OK, in a rare “about me” post, and a break from the deluge of film reviews to come: hear this!
I am going to be a teacher.
Scared yet? Let me get specific. I’ve managed to wangle my way onto a course in Secondary Education with Computing at Strathclyde University, hopefully resulting in a PGDE. I applied late and went for interview a couple of months ago. I didn’t make the grade for the highly-contested last two places, but I was persistent. When I got back to the UK this week, I contacted them again and asked if there had been any drop-outs or no-shows.
I guess there was.
Today I got a call asking me if I could start on Monday. This will be two full weeks into the educational calendar so I’ll have a lot to catch up on. At present my biggest concern is finding somewhere to live. The commute from Perth, where I’m staying with the folks, isn’t too long of a day but it’s far too expensive in the long term. Chances are I’ll end up staying with family for a couple of weeks.
The nature of the course (few weeks at uni, few weeks at a school, repeat) means that I won’t necessarily be based around Glasgow for the entire duration of the course. Not helpful when trying to organise a rental agreement. I guess I’ll find out!
However, what I can say is that I’m really looking forward to it. OK, so it knocks my travelling on the head for a while but perhaps that’s a good thing. Given that I should get the course for nothing having been “resident” in Scotland for over three years, and that I can get a full student loan to top up my dwindling savings I could even come out of it a little better off than I went in.
It’s a new challenge and something I’m really excited about doing. Career prospects aren’t too bad at the end, either – I’ll still have all my IT history as well as a new qualification. I may even go on to do a PGDE in Primary Education at some point and cover all the bases. See how this one goes first, though.
So expect a few posts about the course, being a mature student, life in Glasgow and more film reviews as the next few months progress. Don’t worry, I will update the travel blog from time to time and I intend to go abroad during the holidays as long as I can afford it.
Now, how many laptops do I need to take with me?
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Absolutely made up for you. I personally think you’ll make an excellent teacher. What we need in education these days is people who have empathy for the kids while taking no crap, and being completely cool rockers. Thats you that is!
Cheers, Dale. My only concern is the rulebook provided by the government under which all teachers must operate. I’m not talking about the “don’t smack them in the mouths when they annoy you” part, but the bits that tell you how and what to teach.
I do know a lot of other teachers, my most recent ex (*sniffle*) is one for a start, and it’s very stifling. And annoying given that the people handing these instructions out (i.e. the Secretaries of State for Education) have never *been* teachers.
But that’s to be worried about as and when.
So… erm… you working in The Netherlands at the moment? Or is my comments software picking up a rogue IP address?
Congrats! I’m sure you’ll be limbering up your cane hand 😉
I don’t think they let you do that in schools any more. Once I find myself a new girlfriend, however… 😉
How exciting! Glad you’ve got the place. I’m sure it’ll be hard work, but equally sure you’ll enjoy it.
I’m really looking forward to it, Beth – thanks! Currently just panicking about things like accommodation and money. It’s short notice to get everything arranged.
Wow good luck with this and I agree with others, think you’d make a great no-nonsense teacher. Plus the kids will probably think you’re cool! 😉
Weenie – sorry I didn’t reply sooner. Don’t know why I didn’t spot your comment.
Thanks and I’m hoping for “cool” rather than “****”. I guess we’ll see!