Teacher

[dk_psy]

I've a rather unique situation, I wonder if someone has some advice.

I am currently in a job with an anti-drug school initiative and aim to be with the company until June/July 2009. In the end however, I want to teach, probably maths, in a secondary school. I don't think I can realistically afford to finish the job and then go to uni for 4 years as I'm in the midst of getting a mortgage with my partner.

Does anyone have any ideas about how I could get training to go into teaching quickly perhaps while working here?

I'd really appreciate some help if anyone can give it to me!

[Peahead66]

Can you not do your Uni degree part time? When I started my degree I started off in my first year part time and most of the lectures are in the evening or can be done by distant learning so therefore wont affect your work. Failing that what about an Open University degree which will give you a greater amount of flexibility and that way you will have full control over the hours you study and can fit them around your current commitments. I know someone who has just finished an Open University degree while working full time so it is possible

[DAVETEACH]

Clearly you need a degree first [Say, 3 years.]Could be full or part time ,esp with O.U.

Fourth year will be PGCE and for your subject specialism you should be able to get a year's on the job training in a school FOR WHICH  YOU WILL GET PAIDit's about 12k Then you could get a golden hello.

Good luck .It's great job.

[Scarlett]

At my College you can do a part-time PGCE in the evenings and one afternoon which would qualify you to teach 6th form/16+/adults. FE College basically. You wouldn't need a degree, but you would need to show that you had specialist knowledge etc. You wouldn't be able to teach any other level than 16+ but in my experience, that would be a blessing. Classes of  30+ kids are a nightmare.

[acw]

I could be wrong but I thought you could be a teacher with a BEd.  That, I think, only takes 3 years. 

Remember that the PGCE is sponsored (At the moment at least), especially for maths teachers for whom there is a desperate need. 

I'd say the best thing to do, if you want to live the dream, is to start trying to save a bit.  I know that's SO much easier typed than done, but it will be worth it to get what you want.  Plus, if you're working for another 4 years, then studying for another 4, by the time the money starts to get tight during study, you might be able to get a bit of a remortgage to help with your fees.

Good luck!  I'm pleased to hear there are still people who want to be teachers! :-)