10 reasons to start a new career in the classroom

It's not your average nine to five...

1. No two days are the same

Teaching is the opposite of dull. Yes, you’ll have a timetable. But when that timetable involves 30 kids it’s best to expect the unexpected.

2. Your experience will come in very handy

You’re used to managing relationships in the workplace with adults – where you couldn’t threaten them with a detention – and you’re used to bouncing back when things don’t go to plan. You’re already ahead of the game.

3. You will blow minds on a regular basis

You’ve got a mine of amazing information ready to impart and, now and then, you will capture the imaginations of an entire classroom. They will gasp in astonishment and hang on your every word. Which makes up for the days when climbing Everest in flip flops would be easier than getting them to concentrate.

Biology teacher Tracey Brown, who used to work in a bank, explains how she grabbed her class’s attention: “I had a really low ability year 11 additional science class who were really struggling.  We were set to do a lesson on the heart, and instead of working through diagrams on a Power Point, I contacted a local butcher and organised for him to save me a batch of pigs’ hearts. We dissected the hearts in class and every single person got involved somehow. They were all engaged with the subject, and energised by it for the first time.”

We were set to do a lesson on the heart, and instead of working through diagrams on a PowerPoint, I contacted a local butcher and organised for him to save me a batch of pigs’ hearts.

4. There’ll be laughs. Loads of them

And some of the time they’ll be with, not at, you. Working with young people is, by its very nature, funny. "There is a lot more joy in my day now," says Joseph Bispham, who switched from a career in politics to teaching English in the East End.

5. You'll be appreciated

Not by every student, every day. But they know you’re trying to do the best for them and to some, you’ll be the only role model they’ve got. Science teacher, and former business person, Katie Roberts knows how satisfying that is: “I didn’t think one child had engaged with the way I taught or the subject at all. But at the end he wrote me a note that said ‘Dear miss I didn’t get a C but you is alright’. That was his way of saying actually I did get something out of what you were doing.”

6. Sometimes, you’ll want to scream with joy

When algebra clicks, when Shakespeare suddenly makes sense, when a kid who’s been struggling finally gets it. Try not to actually scream with joy though. Or perform a celebratory dance.

7. Popular culture will become your specialist subject

Spending so much time with kids means you'll be the go-to guy or girl at pub quizzes when questions come up about Stormzy’s latest album or emoji definitions.

8. You’ll work with like-minded people

Who’ll become your friends, support network and Friday night pub buddies.

9. You’ll get paid to train

Yep, that’s right. With Teach First you’ll go straight into the classroom and get the basic salary for an unqualified teacher in year one and a qualified teacher in year two.

10. Most importantly you’ll make a difference

A great education can change a child’s life. When you see a kid you taught go on to achieve their aspirations you’d better prepare to feel emotional.

Tempted? Find out how you can teach.