Anyone trained as a teacher later in life?

[jasper]

Close friend considering career change. Already has a degree (computer science) .

I said I would ask here for any info.
Thanks

A friend of mine did - she also had a degree, in biology. She did a one-year teacher training course and then started work as a biology teacher.

old lady does she like the job?

Ah, well, does it help if I say she's not teaching any more?

She loved teaching. She loved the children she worked with (all girls school). She was a brilliant, imaginative, creative teacher.

But she hated the paperwork, poor management in her school, having to re-organise her lesson plans every five minutes because of new OFSTED proclamations. She became a teacher when she was a single parent, and had fondly imagined she'd have all those long holidays to spend with her DS. The reality was working at home till 10 or 11pm most nights marking and preparing, and putting her DS into nursery for half-days during the holidays so she could catch up.

I mean, five half-days a week, not the odd one here or there.

She only ever got about two weeks off a year.

I did my PGCE when I was 30. Happy to answer any questions.

I was 34. Best thing I ever did. The workload can be overwhelming, but the kids make me smile a lot.
My school is deemed an up and coming,improving school but still inner city and deprived (some depraved ) There are behavioural issues but I have an easy time - maybe being a mother myself has helped.
Tell your friend to go for it - just don't see it as an easier option - it isn't.
Being clever isn't enough, you need some oomph! (technical teacher term!!) HTH

thank you all contributors.
This is a great help.
Old lady that is quite sad.
science teacher are you glad you made the move?
undervalued, you are inspiring!

OK but how late in life is "late in life"? I'm 40 something and considering it as I'm likely to be made redundant in the next few months. I know it's not an easy option but am really considering it as a new start.

I think PGCEs are quite competitive at the moment - due to teaching being a recession proof career.
There isn't a too old rockdoctor, just make sure you want to go into it for the right reasons. Hopefully your degree will be one of the subjects in demand and you need to spend some time in a school.You need to know what you'll be expected to deal with and remember - not everybody (if anybody!) gets to teach perfect children. PGCEs look for that now, it shows commitment.
When you watch teachers please don't think it looks really easy - you are looking at a real swan in action - calm and serene on the outside and furious paddling underneath!
Thankyou Jasper, any time

I am 46 and did my PGCE (early years) last year. Now a reception teacher. I love it but it is absolutely knackering and I am glad I didnt try to do it when dcs were younger (now 10, 13, 16). I would definitely recommend working or volunteering in a school before you take the plunge. Feel free to ask more questions!

my friend is 46