Teaching: A top choice for New Year career changers in Plymouth

The New Year tradition of pledging to make big life changes following the festive break shows no signs of slowing, according to new figures released today by the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL).

Switching to a more fulfilling career in teaching looks set to remain a popular choice for people in Plymouth looking for a new challenge and to make a real difference through their work.

Last year, January was one of the busiest months of the year for registrations of interest in teaching in the region, with over 50% of all registrations logged with NCTL coming from those looking to change career to teaching.

In 2014/15, registrations from people in the South West who were considering changing career into teaching topped 3,380; 44% of the total registrations of interest for the year and the highest number in three years.

National figures echo this. Hits to NCTL’s ‘Get into Teaching’ website reached about half a million in January 2015 – the second highest monthly volume of traffic of the whole year. Similarly, Google Trends data* shows searches for ‘career change’ were higher than any other point in the year in early January.

January was also the second busiest time of the year for related online searches such as ‘change life’ and ‘new job’. Searches for terms relating to moving into teaching show a similar pattern with January 2015 the busiest point for searches of ‘be a teacher’ and the second busiest time for ‘start teaching’.

Scott Wieprecht, 28, from Plymouth, has been teaching for six years. He is now Head of Year 9, and teaches maths, integrated studies and drama at Saltash.net Community School in Cornwall.

He said: “If you are thinking teaching might be right for you, it is. I believe you’re born a teacher, and you learn the techniques and “tips” to be a great one along the way. If you are seriously thinking you would like to help young people connect with learning, or help them grow into adults, then you already have half, and the most important, part of the skillset.

“Teaching is the most rewarding career out there, and there literally is nothing quite like it – I have different challenges every day, and always go home feeling like I’ve made a difference in some way, to some one.”

Potential career changers who are interested in finding out more about becoming a teacher have the chance to meet with NCTL advisors and local teachers at the special Train to Teach roadshow which is coming to Park Community School in Barnstaple on 10 February 2016. The events provide an opportunity for potential teachers to learn more about how to get into the profession and the different training routes available. People can meet with representatives from local schools and universities who offer teacher training, as well as current teachers and teaching experts who will give practical tips and one-to-one advice.

To support the latest generation of New Year career changers, NCTL is hosting six online events this month which are specifically designed to show what a switch to teaching can offer, the routes into the profession and the financial support packages on offer for those making the change from established careers:

·         Monday 11 January, 6.30-8pm: Routes into teaching and subject knowledge enhancement

·         Wednesday 13 January, 6.30-8pm: Funding your teacher training

·         Monday 18 January, 6.30-8pm: Managing a career change into teaching: shared experiences

·         Wednesday 20 January, 6.30-8pm: Gaining school experience as a career changer

·         Monday 25 January, 6.30-8pm: Professional skills tests

·         Wednesday 27 January, 6.30-8pm: Support with your application

Tax free bursaries and prestigious scholarships are being offered to top graduates who choose to teach key subjects that help children reach their full potential.
People with a degree and three or more years of work experience in any field can earn a salary while they train to teach on a School Direct programme.
NCTL provides a comprehensive programme of support to help people become teachers, providing guidance all the way through the application process.

Keith Defter, NCTL Teaching and Leadership Advisor (TLA) for teachers in Plymouth said: The start of the New Year is a natural time for people to think about whether a change could make them happier or more fulfilled. One way of shaking off the January blues is to start a new rewarding career this year by taking your skills and experience into the classroom.
“Some of our best teachers entered the profession after pursuing careers in other fields, bringing a wealth of experience to help inspire the next generation. That is why we are running a series of events so people can find out more about the options and support available.”

The events provide an opportunity for aspiring teachers to learn more about how to get into the profession and the different training routes available. People can meet with representatives from local schools and universities who offer teacher training, as well as current teachers and teaching experts for practical tips and one-to-one advice.

Applications for teacher training in 2016 are now open. Visit www.education.gov.uk/getintoteaching or call the Teaching Line on 0800 389 2500.

To find out more about the live, interactive events, and to sign up, go to: http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/events/online-events

To find out more about the Train to Teach roadshow, and to register, go to: http://traintoteach.education.gov.uk/