Difficult time due to bullying- career change - any teachers would appreciate your advice

Hi

Im in the middle of doing a PGCE with the OU. What subject are you hoping to do?

Im surprised that secondary schools havnt been in contact with you to come in? How are you contacting them? It might be worth phoning and asking to speak to the PGCE Co-ordinator there. If you cant get hold of them (if they are teaching) then just keep ringing back at lunch times/after school until you do. Teachers are notoriorsly hard to het hold of.

Im sorry to hear about the bullying. Just make sure you go into teaching because that is what you want to do, rather than as an escape route. Personally Ive found it the most rewarding thing in the world. I come home from school every night with a smile on my face. And my confidence has increased loads. Ive just finished a placement in school and Im not going back into school until Sept and Im feeling very sad. I miss school already (Im a saddo!!)

You might find if you dont want to do it through the OU, you may get into a traditional uni anyway, especially if you are wanting to teach a shortage subject, they are very often desperate for people right up until September.

Hi magicool, thanks for the reply and advice.

The subject would be biology, but I'm a bit stuck on location otherwise I'd consider going through clearing or seeing if there are any places available.

I've emailed the schools - think I'll try calling tomorrow - good point.

I'm pretty sure teaching is the way I want to go - I've considered it many times but the time has never been quite right- but I think it is now, but I really want to spend some real time in secondary schools to be totally sure.

Thanks!

Hiya, don't give up on GTP for Sept - I know for a fact that some establishments have places for Sept as I have a potential GTP candidate looking for a post and he's found some (maths though, but worth looking for sciences too.)

Another way of getting some school exp and getting your feet under the table so to speak is to work as a cover supervisor for a term or two - you'd get a feel for whether you liked the work too.

Where are you located?

I'm in Saffron Walden (just south of Cambridge) if you know of any places with spaces (within about 45-50 mins) please let me know!

I've applied for a couple of teaching assisant/ cover support jobs so hoping something will happen with those.

I'd ring school and speak to the head of Science. Emails at my school to the school email address go to the secretary and don't always get to the right person! Schools are welcoming and appreciate the fact you are taking the career change seriously - it also looks good if a job appears at a school you went in to. I'd also phone the course tutor for the PGCE to see if you can get a place, you never know. Teaching is a great job, I love it. Good luck!!

I'm on an interview panel for a PGCE Science course on Tuesday, so there are still PGCE places out there if you are quick enough to apply to GTTR.

But I'd echo the not using it as an escape route because you are feeling (rightly) upset about what's happened to you. Teaching can be a great job, but it is hard work being "on display" all day with kids that don't want to learn and are not interested whatever you do. Not all schools are welcoming TBH and I can vouch for there being just as much bullying from teachers as in any other job.

If it is something you are interested in then you need to have school experience - I know that it is one of the main things we will be looking for in candidates on Tuesday. Not necessarily teaching, but observation and thoughts on those observations at the relevant key stages - we have had many applicants in the past who have spent a day in their childs primary school and think that they have a good idea from that about secondary science. If you have some other voluntary experience with guides/scouts/youth groups etc. that really helps.

Applications this year are much higher, and you need to have "extras" in terms of commitment to the course if you are going to stand out. We've rejected people this year who seemed to be only applying because they couldn't think where else they would get a job. We've also had a lot of applications for jobs at school this year when we would have struggled to appoint in previous years.

I do like my job most of the time but it's not an option if you aren't 100% in to it. i hope that's not too negative - and if it is what you want to do then all the best!!

Thanks Caroline T

I do have quite a bit of teaching experience, I've shadowed in secondary schools, am involved with the scouts and go into schools regularly with my current job - so I'm well aware that it's not the easy option! I always thought teaching was the area I wanted to go into but I wanted to do more in science frist which is why I did a PhD.

I'll have another look t see if there are any places in this area. thanks!

Sounds like you'll be a perfect candidate then!

Good luck and let me know if you want any tips on interview questions for PGCE!

Thanks CT fingers crossed it works out.