Career Change to post primary teaching

Suzanne12345

I am looking for some advise from anyone who is a post primary teacher.

I currently work in the equine industry and have for the last 9 years. As an employee it has a lot of negatives, low salaries and ridiculous schedules. After all that time I have worked up to earning what would be considered a starting salary in other professions. I am desperate for a change and would like to use my past experience in agricultural to teach ag science and Biology.

What realistically is being a teacher in Ireland like? is it exhausting? are the teenagers impossible to control/deal with? I imagine that is very location dependant. Is there a demand for science teachers in Ireland?

Is it enjoyable, has the profession changed a lot in recent years? I've heard people mention things like its not what it used to be, and there is a massive amount of paperwork now a days. Is there much salary growth?

I have already been accepted to an under grad, and I am wrecking my brain trying to decide to go ahead with it or just go search for a admin job, which will be low pay as well in a private sector and limited opportunities. I already have an undergrad degree so I will be liable for full fees, but my previous degree covered some of the same modules so I can apply for exemptions. I don't think I can do a masters as my first degree was only a third (I didn't need a degree for my career path so I didn't really try tbh) and the modules of my first degree don't cover all the topics required for the subjects I want to teach so I don't think I would be accepted to Hibernia.

If I do the undergrad are the teaching placements paid or unpaid, Has anyone done the concurrent science and education course in university of limerick?

I have enough savings to pay for the fees and be ok but I still cant figure out if it will be worth it or not?

please help, much appreciated

It is a lot of money and commitment it would take 6 years 4 for your undergrad and two for your masters.

Go to ETB that has an career advice service and get some advice.

Maestro23

If you have a level 8 degree with Ag or other science components you should be eligible for the PME route. If you're qualification is below a level 8 I would look at pursuing a high qualification, it may only take 1 year i.e. to go from a level 7 to 8, or 2 from level 6 to level 8. There are plenty of Agriculture colleges who I'm sure would be happy to help! After you get your undergrad I would look at the PME route and you have plenty of choice there for Ag/Biology (UCD, UCC, Maynooth, Hibernia). The other option would be doing an undergrad course which has teaching incorporated into its qualification, i.e. BSc in Maynooth, 5 years in total, so I would look at PME route first.

You should apply for some sub work now and get a feel for being in front of a class and if you can do it full time as a profession. Maybe try your old school or if you know some teachers ask them?

Best of luck with what ever move you make!