Teaching & PGCE : Tue Apr 23, 2013 8:32 pm  

I'm a 23 year-old male, and I'm thinking of becoming a primary school teacher.

(Waits for jibes about how its a woman's profession.)

Seriously. I graduated two years ago with a good journalism degree, but for several reasons things haven't worked out. Having thought about what I want to do with the rest of my life, alongside what experience I have both voluntary and in a working environment, I think teaching could be the way forward.

I've worked with children for the past five years voluntarily, both as a rugby league coach and a referee on Sunday mornings. I realise there may be a huge difference between that and teaching, but I know have the confidence to stand in front of 20-30 children and lead the way. That, in my opinion, is a start.

I've looked into studying for a PGCE, and the routes to achieving QTS and NQT status, and obviously full-time work. I'm led to believe there is a shortage of male primary school teachers, so I would (hopefully) be in demand.*

I'm interested to know if anyone on here is a teacher (primary or secondary school) and what advice you could give based on your experience. What qualities do you think makes a good teacher? Is a PGCE the right course to take, and what other options are there? What is the likely pathway I'd take from PGCE to full-time employment and having my own class?


*- I know it sounds bad making a statement like that based on gender, but I've looked into it and it is true.

Re: Teaching & PGCE : Wed Apr 24, 2013 7:31 am  

In your situation I would start by consulting the Careers Service at the university where you gained your degree (assuming that like the Leeds Uni Careers service it is available to all alumni throughout their lives). Also, www.prospects.ac.uk is a useful source of info and current course vacancies.

In your situation I would start by consulting the Careers Service at the university where you gained your degree (assuming that like the Leeds Uni Careers service it is available to all alumni throughout their lives). Also, www.prospects.ac.uk is a useful source of info and current course vacancies.

[Bullseye]

Re: Teaching & PGCE : Wed Apr 24, 2013 9:01 am  

Get yourself into a classroom as an assistant to give it a go before you make any big decisions. Speak to any teachers you know and ask what you need to do this. I did it back in '94 when I was considering teaching as a career.

I enjoyed the classroom work so I did a PGCE. I found later that the amount of work outside of the core hours was way too much and it put me off. If I could give one piece of advice it's to make sure you really want to do it before embarking on it as you need to work hard to do it justice.

Re: Teaching & PGCE : Wed Apr 24, 2013 3:12 pm  

I think the government are doing away with PGCE's and going down the route of graduate training in the schools. My daughter is a teacher and she is getting a graduate straight from university this September. They propose to pay 15k while training over 2 years, so not all bad if you can get into a placement.

Re: Teaching & PGCE : Wed Apr 24, 2013 4:51 pm  

If you've got your coaching qualifications then it might be best to start coaching rugby league in Primary Schools and work your way in from there whilst gaining relevant teaching qualifications. I don't know if the Leeds Rugby Foundation are still looking for coaches but they might be worth a try.

A relative of mine has taught gymnastics in local schools for a long time now and is doing very well for herself.

It's a shame your journalism career hasn't quite worked out yet but I hope one day it does because you've posted some very good comments on these boards before.

Good Luck!

Re: Teaching & PGCE : Wed Apr 24, 2013 7:27 pm  

Peckerwood wrote:

I'm a 23 year-old male, and I'm thinking of becoming a primary school teacher.
(Waits for jibes about how its a woman's profession.)

There is very much a push on at present to attract men into primary school teaching in an attempt to reverse the trend as the lack of male role models within the primary sector has been identified as detrimental to children's development.

Seriously. I graduated two years ago with a good journalism degree, but for several reasons things haven't worked out.

Firstly - a journalism degree may be acceptable but it is worth checking. Check also that you have GCSEs in English Language, Maths, Science and at least two 'broad curriculum' subjects (ie not the core subjects of English, Maths and Science). If you have an IT qualification or can prove handiness in IT that will also stand you in good stead. (And bear in mind that within a primary school environment IT includes subjects like robots as well as computer use)

Having thought about what I want to do with the rest of my life, alongside what experience I have both voluntary and in a working environment, I think teaching could be the way forward.

