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Original poster

Considering retraining as a teacher

11 replies

racmac · 05/07/2010 07:50

I am a family Solicitor although not worked in 4 yrs and thinking about retraining as teacher - Secondary school i think.

But how do i do it? Dont think i could teach law at School level - its not a national curriculum subject is it?

I like PE and Business studies that kind of subject so how would i go about it and do i get any help?

OP posts:

kreecherlivesupstairs · 05/07/2010 14:59

Before you jump in consider it really carefully. My DH is a teacher, he is the most placed, laid back, kind and sensitive man I've ever met, BUT, the teaching is nearly killing him now. Long hours, disrespectful children and lack of back up from his SMT. He was on his knees virtually for the last week.
If I were you, I'd get over the TES boards and ask your questions there. HTH.

mummytime · 05/07/2010 15:16

I'd also recommend the TES. Also email local schools (and no just nice ones) to ask for visits as you are thinking of retraining as a teacher. You can get a lot of help that way, and a reality check on how realistic it is.

manyhands · 06/07/2010 20:50

I retrained and love my job but am struggling to get a permanent full time job.I would look at the jobs market in your area, try the TES or speak to the council NQT coordinator.

ageing5yearseachyear · 08/07/2010 10:44

a friend of mine has a law degree and is about to embark on pgce to become an economics teacher for 14-19 age group. he has to do some pre work to bring his subject knowledge up to speed- he has a grade A in A level economics himself.

he chose this specifically as he thinks that it is a subject that he enjoys and kids that opt to do it for gcse and a level are less likely to be class room wreckers ( he may be deluding himself on this point)

have you thought about teaching in an FE college or similar? I went to an open evening at our local college for visiting lecturers. they are keen to recruit staff to do evening and part time who have experience in the work place. Pay is not great to start with ( about £75 per night) but they offer to pay for you to get the basic FE qualification and it seems like a harmless way of finding out if it is for you

mummyrex · 14/07/2010 17:37

Many local authorities run taster courses for people thinking of training to be secondary teachers

mummytime · 14/07/2010 17:44

If you train to do FE you aren't qualified to teach in schools (despite a PGCE, it might change). Also people teaching in FE are on worse contracts and pay scales than school teachers.

But contact schools and go and speak to teachers before making decisions. It is quite competitive to get on he courses.

Adair · 14/07/2010 17:56

Definitely think you need to get into a local secondary school and have a look at what it involves. Lots of people think they can remember what it's like but it's different on the other side.

I would also warn that 14-19 is not the same any more either - there are still behaviour management issues right up to sixth form now that school is compulsory til 18 though yes, in theory easier if your kids have chosen the subject. And FE does not pay well (I believe).

But I love teaching. Love my job and find the kids challenging but rewarding. Get paid well. Good flexible options for me. I personally find it suits my work/life balance - but then I am an experienced teacher. It does get easier - the first couple of years where really TOUGH. Good luck - it's a vocation IMVHO. If you love it, you love it.

Adair · 14/07/2010 17:57

'were really tough'

(it's been a long day)

sarahwhiteley · 19/07/2010 14:45

Hi, I'm a teacher at secondary school and it's a great job and fits in really well with kids. There is a huge shortage of Maths teachers in schools, at my school several staff are doing a one year part time conversion course (1 day a week paid for my school) that will convert any degree. You can also go through the Graduate Teacher Training Scheme which pays you to train on the job. Good luck!

PotteringAlong · 19/07/2010 15:03

Also a teacher here and i absoloutely love it but it is no way shape or form an easy option - second the advice about getting into schools to see what it's like.

Also, have a look on the TES website for jobs. I know it changes all the time but there are not a lot of them about at the moment.

Adair is right though. If you love it you love it and there's no better job in the world...I still have 'alight with the joy of teaching' moments, even when I'm on my knees with it all!

pinkgrapefruitjuice · 19/07/2010 15:03

Im a secondary teacher and love my job. You need to spend some time in a school so that you can watch teachers in action and see if you can see yourself in that role.

When I was considering doing PGCE I spent a week observing my subject in a secondary in East London, that week and talking to lots of other teachers really helped me to see what the realities were.

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