Considering return to Primary Teaching after very long break

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Hello
I was a primary teacher, first in Scotland and then in both state and independent sectors in England for 13 years. I loved my job.

Fast forward on and I have no been out of teaching for almost 13 years (except for a short stint in a local nursery where my children went before deciding nursery was definitely not for me!)
One of my children has special needs and is very challenging. I feel like a completely different person than the teacher I was 13 years ago and am scared that everything has moved on so much and I will be completely out of my depth if I go back into a primary teaching role.

I have considered looking for TA roles but not sure if that’s just because I’m scared of the teaching responsibility. Also considered shadowing/assisting a friend in her teaching role or even approaching sone local schools and asking to do some volunteering to get myself back into the classroom. My husband thinks I am mad as why would I work for free but I feel so out of touch.

Any advice from anyone who has been in the same situation? What did you do? Can’t see any courses currently being offered but I feel that there will be definite gaps needing plugging (ICT for a start!!!)

Many thanks

I left teaching two years ago, and may go back in the future but I also have visions of it changing completely! The reality is that teaching is like riding a bike, and I think once you're back into it, it will be like you never left. I would probably do some supply to get a feel for some different schools and build my confidence up. Good luck!

Thank you. I did think about supply but then thought (with terror!) about being faced with a whole class of expectant faces and not having a clue what I was doing! My IT skills alone need updating for the classroom but not sure what skills I need or where to get them (interactive whiteboards has just really come into classes when I left!)

Go for it. I’d ask to do some volunteering but I’m not sure that would be permitted Covid wise. Supply a bit?
But it’s a great idea to return. Good luck. There are loads of Twinkl groups on Facebook who can help wish ideas etc. Also Pinterest.

I can understand why you're apprehensive but don't sell yourself short by applying for roles you are overqualified for. The important bits of teaching won't have changed: behaviour management, building relationships with pupils, engaging pupils in learning. Presumably you were a pretty good teacher if you loved the job after 13 years. Maybe shadow for a week and perhaps practise a lesson or two with your friend but then go for it! I bet after a month with a new class, it will be like you've never left. And also you'll be in good company needing ICT training in most schools so don't worry too much.

I’d second the supply idea. You could be fussy and say you’ll only do X years groups, whatever suits you if all you want is to get a feel. You could probably get a PPA cover role in a school fairly easily through an agency. That might give you a good feel (and time to prepare) without the daunting feeling of supply. I did supply for a while and learnt loads including IT stuff. I don’t think it’s loved on so much... it all goes round in circles anyway...