You should also prepare for a phone or video interview before being invited to the Human Resources office for a face-to-face discussion of your skills and abilities. Look for evidence of times when you have met certain targets, worked under pressure or handled a difficult situation and think about how you could apply this to the roles which interest you. What if it has been years since doing my training year? Here are the average study times for the various CIPD qualifications: Like most qualifications in the modern age, you can study for your CIPD diploma, certificate or award in a way that suits you. Few teachers undergo the rigorous training and certification process for the money. Walking away from teaching takes quite a bit of courage and resolve; it's not something done on a whim - especially as teaching might have been the career you have wanted your whole life. For specialised roles where you do need specific training – for example, nursing, law, police, or counselling – you might want to do your research into the types of training available, such as diplomas, certification courses and apprenticeships, including the time it will take and how much it will cost. Don't worry if you're not an English teacher in the UK - all you need to be eligible for a work permit (and visa) in many Far-Eastern countries is a degree and an accredited TEFL qualification. So, finding the time to gain the relevant qualifications is achievable, but the costs associated with career changes can be off-putting. Once you’re sure, you can start exploring the possibilities of retraining and preparing for your new role. Career changes can turn your life upside-down, for better or for worse. For many people, career changes are about following a dream they’ve always had but never properly realised. Your tasks would include curriculum development and instructional planning, reviewing and recommending changes to assessment methods and revising administrative and educational policies. Some people in your network deserve higher consideration and should have the chance to give input on your upcoming decisions. Similarly, finding yourself recast as a learner after a long interval can also be a useful tool in empathising with your pupils. As an educator, you are used to catching others' mistakes and your English skills are likely excellent, all of which makes you the perfect candidate for jobs in the publishing field. And then, research them: what type of skills and education do you need? Pay is the same I'm almost certain on a scale dependant upon how many years you have been teaching - newly qualified teacher probably start on around £21k these days - was £19k when I started - makes me feel old now! I did do my homework. If your heart still lies in education but would rather not lead a classroom, you might consider a position related to education, such as school counsellor, instructional coordinator or admissions consultant. Teaching style is such a personal thing that your past experiences cannot help but emerge, no matter what your previous incarnation. They will at least understand your feelings and, at best, cheer you on. Should you prefer to not work in a school or with students but still want to be involved in the educational field, your teaching background opens doors in those directions, too. Degree apprenticeships; Find an apprenticeship; Internships. Most ITE courses specialise in becoming either a primary or secondary school teacher, but some courses cover both. Note: establishing a ranking system for prospective jobs based on these criteria wouldn't be a bad idea. Some careers require training which is provided by the government, or on the job by the employer directly. ... How to retrain as a teacher over 50. Since most entry-level HR roles only require GCSE qualifications, as a former teacher, you will be able to enter a new career in HR with a good scope for career progression in the field. I am now an English specialist. The UK government is actively encouraging older people to retrain as teachers, and the Teaching website provides useful information and support. You may work through a consulting agency or as an independent contractor but, if you would rather be a standardised test developer, you would definitely work for a company that develops such exams. So, if you've got the travel bug and want to fully immerse yourself in a new culture whilst continuing to exercise your teaching skills, applying for ESL teaching jobs abroad could be the start of an exciting stage in your career. Picking apart your carefully-constructed teaching CV will be difficult, but it's something you'll have to overcome if you want your job hunt and subsequent career transition to be successful. Paramount before you jettison your current career is spending some time in schools. Teach a wide range of subjects to children aged between 4 and 12 years old. Bonding with a taciturn pupil over the fact we had both been to Sierra Leone, or staging a portrait exhibition are just some of the ways my previous life as foreign correspondent and photographer has resurfaced. Take your time and start with the steps above to make sure this is the right move for you. Psychology drives these events; giving the wrong answer, even most sincerely, will cost you your place. Research the day-to-day activities, the nitty-gritty. With plenty of research, you'll find out that lots of law schools offer scholarships and tuition discounts to their students. Primary teachers are eligible if they will be teaching year 7 or 8 pupils as part of cross-school key stage 2 and 3 collaboration. You can continue your work, perhaps switching from full-time to part-time, and try to fit and necessary training around your current life. This means you might have to be hard on yourself. Our guide for life after teaching looks at retraining, & the transition between public & private sectors. This can show you what kind of career might suit you, and help you find a job which is tailored to your way of thinking. I'm considering biology, because it's the one I'm most confident with. Take your time and start with the steps above to make sure this is the right move for you. I’ve finished my training year and I’ve been awarded qualified teacher status (QTS). Unless you're single, any career move you make will impact your partner and children, if you have any. Start by breaking down your CV section by