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a career in teaching

Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 11:54 am
by Road Runner
I am considering a change in career and am really interested in teaching Primary School. I cannot train full time as run a business but it is something I would love to do in the future. I would be a 'Mature student' and although I have done quite well for myself in my current career I do not have a strong academic background, a couple of O'levels. A friend has suggested I would need a degree of sorts so suggested an Open University Degree but to be honest having looked at the Web Site I don't know quite where to start.

There are so many knowledegable and helpful people who visit this web site I am hoping that I can get some advice.

Has anyone out there done anything similar. Do you think it is possible to study whilst working and having a family. Are Mature Students taken as seriously and how long will it take. Sorry lots of questions I know but any advice welcome.

Mel

Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 1:31 pm
by Sally-Anne
Hi Mel

You may find this helpful as a starting point.

http://www.tda.gov.uk/

Sally-Anne

Re: a career in teaching

Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 1:49 pm
by Catherine
Mel X wrote:I am considering a change in career and am really interested in teaching Primary School. I cannot train full time as run a business but it is something I would love to do in the future. I would be a 'Mature student' and although I have done quite well for myself in my current career I do not have a strong academic background, a couple of O'levels. A friend has suggested I would need a degree of sorts so suggested an Open University Degree but to be honest having looked at the Web Site I don't know quite where to start.

There are so many knowledegable and helpful people who visit this web site I am hoping that I can get some advice.

Has anyone out there done anything similar. Do you think it is possible to study whilst working and having a family. Are Mature Students taken as seriously and how long will it take. Sorry lots of questions I know but any advice welcome.

Mel
Hi Mel,

I have done an OU degree a few years ago and have found them brilliant. It was not in education though (social sciences and computing.)

I started before my son was born studying after work, then after my mum's day when he was a baby... Hard sometimes but worth it.. The good thing is that you can go fast or slowly, according to how much time you have got, and it's easy to fit in if you have a busy life.

Lots of OU students are mature adults, or even very mature as many are retired people.

Sometimes I feel like taking a new course..

Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 1:58 pm
by yoyo123
I trained as a primary school teacher at 37. I had a degree so did a one year post grad certificate. I am fairly sure that teh OU does teacher training, definitely did a PGCE not sure about BA (ed) though.

I did some voluntary work in primary schools before I applied too.

You will need to have GCSE level maths, there are quite a few routes into teh profession so you should find one to fit in with you. Sadly there are no longer grants :(

It is hard job, you will need to spend a fair bit of time other than just classroom based,and it can be frustrating but it is really rewarding. I have never regretted my decision to teach!

Mel X

Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 2:22 pm
by Road Runner
Hi

Thanks guys. I know I would really like to do some studying even just to give me a sense of achievement. I feel I am at a crossroads as have been in my current occupation for 15 years and I do love children who I'm told I do have an effinity with. I think what worries me is how to start and what direction. My husband thinks I'm having a midlife crisis although I do keep reminding him I'm not mid way yet, I plan on having a very long life!!

Seriously though I am seriously considering it. My son is already in seconday school (started last Sept) and my daughter starts year 5 this Sept. That ofcourse is the other thing I will tutor my daughter myself FOR THE 11+ so I will need something flexible. Catherine the OU soundsgood for that. Sally-Anne I will check out that link. Yo Yo it sounds like you made right the right decision. Maths was never my strong point but having said that it has never been an issue whilst running my business so perhaps I could get a GCSE.

Lots of thinking to do.

M
:roll:

Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 2:57 pm
by Bewildered
Hi Mel X,

If you could spare a few hours a couple of times a week, I would suggest the 'try before you buy' approach and could do a LSA (Learning Assistant Course).
I did the TA(teaching assistant) course a few years back, which was approx 14 weeks long; a couple of hours once a week doing the theory and then a few hours helping in the classroom, to collect the evidence required to pass the course.

This way you get an insight into how the school runs, and what it really is that teachers do. Which can honestly be a lot. It's quite an eye opener.

Good Luck with whatever you decide :)

BW

Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 3:08 pm
by yoyo123
that sounds like a good idea and would stand you in good stead for any application you made.

We had someone came to our school as a TA because whe wanted to train as a teacher and when she realised what it involved changed her mind!! She did however stay as a TA and was a really good one. Teh behind the scenes work of a school is an eye-opener for a lot of people!!

*shudders at thought of initiatives,targets and strategies*

Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 7:06 pm
by Guest55
Good luck MelX - it's the best job in the world 99% of the time .... :lol:

The OU does a flexible PGCE but I think it's just for seocondary teaching and you need a degree first.

You sould be able to get a GCSE maths course for free if you haven't got a level 2 qualification [GCSE is considered a level 2 qualification - confusing isn't it!!]

Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 10:16 pm
by Sally-Anne
Just out of interest, I got a Grade 5 Maths O Level - can someone remind me what that equates to in modern letter speak please?

It wasn't the finest moment of my school career, I have to say, especially as it was at the third attempt!

Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 11:07 pm
by Guest55
You can't really compare - there were 6 pass grades in the 'O' levels I took so a grade 5 would be a C probably.