge difference between primary and secondary teaching. I'm primary trained and love the variety it can give you, and flexibility for that matter - teaching Early Years is so different from Year 6 and it is a job where you can work part time reasonably easily.

It's not a straightforward career, but there's plenty of progression opportunities and if you love being around children then there are far worse ways to spend your day!

Finding a school which is right for you and where you can respect the Head is key though. I have been stung this way before...