Why career change 30-somethings choose teaching?
They say that life begins at 30 and apparently with it comes drastic life changes too, such as training for a completely new career (as well as a renewed enthusiasm for dieting and exercise, due to a lower metabolism - sob).
Teaching is a common career many 30-somethings move to when considering their options and this is because it is one of the most rewarding ones out there to take on. According to the Schools Web Directory, there are 111 schools in the Newcastle upon Tyne area, so plenty of opportunity for employment!
It’s never been easier to find a route into teaching, but remember only the best make it through that year of tough on the job training. For those with at least three years of employment experience (which hopefully applies to every 30 year old out there) School Direct is the best course to enrol on.
Not only do you get paid while you train but you are normally guaranteed a position in the school you train in and are thrown in at the deep end, given a class immediately to teach while you work alongside a mentor teacher to learn the ropes. At the end of it you will have QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) and can also complete a PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate of Education) at the same time – however bear in mind that this will require payment for fees.
Once you’ve finished your training don’t worry if you can’t stay on at the school you worked in during your course, there are sites out there made especially for those seeking work in education. Edustaff, for example, works in the same way as a job searching website with schools posting vacancies and then you applying online, so no running around all the local schools in your area, asking for work.
Now you know which route is best to take ask yourself ‘why are you changing your career?’
Do you want to feel excited to head to work in the morning to do a job you enjoy? Do you want your hard work to result in young people feeling inspired and ready for the future? Do you want to specialise in a subject you feel passionate about? (Bonus: Do you want six weeks off in the summer?)
Teaching can offer all of these things and is considered one of the most fulfilling professions out there that you can get involved with but remember that it is a lifestyle change as well as your career. While you will enjoy six weeks off at the summer you will have to put in around 59 hours as a primary school teacher and 55 working in secondary, due to planning and marking on top of the 19 hours a week of timetabled teaching. Don’t let that put you off though, after all what’s the point of doing something you love if you don’t feel challenged every day?