Becoming a teacher

[Zeuhl]

I have a relative (21) who though very bright dropped out of A levels to take a job.

She now works in Local Govt admin connected to Social Services and has great inter personal skills.

She would like to teach but recognises that lack of degree blocks off secondary, however she would prefer infant/junior anyway.

Anyone know her options, best route to take or best sources of info?

Thanks.
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[Prudie]

I've only done secondary Sophie, not qualified for primary. Certainly couldn't cope with the patience required for primary but having said that standing in front of a bunch of 4th year (Yr 10 now) bottom setters for an hour at a time required skills that no degree could teach!

[sophie_1003]

Definitely! Couldn't imagine being able to do that, give me a class of un-toilet trained four year olds any day!

[LoftyLottie]

LOL at Sophie. Hard work sophie but much more rewarding and so much more eager to learn and eager to please. You deserve a medal Prudie! I couldn't do it. I was in school admin in both secondary and primary for many years. I have never seen as many nervous breakdowns and stress related illness in my life as I did in secondary education. And it wasn't a school with problems either!!!

[Prudie]

I have said on AB before that the first year I cried on the way to school and the second year wasn't much better but after that I loved it.

[sophie_1003]

Yes am quite prepared for lots of tears (from me and children!) in my NQT year, hopefully less in second year and they will gradually dry up from then!

[Prudie]

Sure you will be fine Sophie especially once you're not new anymore and at least at primary you have a better chance of the kids actually liking you lol!

[sophie_1003]

That's true, it's the staff and parents I'll be worried about! Am looking forward to having my own class though, one more year of uni to go!

[Zeuhl]

All these posts/exchanges have been really interesting - thanks again to everyone for sharing your views and experiences. xxx
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