Science teaching???

Sir?, sir?

Hello everybody,

I'm looking for some advice, preferably from working science teachers. I have a primary degree in chemistry (with 3 years of maths) and a PhD in analytical chemistry. I've done 2 years as a teaching fellow at third level, which I enjoyed. I'm now working in industry which leaves me cold and am considering doing the HDip and pursuing a teaching career. I'm in my early 30's and live in the greater Dublin area.

The advice I'm after is -

1) I hear horror stories about people not able to get permanent positions. What would my propsects of a permanemt position be, with the above subjects? and how long would it take?

2) would people recommend science teaching as a career?

3) How much of a salary cut would I have to take - what would my starting salary be approx.?

4) How hard is the HDip - for a non-literary science geek?

4) Does anybody know if there is any schemes/funding that can help for the year of the HDip?

5) Any other comments?

All advice will be much appreciated.

Thanks folks.

RealJohn

1) First of all, write off maths. Everyone has maths. Having it at a pretty high level (which you do) is a slight advantage but not one worth counting really. My experience is limitted admittedly but there are lots of maths teachers out there. Chemistry is more of a comodity. Perminant jobs are hard to come by though. You'll probably have to work your way up and that will take time. I'm only teaching 3 years myself so how long exactly, I can't tell you.

2) Yes, if you have the right personality for it. Some people don't like dealing with teenagers and if you're one of those people, secondary teaching isn't for you. If you like dealing with young people, teaching in general is very rewarding and I find that many of them find science an interesting and exciting subject which is rewarding in itself.

3) Have a look at the ASTI or TUI website. The pay is dependant on your various qualifications to some extent so you'll have to work it out for yourself.

4) I imagine that it depends on where you did it. I did the ADO (H.Dip through Irish) in NUIG and found that the Irish was the only hard part (my Irish was only ok).

4) No idea.

5) I went into teaching because the idea of working in the industry really didn't appeal to me (my degree is also in chemistry though no post-grad science work) and now I couldn't see myself doing anything else. Doesn't suit everyone obviously and you'll have bad days as well as good but I find it very rewarding.

TheDriver

1) I would disagree, don't write off Maths as there are always hours in the subject whereas theres usually only one Chemistry teacher per school so pair up subjects reasonably, i would promote your chemistry and possibly physics side of things but include Maths also and don't forget a willingness to teach SPHE and CSPE to get full hours. Don't think you will get a permanent job quickly because of PhD etc and they are hard enough to come by, you will have to serve your time possibly at temporary status initially but then again, you could be lucky.
2) I concur with John, if you like it, you'll love it. If you don't, you will hate it intensely! Give it a try!
3) you would start off at roughly 37,000 I think and rise up per year aftrer that, Remember its permanent ultimately so good safety barrier.
4) Not hard, just good bit of work. Busy more than hard.