Continuing with our current focus on teaching, I saw this very interesting piece in The Guardian polling readers as to whether they would consider becoming a teacher. While the numbers seemed a little high much of my interest came from the comments which were attached to the article and can be viewed at the original source.
Julie Freiberg wrote:
New research shows that the way students see teaching is changing for the better. According to a Teaching Agency survey of final-year students, 81% now view teaching as a high-status job. The poll shows 72% think their friends and family would react positively if they decided to enter the profession – thats up 6% from 2010. But what do you think? Would you consider a return to the classroom after your time at university, or is school the last place on earth you want to see again?
Would you consider teaching? 51.4% Yes 48.6% No
I have to say I was surprised but not disappointed by those figures so I thought I’d ask the question again and see the results we polled:
As with The Guardian piece, please explain your choice in the comments’ section below.
via Poll: would you consider teaching? | Education | guardian.co.uk.
Another article in The Guardian that doesn’t look good for teaching. Anyone experienced this?
Newly qualified teachers being hounded out by bullying schools
Newly qualified teachers are leaving the profession after being left unsupported when they start work. And the problem is likely to get worse… http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2012/jun/11/newly-qualified-teachers-unsupported-leaving
I am a teacher and have been for 12 years. While there are times when I believe administration is not as supportive of classroom teachers as they should be (discipline), I do find that my administrators have been supportive of professional development opportunities which I have sought out (including international travel…i.e. geography conference in South Korea) and for technology innovations used with my students (Facebook and twitter are banned at school…but my admins support my use of such out of the classroom…facebook.com/MrDavidBurton or twitter.com/APteacherBurton). Ultimately, I love what I do.
Would I consider being a teacher is a different question from am I glad I became a teacher. I would feel iffy about entering the profession today due to what I see as a general lack of status and respect in society. But as a current teacher, the moment I enter the classroom, all that fades away and I just love being with my students.
l wanted a life so got out !
James; in what way? Can you tell us what sorts of hours you worked and what demands were made upon you?
as someone who made the move into teaching at the age of 44, much of what i am reading on this topic is simply optimistic propaganda, with little relation to what the job is for most practicioners.
Tell us more. What is the job like, from the inside?