section. Such consultants may work directly with a school or within the government, as is more often the case. Generally you will need to have a degree or equivalent to … Some training providers may accept equivalency tests but you'll need to check with the individual provider. Look back at your work experience and identify where you have developed, what you have accomplished, and what skills you have learned. What your letter details is important too. As mentioned before, you should also modify your CV to reflect information pertinent to the job you're applying for. You don’t have to do your NQT straight after your training year. In order to find the right path, you need a more strategic approach. Most teaching courses include options on teaching children with special educational needs. To the contrary, low wages serve as an insult to the injury dealt by all of the other reasons teachers leave the profession. If you're a man who works in primary schools, it's probably obvious why. or a minimum of a three year degree, followed by a Graduate Diploma or Master of Teaching for a particular age group, for example, early childhood, primary or secondary. Walking away from teaching doesn't mean you have to go it alone. By using databases such as O*Net OnLine, and speaking to people who can advise you, you can see the breadth and diversity of careers that are available to ex-teachers. Think about your career goal in HR and research how you could reach it. I feel as though I need to stick up for primary teachers, and assure colleagues that “We most certainly do teach children how to punctuate sentences – that is a year 1 objective!”, though I still sense their reservations. By not jumping straight into a full-on retraining program, you can allow yourself to keep earning and gain experience as you build up to making a change. • GCSE Science Grade C (or equivalent) if you want to become a primary school teacher. It’s hard to assess a child, for example, using a test sat the day after they’ve been evicted. You can also perform a Myers Briggs Type Indicator, or other similar quizzes, to test your personality and decision-making methods. You’ll need to demonstrate GCSE grade C / 4 (or standard equivalent) in maths and English - and a science subject for primary trainees. Depending on the job, especially if it's very similar to, or in the same field as, your current role, you may be able to start working without the need for retraining or new certification. Primary school teachers are responsible for the educational, social and emotional development of children from age 5 to 11. As a former teacher, you meet two of the vital criteria for this position: a teacher's certificate and having classroom experience. There are three ways you can structure your qualification: Study a four year teaching degree that has ITE approval. They also know the guidelines for determining special needs and can make the appropriate recommendations. Primary school teachers teach young children from the ages of four to 11 (Reception to Year 6 in England and Wales, Primary 1 to Primary 7 in Scotland and Northern Ireland). But what about careers other than law? That’s no problem. Even before you say goodbye to your students for the last time, consider volunteering or working part-time - if not exactly at the job you hope for then, at least in a related position. I joke with my colleague who used to work in theatre in London’s West End that only now does she have a performing job. Of course, never write 'I read on the internet...' or any other such preamble. NowTeach is a programme created specifically for you. It's miserable. Should you prefer working with younger children, the focus of your counselling would be social issues and helping to identify special needs. If you want to teach or train young people or adults, there are Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) programmes available. Teach your specialist subject to children aged between 12 and 18 years old. Especially if you’re already an expert in a field, teaching can be an easy transitional path. Our guide for life after teaching looks at retraining, & the transition between public & private sectors. The breadth of teaching will demonstrate your flexibility and ability to juggle multiple pressures at once. Too many well-meaning visitors to schools fall into the trap of telling, not teaching. Does it pay well? But allow them to re-enact the historical feast and they’ll still be enthusiastically recounting facts weeks later. Which subject to teach? It is also common for ex-teachers to want to leave the education sector altogether. Do it. The only caveat: you must have some training in psychology. There is no one way to tackle a career change: there are many different ways to prepare yourself for a new profession outside teaching, and you have to take the time to really research the role and plan for how you can attain it. Teacher education Primary teachers. Read widely, maybe consider speaking with a careers adviser or visiting a careers fair. The GDL is offered by many law schools and universities across the country, so finding a course near you shouldn't be too difficult. You can search for careers you are interested in, and then explore the various jobs, along with their general descriptions and activities, that fall under this career category. Such as human resources management? I posted previously asking about retraining in TAS and it gave me a lot of food for thought. Learn about where to teach English online. You might write something like 'With production facilities in multiple countries, XYZ company is fast becoming the leader in ____.'