Released
on: August 10, 2009, 7:37 am
Author: Hays Plc.
Industry: Human Resources
A
recent Hays Education survey has shown that more than a fifth of teachers believe
the increase in teaching applications is positive, because the so-called 'credit
crunch teachers' are bringing new skills and experience with them.. However,
current teachers have also questioned their motives and 33% are concerned that
they don't realise how difficult teaching is and won't stick with their newfound
careers when the economy picks up.
Martyn Best, managing director of Hays Education, said: "Interest in teaching
jobs has increased during the recession. Naturally, people are looking for
the added job security, but they are also taking stock and assessing what they
really want from a career – particularly if they have been made redundant
and feel let down by their previous employer."
The government has recently attempted to attract redundant workers into teaching
by offering fastrack PGCE courses. The incentives also include golden handshakes
to those chosing to teach science or maths.
Stuart
MacKenzie is a former graphic designer who turned his back on commerce and retrained
as a teacher. Stuart, who is now head of design and technology, said: "I
was a graphic designer working with clients such as Cadbury and Rolls Royce
before becoming a teacher. Real-life experience is really helpful in the classroom
and adds to the breadth of knowldege that you can pass on to a class."
The vast majority of respondents (84%) confirmed this, with the belief that
recruiting teachers from a wider cross section of backgrounds – including
commerce – would benefit the teaching profession. Interestingly, it also
seems the tide is turning against some of the common misconceptions of teaching
with 59% of teachers stating that they were happy with their work-life balance.
Martyn Best said: "Our advice is to contact your local school and get some practical experience. See how schools have progressed and find out whether the reality of a career in the classroom would suit you. Then take a PGCE course and explore which side of teaching you prefer. A positive attitude, good communication skills and patience were rated most highly by current teachers. Many people will have learnt these skills in the private sector and once they have the relevant qualifications will find that teaching is a career they can excel in."
-ends-
About
Hays Education:
Hays Education is part of Hays plc, specialising in range of education
jobs from teaching
assistant jobs to headteacher
jobs. It is market leader in the UK and Australia, and one of the market
leaders in Continental Europe. The Group employs 8294 staff operating from 380
offices in 28 countries across 17 specialisms.
Press contact:
Claire Fowler
Hays Plc
Charter House
13 - 15 Carteret Street
London
SW1H 9DJ
020 7630 4282
www.hays.com