Teaching is an extremely demanding job, especially at primary school level due to the enormous amount of preparation time involved in creating enjoyable, engaging and challenging lessons in such a diverse range of subjects for what seems like an infinate range of abilities. You need to be absolutely certain that teaching is what you want to do. You won't last five minutes into training if you are going into it because your first choice has not (yet) worked out for you. That may sound harsh, but you really do need to be absolutely sure, not just for your own sake but for that of the children. You will be working until late at night, every weekend at some point and half of every holiday. It is a massive commitment.

I've worked with children for the past five years voluntarily, both as a rugby league coach and a referee on Sunday mornings.

I did the same thing and that will count towards your pre-training assessment. However, if you opt to take the PGCE route (and probably also the degree route) then it is mandatory that you undertake at least two weeks' work experience within a classroom setting (preferably a week in each key stage, just to cover all bases) within two years of the start of your PGCE. I used annual leave to facilitate this and it really is worthwhile.

I'm interested to know if anyone on here is a teacher (primary or secondary school) and what advice you could give based on your experience.

I qualified in 2010 and have been unable to find a job, not for the want of trying. I qualified at Level 2, which means I am officially a 'good' teacher. However, I was also a mature student and ageism is still a problem within the teaching profession, especially at primary school level (and I have evidence of this). That won't be an issue for you at 23. However, there are a lot of teachers fighting over too few jobs so you need to take that into consideration before jumping in.

I did the PGCE. It is gruelling. You will do three teaching practices in less than a year, endless assignments, and you will be assessed and graded and watched at every turn. If you have confidence problems you will need to know in advance that at some point you are likely to want to walk out. Almost all PCGE students feel that way as it is an incredibly demanding course. You will be working until all hours, every day, and you will be expected to teach pretty much from the outset and you will expect to be criticised frequently and sometimes (depending on the sadistic tendencies of your assessor/supervising teacher!) very freely! If you have a partner you will need their full support and willingness to look after children, sacrifice nights out, etc, because the PGCE, if you want to qualify well, will swallow your life for about nine months.

What qualities do you think makes a good teacher?

Off the top of my head:
Endless patience
Excellent communication skills - particularly clarity
Ability to reflect honestly on your performance, personality, etc
Creativity - absolutely vital in the primary sector (and I don't mean artistic ability here, but more ideas and being able to look at things from a number of different perspectives/angles)
Ability to analyse both performance and people: you have to assess at all times and be able to communicate your considerations and conclusions clearly and confidently, with evidence
Objectivity - fairness within the primary sector is of crucial importance, particularly to the children
Empathy - children can be very little and their needs are important so when they cry because they have grazed their knee they will need to know you care
Confidence
A sense of fun
A voice - you will know from your coaching whether you find it easy or hard to control a group of children: without a 'voice' (ie the ability to control) you cannot teach effectively, or indeed at all really!

Is a PGCE the right course to take, and what other options are there?

There are a number of routes but the quickest is the PGCE and not many schools are on board with the classroom entry route as yet. There is also a three year degree but since you have already taken a degree you may not be eligible for financial support. However, you WILL be eligible for funding for a PGCE.

What is the likely pathway I'd take from PGCE to full-time employment and having my own class?

You qualify as an NQT but have to complete your NQT year before you are a fully qualified teacher (although your NQT year will be spent as a teacher in charge of a class). You have to complete your NQT year within five years of qualifying otherwise you have to re-train.

Re: Teaching & PGCE : Tue May 14, 2013 12:12 pm  

SaintsFan wrote:

There is very much a push on at present to attract men into primary school teaching in an attempt to reverse the trend as the lack of male role models within the primary sector has been identified as detrimental to children's development.

