Well, missus. I think quite a few of us graduatedfolk wonder if we want to do it at some point or another, and this probably deserves more time and insight than I can give you over LJ. Will probably be at Sheep next Sunday if you fancy a proper natter but here's the skinny version:
- Money's not that bad. You get a training bursary (something like 9K) plus student loan for your PGCE year. NQTs outside of London start on about 21 grand, and that rises every year. I've just taken a payrise to 24k, this being my third year teaching, and next September that will go up to 26.4k. When you reach what's called threshold after six years teaching, you pass onto the Upper Pay Scale where you can get up to 35k.
There are responsibility bonuses for Teaching and Learning duties (such as Head of Department, or Numeracy Co-ordinator), and these range from an extra 2k to 12k depending on the post and the size of the school.
My take on the money? It's reasonable, but as a well-qualified graduate I could be earning a lot more. As you say, though, job satisfaction really makes a massive difference - I actually enjoy most of my working day.
- What's your degree in? I only ask because after so many years working with databases, you might also be qualified to teach Business or ICT - think there are more jobs in Maths though.
-Think carefully about the age range - I love secondary but you might find you prefer primary. Teenagers can be stroppy but they can also be incredibly funny and sweet and they're at an age where they're really starting to think about the world around them. Little ones are a bit less stroppy (although they can be worse, particularly in rough areas), but they're more needy, and you'd have to teach all 12 primary subjects. And no I can't name them.
Short and sweet version: I LOVE it but it's FUCKIN' HARD WORK.
Your best bet, if you're really keen, is to spend some time in a local school. See if you think you could deal with it. I'm fairly certain our Head would let you come in for a few days, though of course we're in Cheshire.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2009-09-22 05:14 pm (UTC)- Money's not that bad. You get a training bursary (something like 9K) plus student loan for your PGCE year. NQTs outside of London start on about 21 grand, and that rises every year. I've just taken a payrise to 24k, this being my third year teaching, and next September that will go up to 26.4k. When you reach what's called threshold after six years teaching, you pass onto the Upper Pay Scale where you can get up to 35k.
There are responsibility bonuses for Teaching and Learning duties (such as Head of Department, or Numeracy Co-ordinator), and these range from an extra 2k to 12k depending on the post and the size of the school.
My take on the money? It's reasonable, but as a well-qualified graduate I could be earning a lot more. As you say, though, job satisfaction really makes a massive difference - I actually enjoy most of my working day.
- What's your degree in? I only ask because after so many years working with databases, you might also be qualified to teach Business or ICT - think there are more jobs in Maths though.
-Think carefully about the age range - I love secondary but you might find you prefer primary. Teenagers can be stroppy but they can also be incredibly funny and sweet and they're at an age where they're really starting to think about the world around them. Little ones are a bit less stroppy (although they can be worse, particularly in rough areas), but they're more needy, and you'd have to teach all 12 primary subjects. And no I can't name them.
Short and sweet version: I LOVE it but it's FUCKIN' HARD WORK.
Your best bet, if you're really keen, is to spend some time in a local school. See if you think you could deal with it. I'm fairly certain our Head would let you come in for a few days, though of course we're in Cheshire.