Being a teacher

I had no desire to go to university whilst at school or at college, however I knew I enjoyed working with children after my work experience placement in a nursery. After ooo-ing and ar-ring about what to do after my GCSE's I decided  to go to college and study a BTEC in Childhood Studies.

Many of my friends went on to uni after college or sixth form but I had no interest to further my academic studies at that time. I became a nanny and worked with two wonderful families, one for almost three years. However I became bored and wanted something more with my career.

 One of my close friends convinced me to look at universities and courses. I had my eye on primary teaching, veterinary nursing and forensic science...a very varied selection I know! But I had an interest in all of them. Because of my experience and educational background, teaching made the most sense and was what I could really see myself doing.

I knew which universities I wanted to apply for, Herts, Birmingham and Brighton. I ended up going to Brighton and embarked on a four year BA Hons course in primary education. It was hard work with highs and lows, essays, placements and the dreaded dissertation! Overall I had an amazing experience and made some wonderful friends. I would highly recommend Brighton as a uni and a place to live, I had some of my best years here.

I graduated in 2008 and started my career as a newly qualified teacher (NQT) back in my home town.

I started teaching year three in a lovely junior school but left to move to London (to be with the boyf!) after completing my NQT induction at the end of the academic year.

My second year of teaching was a VERY  different experience for many reasons...a large amount of them negative. However this position broadly opened my eyes and hugely contributed towards the teacher I am today. During my time here I worked in year one and two, my position was temporary and I decided not to apply to be a permanent member of staff.

So the looong application process started again and I got a job where I worked for four years

I worked in year one for the first two years and moved up to year two in September 2012. After maternity leave I returned part time until leaving in July 2014. I worked as a supply teacher until we moved out of London.

Would I recommend teaching to someone thinking about it as a career? If it's your passion or undoubtedly your true vocation and you are super organised...absolutely yes! If on the other hand, you're thinking 'teaching looks alright' or something along those lines, then no!

Don't get me wrong, I love the 'teaching' side of being a teacher, working with the kids and seeing them progress etc but in my opinion everything else that comes with the job is just too much. No teacher I know gets to work at half eight and leaves at half three like some people believe. It's honestly one of those careers where you could work 24/7 and still not get everything done. Planning, resourcing, subject leading, marking, IEP's, displays along with other 'things' senior management/government need/want you to do/implement.

The list is endless and all these aspects take the focus away from the real teaching and important time with your class. Many teachers will agree and others of course will disagree with my view.

It's the extra elements and pressure that are making me consider other career options, especially now I'm a mother!

I began supply teaching again in 2015 and was offered a permanent position and somehow ended up teaching reception until 2017 when I went on maternity leave with baby two. I absolutely loved it, I think it has been my favourite year group to teach!

I did not return to teaching after my maternity leave ended in summer 2018 due to my daughter being diagnosed with a rare genetic condition. I don't think I've permanently quit the teacher role yet but unsure when I will return.