Firstly - a journalism degree may be acceptable but it is worth checking. Check also that you have GCSEs in English Language, Maths, Science and at least two 'broad curriculum' subjects (ie not the core subjects of English, Maths and Science). If you have an IT qualification or can prove handiness in IT that will also stand you in good stead. (And bear in mind that within a primary school environment IT includes subjects like robots as well as computer use)

Teaching is an extremely demanding job, especially at primary school level due to the enormous amount of preparation time involved in creating enjoyable, engaging and challenging lessons in such a diverse range of subjects for what seems like an infinate range of abilities. You need to be absolutely certain that teaching is what you want to do. You won't last five minutes into training if you are going into it because your first choice has not (yet) worked out for you. That may sound harsh, but you really do need to be absolutely sure, not just for your own sake but for that of the children. You will be working until late at night, every weekend at some point and half of every holiday. It is a massive commitment.

I did the same thing and that will count towards your pre-training assessment. However, if you opt to take the PGCE route (and probably also the degree route) then it is mandatory that you undertake at least two weeks' work experience within a classroom setting (preferably a week in each key stage, just to cover all bases) within two years of the start of your PGCE. I used annual leave to facilitate this and it really is worthwhile.

I qualified in 2010 and have been unable to find a job, not for the want of trying. I qualified at Level 2, which means I am officially a 'good' teacher. However, I was also a mature student and ageism is still a problem within the teaching profession, especially at primary school level (and I have evidence of this). That won't be an issue for you at 23. However, there are a lot of teachers fighting over too few jobs so you need to take that into consideration before jumping in.

I did the PGCE. It is gruelling. You will do three teaching practices in less than a year, endless assignments, and you will be assessed and graded and watched at every turn. If you have confidence problems you will need to know in advance that at some point you are likely to want to walk out. Almost all PCGE students feel that way as it is an incredibly demanding course. You will be working until all hours, every day, and you will be expected to teach pretty much from the outset and you will expect to be criticised frequently and sometimes (depending on the sadistic tendencies of your assessor/supervising teacher!) very freely! If you have a partner you will need their full support and willingness to look after children, sacrifice nights out, etc, because the PGCE, if you want to qualify well, will swallow your life for about nine months.

Off the top of my head:
Endless patience
Excellent communication skills - particularly clarity
Ability to reflect honestly on your performance, personality, etc
Creativity - absolutely vital in the primary sector (and I don't mean artistic ability here, but more ideas and being able to look at things from a number of different perspectives/angles)
Ability to analyse both performance and people: you have to assess at all times and be able to communicate your considerations and conclusions clearly and confidently, with evidence
Objectivity - fairness within the primary sector is of crucial importance, particularly to the children
Empathy - children can be very little and their needs are important so when they cry because they have grazed their knee they will need to know you care
Confidence
A sense of fun
A voice - you will know from your coaching whether you find it easy or hard to control a group of children: without a 'voice' (ie the ability to control) you cannot teach effectively, or indeed at all really!

There are a number of routes but the quickest is the PGCE and not many schools are on board with the classroom entry route as yet. There is also a three year degree but since you have already taken a degree you may not be eligible for financial support. However, you WILL be eligible for funding for a PGCE.

You qualify as an NQT but have to complete your NQT year before you are a fully qualified teacher (although your NQT year will be spent as a teacher in charge of a class). You have to complete your NQT year within five years of qualifying otherwise you have to re-train.

Thank you your reply, and apologies for not getting back sooner. This is exactly the sort of response I was hoping for, so thank you again!

I certainly have no intention to jump into this lightly, and I'm still looking at all my options, but if I take the plunge it would be no sooner than 2014/15. I've signed up to the Teaching Agency, and I received a booklet with information about my options etc. I'm looking to getting into a school during the next academic year to see if it really is for me.

Re: Teaching & PGCE : Tue May 14, 2013 12:30 pm  

not one school but at least two/three different schools:
schools differ.

