For those of us who spent many years of our working life in the late 20th century, the 21st century doesn’t look much like the ‘Brave New World’ we all hoped for. Few of us have a ‘job for life’ and with the rise of ‘zero hours contracts’ and the ‘gig economy’, even fewer have real security. Add the cost-of-living crisis, and you have enormous motivation to ‘sit tight’ in the career you already have, even if you’ve outgrown it, lost interest or simply found yourself in a rut. And after fifty, or even forty, surely new challenges, personal growth and a fresh sense of purpose are behind you?
Not at all. In teaching, it’s quite the opposite.
Surely I’m too old to start afresh?
It’s true that ageism still lingers in some professions. But the good news is that teaching’s not one of them. On the contrary, this is where your depth and breadth of ‘real world’ experience is truly valued by employers, teaching colleagues and your future students. You might take it all for granted – and you might not even appreciate just how much you have to offer – what a difference your mature perspective and people skills could make.
It’s what used to be called ‘wisdom’.
“It’s challenging and demanding; it calls for intellectual rigour and the human touch – but most teachers find their career truly fulfilling”
The time of your life
We’re all fitter later in life than previous generations – so you not only bring the benefit of your experience, you also have the energy and vitality to make it work for you. Talk to teachers and few will say it’s an easy profession. It’s challenging and demanding; it calls for intellectual rigour and the human touch – but most teachers find their career truly fulfilling. As well as the thrill of inspiring a generation of young people and shaping their lives, many say their daily interaction with pupils keeps them young in outlook and energy.
Qualifications
To be eligible, you must have Maths and English GCSEs (Grade C or above) and a degree – if it’s not in the subject you hope to teach, you need a good grade A-level in the subject (or ENIC-NARIC-approved foreign equivalents).
Get funded to re-train
It’s a big change in your life – and to cushion the financial impact you may be eligible for various training bursaries, scholarship schemes and loans from the government and elsewhere. Some key subjects offer government bursaries for people who have lived in the UK or another EEA country for at least three years and have a 2:2 or higher first degree or a Master’s degree/PhD. There are literally hundreds of unfilled teaching jobs in London to choose from.
How to get started
Begin by literally going back to school. Spend time in schools by volunteering, perhaps. Find out if you actually enjoy working with young people!
Find out more
Still excited by the idea? Give us a call on 020 8371 5905