. Outside of your immediate family, other relatives and friends have less of a need to know what you're about to do. You may also develop teacher training materials and oversee the implementation of curriculum. There are ample resources - such as careers advice and online help – to support you in the process. Whether it does stem from a hobby, or if, for example, if you have always dreamed of owning your own business, preparation and market research is the key to smooth-sailing and success. As you are changing career fields altogether, it might be hard to find other experiences besides teaching and everything associated with it but think a bit: teaching gives you management experience, makes you adept at planning and scheduling and at assessing. Apprenticeships in the UK. How do bursaries work? Those are skills you should highlight to convince hiring managers that you are far more than a teacher. To gain registration as a primary teacher you will need to study for one of the following qualifications: I'd say go and see some primary teaching and some secondary music and then decide. Posted on 18-07-2014 at 8.37PM. To become a test developer, it would be helpful if you specialise in a particular subject - maths, English or a foreign language. Saying ‘I want something less chaotic’ or ‘I know I want to work in business’ is not enough. The parents try to make you out to be some pervert. According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), your personal attributes are as important as your professional experience. One ex-teacher from Buckinghamshire turned to the world of tutoring after she was unable to change her full-time teaching job to a more flexible, part-time one following the birth of her daughter. Researching training opportunities that will give you a boost in your career before you apply for any jobs is a great way to learn about personal development and career progression in the area you're interested in. Making a note of your skills and thinking about how they may be transferable to your new career will not only help you to visualise yourself in a new role but also learn how to present your skills to potential employers on your CV and during the interview process. Hi all, I am currently a primary teacher in NSW. There are also many evening and online training courses available for some professions, so find the best fit for you. What does a primary school teacher do? I have no regrets – despite the challenges, Lucy Kellaway plans to lead the way to teaching for career changers, Secret Teacher: schools are in crisis – parents, we need your help, ‘Get as much training as you can: expert as you may be in your subject area, translating that expertise into effective teaching is a skill.’. All the information you need to take your education to the next level. ... but it's the constant looming threat that dangles … You might be surprised to find that exam questions are usually written by former teachers because teachers know first-hand what is taught and how information is disseminated. TESOL and CELTA certificates are often also accepted. Select a subject ... come along to one of our virtual events, where we’ll discuss everything from the courses you need to study to the personal and financial benefits of being a teacher and so much more. Primary teaching. By giving it time and integrating the career move into your current life, you can ensure that the change is sustainable and that you are truly ready. The next morning, during a challenging maths lesson, a frustrated little boy echoed my very words. This will give you the chance to discover for yourself whether that field is indeed one you could spend years in or if you should move on before making a firm commitment. Study teaching. Whether you’re in the late professional demographic that Kellaway’s organisation, Now Teach, is targeting, or in your 30s as I was, it will probably have been a while since you set foot in a classroom – and teaching methods will bear little resemblance to your schooldays. If you'd prefer guiding teachers, consider working as an instructional coordinator. Primary teacher looking to retrain ... need advice! Primary school teachers must be qualified to teach the range of primary school subjects to children aged 4 to 12 years. So write them down and analyse how they could be put to use in a new and different professional role and work environment. Once you’ve been awarded QTS, … Admissions consultants make higher education recommendations based on students' goals, academic strengths and weaknesses. If you want to, you can also teach a range of classes through to VCE level. But I was concentrating, I knew what to do, I just couldn’t do it, I said. Although government funding cannot be accessed by those who already have a degree and a postgraduate qualification, there are other options - it's all about looking in the right places. There are excellent teachers who’ve made the switch to teaching from many walks of life - the financial sector, research scientists, media and marketing, and IT. Unless your new career involves something highly technical or academic, say, piloting commercial aircraft or performing neurosurgery, you likely already have the education needed to explore other interesting career fields. Again, such a drastic career change will require retraining - but in HR, you can usually do this on-the-job whilst shadowing another HR officer, meaning that you can leave your teaching career as soon as you find a suitable role. I'm volunteering to listen to some of the children read in my local junior school for a closer look, but is … Some colleagues applauded me for “getting a proper job”; others clearly couldn’t fathom why I would leave a successful career and venture into the unknown. As the daughter of two teachers, and the friend of many others, I knew teaching was not about four o’clock finishes and Dead Poets’ Society style inspiration. Any science will do, and you only need it to teach in Primary (you only need Maths and English to teach in a Secondary school). O*Net OnLine is an excellent website for finding out what different job roles entail and for careers assessment. I was made redundant in Feb and have not been able to find anything suitable since then, so have been thinking about retraining as a primary school teacher. Your duties would include helping students prepare their university application materials, giving tips for how to write application letters and coaching students interviews or auditions. Furthermore, if you are bilingual, you may consider working as a translator. Think about what you dislike in your current job – you might gain a whole new perspective on changing careers! Undoubtedly, you will bring skills from your previous field to the classroom, too. Seneca learning have some good resources which will help you understand the content and focus of different subjects in school. Other Routes. To get the ball rolling, you can start by identifying the position you’re currently in. Primary teachers teach a range of curricular areas including; literacy, numeracy, religious and moral education. 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