In my teaching career (27 years), I worked with two ex-journalists who did well. Strangely, both were keen union officers.

Have you spoken to any heads about visits? Also are you prepared for the checks needed before you can work with children.

Re: Teaching & PGCE : Sat Jun 15, 2013 5:50 pm  

Peckerwood wrote:

I'm a 23 year-old male, and I'm thinking of becoming a primary school teacher.

(Waits for jibes about how its a woman's profession.)

Seriously. I graduated two years ago with a good journalism degree, but for several reasons things haven't worked out. Having thought about what I want to do with the rest of my life, alongside what experience I have both voluntary and in a working environment, I think teaching could be the way forward.

I've worked with children for the past five years voluntarily, both as a rugby league coach and a referee on Sunday mornings. I realise there may be a huge difference between that and teaching, but I know have the confidence to stand in front of 20-30 children and lead the way. That, in my opinion, is a start.

I've looked into studying for a PGCE, and the routes to achieving QTS and NQT status, and obviously full-time work. I'm led to believe there is a shortage of male primary school teachers, so I would (hopefully) be in demand.*

I'm interested to know if anyone on here is a teacher (primary or secondary school) and what advice you could give based on your experience. What qualities do you think makes a good teacher? Is a PGCE the right course to take, and what other options are there? What is the likely pathway I'd take from PGCE to full-time employment and having my own class?


*- I know it sounds bad making a statement like that based on gender, but I've looked into it and it is true.

I went through the Graduate Training Programme, which I think is the best route because it gives you greater experience actually teaching in classrooms rather than ploughing through endless tedious theory at college.

The downside is being thrown into the deep end very early. Sink or swim. Fine if you are in a good school with an experienced support structure for trainees. Not so fine if you are dumped in a problem school.

It's an enormous workload which is likely to put great strain on any relationships. I would not advise you to pursue this career if you have a young family.

What makes a "great teacher"? Depends on what kind of teacher you want to be. I mean, if you want to go to sleep each evening with a sense of satisfaction with your work and the knowledge that pupils respect you then you pretty much need to give up any notions of career advancement.

If, on the other hand, you want the latter my advice to you is:

1. Learn how to manipulate figures (statistics are everything),
2. Prioritise tasks which impact on government targets,
3. Aim work to cater for high achievers and special needs pupils - those in between can look after themselves.
4. Recognise that a good lesson is defined not by the sum of knowledge pupils acquire but an assessors check sheet.
5. Respect individuality but know that too much destroys your lesson.
6. Believe publicly in the National Curriculum. Or fake it.
7. God smiles on faith in a faith school.

Re: Teaching & PGCE : Fri Jun 21, 2013 4:42 pm  

Mugwump wrote:

I went through the Graduate Training Programme, which I think is the best route because it gives you greater experience actually teaching in classrooms rather than ploughing through endless tedious theory at college.

The downside is being thrown into the deep end very early. Sink or swim. Fine if you are in a good school with an experienced support structure for trainees. Not so fine if you are dumped in a problem school.

It's an enormous workload which is likely to put great strain on any relationships. I would not advise you to pursue this career if you have a young family.

What makes a "great teacher"? Depends on what kind of teacher you want to be. I mean, if you want to go to sleep each evening with a sense of satisfaction with your work and the knowledge that pupils respect you then you pretty much need to give up any notions of career advancement.

If, on the other hand, you want the latter my advice to you is:

1. Learn how to manipulate figures (statistics are everything),
2. Prioritise tasks which impact on government targets,
3. Aim work to cater for high achievers and special needs pupils - those in between can look after themselves.
4. Recognise that a good lesson is defined not by the sum of knowledge pupils acquire but an assessors check sheet.
5. Respect individuality but know that too much destroys your lesson.
6. Believe publicly in the National Curriculum. Or fake it.
7. God smiles on faith in a faith school.

Duly noted.