Becoming a Teacher in Later Life
With many people changing careers several times during their lifetime, it’s safe to say that most of us aren’t afraid to make big changes to our work life these days. Despite this, making the jump isn’t always easy, and jobs that appeal to us can still be intimidating if a lot of retraining is required.
As a field that requires a fair amount of time and studying to move into, teaching is sometimes viewed as a profession that’s difficult or unfeasible to enter in later life. However, the reality is that it’s probably a lot more accessible than you might think. So, what’s it like getting into teaching later in life? And, just as importantly, why should you do it?
Let’s Talk About Money
The first perceived hurdle for a move into teaching is usually the cost of retraining. However, this might not be quite the barrier you might imagine. Teachers are actively sought from a broad spectrum of candidates, and so there’s actually a good deal of financial support that makes the switch possible for career changers.
There are a range of bursaries, scholarships and even additional payments for in-demand subjects like Maths. There are also fee and maintenance loans that can be accessed, with or without a bursary, and even salaried teacher training options. The Department for Education offers a detailed list of financial options and incentives that can help prospective candidates plan their route, and understand more, here.
Investing Your Time
The most common route into teaching, particularly for mature applicants, is the PGCE. This year-long course usually includes workshops, seminars and independent study. It will also cover subject-specific learning and is tailored to a specific phase/age group (i.e. primary or secondary education). Some institutions can offer accelerated courses or part-time learning spread over two years, so it’s worth taking the time to look around and find something to best suit your own circumstances.
You may also need to factor some additional time into your training depending on your current experience and what subject you wish to teach. Some institutions may want you to top up your subject knowledge via a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course. These fully funded courses are usually offered to candidates who have received a conditional offer for their teacher training course and can range from a quick 2-week refresher to a full 26-week study programme. Ultimately, these courses are worth the effort as they will properly equip and prepare you for your teacher training and beyond.
This road may look like a long one at the outset, but this time will fly by. Furthermore, investing a year in studying is more than worth the effort when the reward is a career that could keep you fulfilled for the rest of your working life.
So, Why Now?
There is an ever-present demand for good, qualified teachers in the UK, but more than this there is a demand for teachers who can bring unique, real-world experience into the classroom. With so many routes, funding options and even additional support and incentives for some core subjects, there may never be a better time to start on your journey toward teaching. In addition, teaching is a career that can provide real progression, and if you are a candidate with a wealth of experience from a previous work life then you might be just the person to hold the skills and perspectives that let you capitalise on that.
Most of all, however, teaching can be a hugely rewarding vocation that lets you make a real difference to pupils’ lives day in, day out. So, if you are looking for a job that offers real satisfaction, why not start your journey into teaching as soon as possible?
Interested?
If this article has got you thinking about getting into teaching, alleviated your concerns, or even confirmed that it’s definitely the route for you, then head over to the University of Exeter Teacher Training website and explore what we have to offer and how to make your next steps.