Good News Stories

Good News Stories: Naomi

Not everyone enters the teaching profession straight from school. Some people have successful careers in other professions before deciding to train as a teacher.

Think about your school and the community around it. There will be talented, intelligent committed people who could become excellent teachers. Career changers are one of the biggest untapped recruitment sources in this country. Consider how your school could support someone to make the best transition into teaching possible.

At school, Naomi had always planned to train as either a nurse or a teacher. As a teenager, she completed a short placement in a school but at the time decided this was not for her. She trained as a nurse, and during her career completed a Specialist Nursing Degree in District Nursing. She dedicated 17 years to the nursing profession but increasingly felt that she wanted to re-consider a career in teaching. Other members of Naomi’s family were teachers, and she enjoyed supporting them in their work when she was able to.

Here is Naomi’s journey.

Whilst on maternity leave, Naomi made the decision to change career and investigate routes into teaching. She also took the opportunity to volunteer in a school to gain some first-hand experience.

Choosing a course

Initially, Naomi was unsure how to go about applying and the variety of options seemed confusing.

Naomi attended open days at different universities. She spoke to people in the teaching profession, including the Head Teacher of her children’s school to identify the best route into teaching for her. Naomi realised that because she had a degree through her nursing career, she was eligible to apply for a one-year course. At the time, she felt she was unlikely to be accepted onto a salaried course and so opted for a university course with PGCE.

Benefits (and challenges) of training later in life

Naomi felt that undertaking teacher training as a mature student had specific benefits. She had to be very sure starting a training course was the right thing to do as there were other factors to consider, such as family and finance. In making the decision, she therefore felt a high level of commitment to completing the course to the highest possible standards.

As a mature trainee, Naomi had a great deal of life and work experience to bring, allowing her to see situations from different perspectives. Naomi found the most challenging aspect of the course was keeping up with the work requirements while continuing to meet the expectations of family life. Organisation was key.

Worries before making the change

Naomi said that her biggest concern about changing career, was that after completing the training, she wouldn’t enjoy the job! She admitted that the first few weeks of her teaching career were very challenging. She worked long hours and was worried that she would not be able to maintain this and meet the demands of family life. Establishing an appropriate work/life balance was important. Naomi says that this is an on-going challenge but has improved significantly.

Finance as a mature student

Finance was a big consideration. Not only was Naomi giving up a salary, but she also had a student loan for the course fees and maintenance grant. She wasn’t eligible for any benefits to help with nursery fees due to her husband’s income. Naomi was fortunate that her husband and family were able to support, and she did take on some bank nursing work at weekends but admitted it wasn’t easy.

However, Naomi did point out that this was for a finite period and that now in her 5th year of teaching, she earns more than she did after 17 years of nursing.

The best bits

Naomi loves seeing children enjoying their learning and developing their confidence. She enjoys the positive relationships she develops with pupils and watching their personalities grow. Most of all, Naomi loves those ‘lightbulb’ moments, when children understand a new concept or grasp a new skill!

Naomi loves her job and knows she made the right decision to change career. She acknowledges that there are challenges but feels that teaching provides her with a range of opportunities and support.

Advice for career changers

Do your research!
Volunteer and spend some time in a school so that you are clear about what the job involves.
Ask questions. Where you don’t understand something, seek clarification.
Look at the different routes into teaching, so that you can make informed decisions about which route is most suitable. Don’t be afraid to apply for different routes if you believe they will work for you and your circumstances.
Be clear on how you will fund the time you are training.

Good News Stories: Nicola

Nicola - Phonics and Early Reading Lead at Little Sutton Primary School – made the bold decision to take up teacher training at 45, after working in early year settings and training as a Teaching Assistant. Her story is a fantastic example of how engagement with teacher training can enable schools to recruit high-quality teachers and leaders from sometimes unexpected sources.

I came to teacher training later in life at the age of 45, having spent a number of years working part-time in early childcare settings as my family grew up. It was while completing my Teaching Assistant NPQ Level 3 at a local school that I was lucky enough to be placed in the class of an inspirational teacher who encouraged me to apply for teacher training. After quite a few years out of the formal workplace, I didn’t have much confidence, but I decided to give it a go, not thinking I would pass the interview to get onto my local SCITT!

My placements at two wonderful primary schools were thoroughly enjoyable and I loved them both. Again, I was extremely fortunate to be placed with professional, dedicated and inspirational teachers who cemented my growing resolution that this new career path was the right one for me. I was successful in securing a teaching post at one of these schools and have subsequently taught in Year 3, Reception and Year 1.

After developing a passion for teaching phonics and early reading alongside a keen life-long interest in reading for pleasure, I became the Phonics and Early Reading Lead at the school. As a result of this role, I now also work as a Literacy Specialist for our English Hub, supporting other schools with their developing early reading practice and providing training for staff focused on identifying and meeting the needs of children with SEND to reach their potential.

Positive experiences and benefits

Development of professional relationships and working as part of a dedicated, enthusiastic team both within the school and the English Hub – we really do feel like a big, extended family!
Excellent professional development opportunities at school, local and national level due to my role and involvement with the English Hub.
The opportunity to be involved in action-based research that shapes national and regional educational strategies as well as being involved in the Arthur Terry SCITT.
The ability to network with other educators in local schools and learn from them to improve my own practice.
The knowledge that my work contributes towards setting up children to become life-long learners, able to access and enjoy the full curriculum offer, not only in my own school but across the region.
Celebrating the joy that small achievements can make in a child’s life – teaching early reading really is rewarding and a privilege. The same can also be said for parents who speak English as an additional language, many of whom are learning to read English at the same time as their children.
Time flies by – no two days are the same and you are always on your toes.

Advice for future teachers

Work hard and be passionate. It rarely goes unnoticed.

Ask for advice if you are struggling or require support with something. You will have a wealth of experience at your fingertips in your school and someone will have encountered the same thing before.

Find out what really ignites your interest and passion. Is there a particular area you would like to focus on development wise? Seek out lead practitioners in your placement schools and explore the possibility of shadowing them. Use networking opportunities to build your expertise and connections. Volunteer for training opportunities and investigate CPD provided through national literacy organisations, many of which offer great online courses – some for free.

Build your knowledge and expertise of children’s literature. There are a variety of great educational and publishing blogs and websites you can follow. Think about how you can develop reading for pleasure in your classroom.

Teaching is hard work. Look after your mental health and physical wellbeing, including prioritising sleep! Make time for friends and family – they are your biggest supporters.

Do not underestimate the impact that a fresh pair of eyes and your life experience (however old you are) can bring to the profession. Whatever your background, you will have something valuable to offer and the opportunity to pass on your own passions and knowledge to the next generation. Have confidence in your abilities.

If you feel that the setting is not right for you – you probably haven’t found the right school. Do not give up! The right place and the right team are out their waiting for you.