Applying for Teacher Training

cagefan

I've been thinking about applying for teacher training course for awhile now and I just wanted to get some people working in the industry's opinion.

I just wanted to hear how people found getting jobs over the last few years? There seems to be a lot of doom and gloom around teaching at the moment but I feel like compared to working in research (where I am currently) it offers more opportunities. I know it may be hard to get permanent but I've been looking at job websites over last few weeks and there seems to be a good few subbing and part-time roles

Compared to my current sector - I'd be lucky to see one job every month that I could apply to (let alone have a chance getting).

I also feel that education in the long term will more than likely sort itself out - what with growing population and more demands for teachers likely in the next 5-10years. I suppose Im saying I recognise that I could be in for a difficult few years but given time it'll work itself out?

byhookorbycrook

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057159912

poolsandles

I wouldn't advise anyone to go into teaching at the moment.

There are no jobs. I know of people who have been subbing for over five years.

There are some resource jobs advertised but they are only for 3-5 hours a week which isn't worth your while because you can't sub in other schools as the hours are spread out over a number of days. The money you would earn for working on hours like this would be less than you would get on social welfare, it's not worth it.

Other subbing jobs such as maternity leaves are advertised. However you need to keep in mind they get 400 applicants on average. In a lot of cases the job is already gone, meaning that the school already have somebody in mind for the job who is subbing there already, has worked there before etc. Doesn't happen all the time, but happens often.

I hope it sorts itself but I can't see it happening any time soon. There are hundreds graduating from teacher education courses every year and the jobs are not there. That is why there is so much doom and gloom around teaching, that's the reality! The population is growing, but the number of teachers being recruited isn't really. Class sizes are growing, the average is now 30+

My advice would be if you are interested in teaching, go volunteer in a school and see if it is still for you. Be prepared to sub for a number of years. If you can travel, there is plenty work available in the Middle East and England.

Sorry to be so bleak, but this is the reality of primary teaching at the moment. I am not familiar with the secondary school sector so can't really comment on that. Good luck!

prancer

I would do the training but go maybe with hibernia which will let you work (and save) as you study. bear in mind you will need 15 weeks off (three separate blocks of 5 weeks) for the run of it. at least then, you'll get a feel for whats involved and be able to work at your other job. it will help you see if its really for you.

evolving_doors

poolsandles wrote: »

I wouldn't advise anyone to go into teaching at the moment.

There are no jobs. I know of people who have been subbing for over five years.

There are some resource jobs advertised but they are only for 3-5 hours a week which isn't worth your while because you can't sub in other schools as the hours are spread out over a number of days. The money you would earn for working on hours like this would be less than you would get on social welfare, it's not worth it.

Other subbing jobs such as maternity leaves are advertised. However you need to keep in mind they get 400 applicants on average. In a lot of cases the job is already gone, meaning that the school already have somebody in mind for the job who is subbing there already, has worked there before etc. Doesn't happen all the time, but happens often.

I hope it sorts itself but I can't see it happening any time soon. There are hundreds graduating from teacher education courses every year and the jobs are not there. That is why there is so much doom and gloom around teaching, that's the reality! The population is growing, but the number of teachers being recruited isn't really. Class sizes are growing, the average is now 30+

My advice would be if you are interested in teaching, go volunteer in a school and see if it is still for you. Be prepared to sub for a number of years. If you can travel, there is plenty work available in the Middle East and England.

Sorry to be so bleak, but this is the reality of primary teaching at the moment. I am not familiar with the secondary school sector so can't really comment on that. Good luck!

Aye secondary the same..

AS regards the whole "baby boom creating jobs in teaching" theory .. you will probably hear ministers start to say that they will be reducing the class sizes so more jobs for teachers will come onstream... what will probably happen though is all the part-timers and folk on CID's will just get 'more hours'.

Or am I misinterpreting?.... if the PTR improves does that mean the a full permanent teacher has to be hired or is it up to the school if they wish to turn a full time post into hours? Maybe give someone already on 20hrs CID the permanent post and disperse out their 20 hours amongst the rest?

Ferg29

I agree with poolsandles. I wouldn't really advise anyone to get into teaching at the moment. I qualified in 2011 and to be honest the last couple of years have just been a slog and its very difficult to get work. Most of the friends I made during my hdip are in the same boat.

Yes...there is a bit of subbing but doing that for a few years in mostly rough schools really takes its toll.

I have actually just returned from England where I spent the last 6 months teaching History. Its a tough gig in the UK too and there are LOTS of young Irish teachers over there because there is hardly anything here.

Not sure if you're looking at secondary or primary but if its secondary, a lot depends on your subject choice.

Windorah

So teaching is a bit doom and gloom at the minute in Ireland but looking at it from another angle, a B.Ed is a degree that is recognised around the world so it would allow you to work internationally... Obviously not everyone is in a position to up sticks but if teaching is what u want to do it may be worth considering.