PGDE - has anyone retrained as a teacher?

[A]

I am considering returning to work eventually. Before children, I worked part-time in adult education, free-lance tutoring, and sports coaching. I have always thought about teaching, and wonder if anyone has experience of retraining and returning to work as a teacher?

hello A i thiught it was pg C e ?

That is one of the reasons I wanted advice - I thought so too, but I'm in Scotland and the websites all seem to say pgde...

imagine that is a diploma rather than a certificate then.

I retrained at 25- best thing I ever did

Lurking as dh is considering doing one

I did my PGCE when I was thirty and with two small children. I gave up a job in industry to do it.

The PGCE was pretty straightforward, and I found a job right away afterwards. I ended up teaching for less than two years because the babies kept coming! I then took 8 years off as a SAHM, and eased my way back in via supply and short-term contract work. As a Science teacher, I could have found a permanent job sooner, but wanted to wait for the right job. I now have a permanent job that I am very happy in, and would be happy to live out my career in this school.

Depending on your age and background, you could be quite shocked by the culture in schools, so do make some visits before committing to anything. Schools are quite used to having enquirers spend the day with them, and will try to give you a realistic taster.

Definately visit schools before you decide. I've swapped careers & am now a TA - in the back of my mind I am considering teaching although I don't want to re-train for that right now. It was eye opening to see just how much school has changed since I was there ! A totally new language / environment !

Thanks for the posts. I will definitely try to organise some school visits before finally deciding.

bump
Anyone else? Lurking with interest.

I run a school based ITT course which includes PGCE and at this time of year every year haev epople gettting v stressed by the work load and wanting to drop out - it is hard for everyone on the course, but hardest for those re-training I think, esp with families. It does get easier once you've qualified, but be aware that the course itself will really put a strain on family life

I run a school based ITT course which includes PGCE and at this time of year every year haev epople gettting v stressed by the work load and wanting to drop out - it is hard for everyone on the course, but hardest for those re-training I think, esp with families. It does get easier once you've qualified, but be aware that the course itself will really put a strain on family life

oops

I'm doing a distance learning part time PGCE and love it.

Thanks for all the replies.The pressure on family life is a concern. Manyhands, how long will your course take you?

dh gave up well paid job to be a teacher, he now earns half wot he used to, but what a personality change, much happier, best thing he ever did and now with lo all of the hols off too. drawbacks are the amount of work tha he does on an evening BUT... at least hes at home, in previous job he wasnt home til 8/9pm, so go for it you have nothing to lose - he is secondary

my dh retrained as a teacher last yr. he did the pgde - that's what it is now. changed from pgce couple yrs ago. he did it at jordanhill and is now in his probation yr. he didn't find it too demanding last year. depends what schools you get on your placements though.

re you thinking primary or secondary? the primary course is much more demanding time wise.

Thanks. I yet decided whether primary or secondary, although currently thinking primary. Both appeal in different ways. Any drawbacks/plusses for either?

There are bursaries if you pick the right subject - DD1 is doing secondary English PGCE and is getting £9000!