3 things you should know as a grad considering a career as a teacher!

By Kate Stockings

Four years ago, I was coming to the end of my degree, making the most of the final year at university and pondering what on earth I wanted to do next. The joys, myths and reputation of teaching are well known and it appears that everyone you talk to has an opinion of whether or not teaching is the career for you.

However, reflecting back on my first few years in the career, here are three things that I know now and wish I’d considered back then- it would’ve told me that teaching was definitely the job for me!

1. As a teacher, you will never be bored.

Now, whilst this sounds like an obvious statement, I hadn’t truly considered how important it was in a job. I can honestly say that I never clock-watch, I never wish the day would pass faster and, to be honest, I normally wish for time to slow down!

2. As a teacher, you will never stop learning.

For me, this is perhaps one of the best things about my career. As I plan each lesson, I’m always learning something new - either about the topic itself or about how best to teach that concept. Teaching enables me to share the knowledge I have (and continue to acquire). I enjoy reading around my subject now more than ever before as I know that through making my teaching up to date and relatable, I am inspiring the students - that’s both incredibly important to me and hugely rewarding!

3. There is progression in the profession, if you want it.

I became the Head of Geography in just my second year and whilst this progression wouldn’t be for everybody, it’s important to know that these options are there if you want to pursue them. With progression comes increased responsibility, increased accountability but also increased pay.

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