Ah teaching, my friend and enemy all at once. Before I launch into the finer details of Primary Education I first need to stand up and say...'Hello, my name is Mini_Minx and I am a teacher. My Mum is a retired teacher. My dad is a retired Headteacher. My brother is a teacher. My mother-in-law is a teacher. My sister-in-law is a teacher.'
So I am kind of an expert...
~Making the Decision~
Teaching is something that you really want to do. It is a vocation. Anyone who tells you that you will grow into it is wrong. There are very few teachers who grow to like it. It's either in your veins or it's not. We don't LOVE children and so want to be with them constantly; we are educators whose job it is to impart knowledge and keep discipline at the same time. Please don't choose to pursue a career in teaching because you can't think of anything else to do and, as you went to school once, you feel that therefore you know all about teaching; or fancy a nice little earner whilst you study. You will really struggle.
~But I DO want to do it~
OK, so you feel it is in your veins. Great! Congratulations! You are on the first rung towards a very satisfying goal. First you need qualifications. You don't have to be the cleverest person in your year to be a teacher; in fact it is often the case that people who have found everything really easy find teaching hard because they don't truely understand what it means to not understand; however you must be reasonably bright, particularly in today's teaching climate, to be able to handle the demands made. You need a C or above at GCSE in Maths, English
and Sciences, and A' levels in suitable subjects, (I think most are suitable depending on what you want to teach, e.g. if you want to teach Maths there is no point having A' levels just in languages!)
You then need to go to University to study. You can either study for a BEd or a BA (Education)which are degrees in Education and mean that at the end of 3 or 4 years you are qualified to be a teacher; or another degree which holds some relevance to teaching e.g. Maths or Geography. I have a BSc in Maths and Management, both very relevant to teaching today. If you don't have an education degree you must study for a PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) which lasts for one year. (There are other ways of getting into teaching, like OU courses.)
~What is Education education like?~
Learning to be a teacher is hard work. You will have to do a mixture of study, research and actual practical teaching experience. The study part will cover theories behind how people learn and how to control children's behaviour. You will learn the best ways to explain various subjects (or subject if you are specialising to become a Secondary school teacher), and how learning can be improved through the use of technology etc. The research you will have to do will involve your specialism and such important subjects as the teaching of reading or the use of calculators. The practical part will take place in an actual real, live school with real, live children. You will be expected to work with small groups putting theory into practice and then gradually you will take over whole classes. The PGCE year, because it is one year, really throws you in at the deep end and, believe me, some people sink big time!
~But Does it matter How I Perform?~
Believe me, it really matters how you do, particularly today. Heard about the teacher shortage? That is not everywhere. In fact most areas are thoroughly over-subscribed, particularly in Primary, and only the best will get jobs. You need to study hard and try to get the best possible marks for your essays. Get a reputation as a hard worker and someone who shows real interest in the subjects. This is not the time to think only of your street cred; if the others think you're a swot, so what? They'll be the ones with egg on their faces when they're struggling to get a job. Show willing in the schools you are in. If teachers ask you to do something, however menial, do it to the best of your ability. Go to school fayres, play the piano in assembly, offer ot take a club, anything. Remember that experience cannot be replaced by theory and teachers really do know more than you. Listen to what they have to say, even if you don't agree. Thank them for their time and support. they are doing a hard job and student really can be a pain in the bum!
~How do I get a Job?~
Towards the end of your study and even before you qualify, you will be expected to apply for jobs. You will find advertisements in the local newspaper and the TES (Times Education Supplement) which comes out on a Friday and can be bought in all major supermarkets. The school where you are doing your teaching practice may also have an LEA circular which you can look at. (The school may also have a job going! Another reason to try and impress)
A teaching application consists of general qualification information and any other job experience, (don't underestimate that summer work you did, it shows that you have a variety of skills), and a letter of application. It is this letter that can be your undoing. Think about: Your skills: do you play an instrument, or dance, or act, or play a sport? Remember that just because you can't foresee yourself using your skill in school doesn't mean it's not important. Skills show that you are an interesting and active person. (I have a black belt in Karate. I have never had to use it but it makes a good interview discussion point!)
Your interests: you may think that going to the gym has nothing to do with teaching, but it demonstrates that you have a life, which is very important to teaching nowadays.
Your personality: remember that a sense of humour always helps in teaching. Don't say all the things you THINK people want to hear, be honest. Don't lay the sugar on thckly saying what a caring and sweet person you are, yuck. If you are active and fun, say so. But also mention that you are patient...a very important trait.
~The Interview~
If you made it to interview, well done! Preparation is the key. Think about what questions you will be asked. Ask around to find out from others what they have been asked. And prepare your answers. Prepare, prepare, prepare!!! Interview panels usually consist of the headteacher, possibly the Deputy and the Chair of Governors. Don't underestimate the importance of each of these people; you must look at each when answering questions. If a question catches you out, don't be afraid to ask what they mean. You can always say, 'Do you mean that...' There is no point waffling on for 5 minutes but not actually answering their question. Try to refer back to an experience you have had that illustrates your point.
~But I didn't get a job!~
Don't panic, loads of NQTs (Newly Qualified Teachers) don't get a job. Try to do lots of supply work and, you may find when you are more well known, that a job comes to you. There are a few ways of getting supply; two of the best ways are putting yourself on an agency's list or personally taking your CV to a variety of schools and introducig yourself to the Headteacher. Don't expect supply work to fall into your lap; there' a lot of competition and you'll need to work for it.
~But what's the job like?~
This is going to be a biased view but, hey, that's what ops are all about aren't they? Teaching consists of a variety of tasks: 1) Teach children 2) Control children 3) Assess children and report progress 4) Deal with parents 5) Complete paperwork about children and about your own achievements 6) Liaise with other teachers 7) Train yourself and, possibly, other teachers 8) Keep up-to-date with current research and educational thinking
Now I'm sure when I finish this review I'll think, 'Oh goodness, I can't believe I missed out THAT task.' But such is the nature of teaching. It is rarely boring, often very satisfying, can be frustrating, can be upsetting, is often tiring and generally takes over your life. You will never appreciate anyone else's job and they will never understand yours. When you are lugging furniture around the classroom to try to fit 34 Year 6s in a room as big as a toilet, your friends will be amazed that the company didn't hire someone in to do it for you. When you are marking 90 books at home on a Sunday night, your friends will wonder why you don't have time 'in work' to do that. On the other hand, when your friends are moaning about how they have no work satisfaction, you will wonder how they could go to work every day knowing that they wouldn't be stretched and stimulated by young minds. It's all swings and roundabouts.
I hope that I have given you an insight into the world of teaching. I could write for hours more, but you've probably had enough!
'Those that can...teach!'
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
brilliant review. i related to so much of it. i recommended your review to a friend who is thinking about getting into the profession. you ticked all the boxes.
Anneli86 10.06.2005 19:24
I'm soon to embark upon a primary teaching degree at Brighton and I can't wait. Fantastic review and a great insight into the job. Anneli x
Thehonesttruth 14.11.2004 21:39
It sounds like a very tough but rewarding carreer choice!
Aug 3rd, 2004
exceptional by (16%):
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