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What are the pros and cons of becoming a secondary school teacher?

In September, i will be starting A levels in Sociology and philosophy and health and social care and not really sure of what career prospect they brings/what I can study at the university with them.

I have considered teaching maybe in philosophy or sociology but would like to know the pros and cons of becoming a regular teacher.

So, apart from the fact that you get to have holidays like the school kids and have to do lots of marking which is annoying what are the other pros and cons?

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Original post by Blackstarr
In September, i will be starting A levels in Sociology and philosophy and health and social care and not really sure of what career prospect they brings/what I can study at the university with them.

I have considered teaching maybe in philosophy or sociology but would like to know the pros and cons of becoming a regular teacher.

So, apart from the fact that you get to have holidays like the school kids and have to do lots of marking which is annoying what are the other pros and cons?


You must be really dedicated to the job if you do it. It is hard. I work about 65 hours in term time a week. You will lose many evenings and one day at the weekend for planning and marking. You will also have to work in some of those long holidays. The thing I hate most of all is writing reports.

The joy of seeing your students get the grades they are capable of is fantastic. There are so many laughs during the day with the kids as long as you are able to build a rapport with them. I really like making my own teaching resources. You can get involved in lots of other things outside your subject area. I do drama and go to all the theatre trips with the English department.
Well you are specialising in 1 or maybe 2 subjects at most when teaching in a secondary school, which tends to suit a lot of people.

Also, some prefer to work with older children at a more intellectually advanced stage.
Reply 3
All teachers I know complain that teaching is very tough.
Original post by M14B
All teachers I know complain that teaching is very tough.


It's not a complaint from me - but it is a fact. Anyone who thinks it's a breeze should try it out for a week. Getting through the PGCE is a tough intro but after a few years you get used to it.
Pros:
- Long holidays
- Supposedly rewarding
- Interesting assuming you have a genuine interest in what you are dealing with
- Pay is decent for a graduate

Cons:
- Working with children
- Long hours with planning and working
- Being around children
- PGCE isn't easy
- Communicating with children
- Pressure to meet targets
- Children
Reply 6
Original post by TeachChemistry
You must be really dedicated to the job if you do it. It is hard. I work about 65 hours in term time a week. You will lose many evenings and one day at the weekend for planning and marking. You will also have to work in some of those long holidays. The thing I hate most of all is writing reports.

The joy of seeing your students get the grades they are capable of is fantastic. There are so many laughs during the day with the kids as long as you are able to build a rapport with them. I really like making my own teaching resources. You can get involved in lots of other things outside your subject area. I do drama and go to all the theatre trips with the English department.


Hmmm....the only thing that would put me off is the students behaviour.

Thanks for the reply btw.
Reply 7
Original post by tengentoppa
Pros:
- Long holidays
- Supposedly rewarding
- Interesting assuming you have a genuine interest in what you are dealing with
- Pay is decent for a graduate

Cons:
- Working with children
- Long hours with planning and working
- Being around children
- PGCE isn't easy
- Communicating with children
- Pressure to meet targets
- Children


The only thing off-putting is the behaviour of the students, its really appaling these days.
Reply 8
Pros:
Make a difference to pupils
Enjoyable to work with kids
Long holidays

Cons:
Excessive workload
Long hours
Poor behaviour in majority of schools
Pay isn't great compared to a lot of other graduate jobs
(edited 7 years ago)
Reply 9
Original post by M14B
All teachers I know complain that teaching is very tough.


But its rewarding at the same time?
Reply 10
Original post by Blackstarr
But its rewarding at the same time?


I am sure it is.
Original post by tengentoppa
Pros:
- Long holidays
- Supposedly rewarding
- Interesting assuming you have a genuine interest in what you are dealing with
- Pay is decent for a graduate

Cons:
- Working with children
- Long hours with planning and working
- Being around children
- PGCE isn't easy
- Communicating with children
- Pressure to meet targets
- Children


I don't think teaching is for you tbh.
How about private schools?
Original post by Blackstarr
How about private schools?


If you can get in. Behavior not an issue.
Reply 14
Original post by Blackstarr
How about private schools?


Behaviour is very good as students genuinely want to learn and they are paying however there is a different type of challenge. Parents have high expectations so you have pressure to make sure the results stay high you could get parents coming to ask you why is my child on an A and not A star?
(edited 7 years ago)
Original post by TeachChemistry
I don't think teaching is for you tbh.


No it's definitely not. My sister seems to like it though, for all her frequent complaining.

I concede that it's possible that my disdain for children affected my analysis.
Original post by TeachChemistry
If you can get in. Behavior not an issue.



I guess so.

Do you know the starting salary of a new graduate? is the wage enough to live in London after tax etc? the take home pay?

I really want to know what i am getting myself into.
Original post by sabana
Behaviour is very good as students genuinely want to learn and they are paying however there is a different type of challenge. Parents have high expectations so you have pressure to make sure the results stay high you could get parents coming to ask you why is my student on an A and not A star?


Is it easy to get in to teach at private schools?
if it was any of the 3 secondary schools i went to then its all cons.

especially the behaviour of the students.
one teachers walked out crying and never came back!
Original post by tengentoppa


I concede that it's possible that my disdain for children affected my analysis.


You think so? :biggrin:

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