“Would you ever go back to teaching?” The age-old question former teachers hear on a regular basis. For most, the answer is never definite. A lot of maybes, not sures and never say nevers are bandied around, usually followed by a list of reasons why they loved being in the classroom in the first place. Perhaps it is time for a change. The pandemic has had a substantial impact on a lot of jobs, and an increase in teaching recruitment post-Covid is needed more than ever. Thinking of dusting off the cobwebs on that qualification? Here’s ten reasons to get back into teaching.
#1 You’ll make a difference
Now that’s not to say you’re not making a difference in your current industry, but every single teacher has a tremendous impact on our young people. The next generation relies on the wisdom and skills of their teachers to prepare for what lies ahead. Plus, there’s nothing quite like that light-bulb moment.
Want to make a difference? Join Eteach today.
#2 Sharing is caring
What better way to honour your current career by passing down your knowledge and expertise to the future of your industry. Teaching means taking everything you’ve learnt; all the successes (and failures) and ensuring your students are fully prepared when they inevitably fill your shoes.
#3 You won’t be the only one
According to the Department for Education, thousands are returning to education every year. One way or another, the calling brings them back into the classroom, regardless of how long it’s been. Never feel like the moment has passed or you’re alone in your determination to go back – it happens a lot more than you’d think!
#4 Students need you
Now more than ever, students across the nation need you. Increasing class sizes and a shortage of staff means former teachers are sorely missed.
#5 You’ll know what to expect this time
You’ve been there, done that and got the World’s Best Teacher mug to prove it. However, this time you’re older, wiser and will know what to expect. From the small wins to the lesson plans you wish you never wrote; all that previous experience will come flooding back and you’ll be able to pool all that knowledge into your second time stepping back into the classroom.
#6 You can refresh your knowledge
Do you know what’s great about the 21st century? Everything’s online! There’s no need to worry about feeling rusty or concerned if your pedagogy needs practice. There’s plenty of teacher training sessions or refresher courses available online to jog your memory and get back into the swing of things!
#7 A new perspective
After spending some time away from schools, you may just have a new perspective on a lot of things surrounding the role. Whatever industry you’re in now, you’re sure to have picked up some transferable skills that can be implemented into your strategy as a teacher. Whether that’s manoeuvring around school politics or cooking up a few new behaviour management tactics – there’s plenty to bring back with you.
#8 There’s more than one path back
If full-time isn’t the path you want to take, there’s a variety of routes into teaching available. From part-time or job-sharing, to supply teaching or tutoring. The education world is your oyster.
Ready to find your future role? Register now.
#9 There are some perks to the job
Let’s be honest, the holidays are a huge perk. Well-deserved and absolutely necessary for teachers to even consider returning after summer, they’re a strong incentive to get back into teaching. Additionally, it may not have felt like it before, but teaching brings with it job satisfaction like no other. A vocation that is one of the most rewarding when it comes to watching students progress and succeed throughout their education. There’s also the added bonus of job security, something many of us yearn for in the current climate.
There will always be a need for teachers, so if you’re thinking, should I return to teaching? The education sector will shout a resounding yes!
#10 Eteach can help
Who doesn’t love a helping hand? We ease the anxiety over job hunting by finding suitable vacancies and matching you with the right school. Advice on writing personal statements, surviving the interview process and much more are available on our Career Advice page.
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About the author
Tammy Lane
After completing a BA in Creative Writing and a Masters in Creative and Critical Writing at the University of Winchester, Tammy worked as a Learning Support Assistant, with a focus on helping students develop their literacy skills. She then taught as an English teacher at an all-boys comprehensive school in Berkshire. Tammy now works for Eteach as Marketing Manager, where she can combine her passion for education and writing.