Leaving work to train as a teacher

[Andy Farren]

Ok, the crib sheet:

32 years old, single, no children, no car, no home. Been in the military for 6 (nearly 7) years, doing OK at it but decided it isn't for me. Put in my notice and will be promoted to the rank of 'Mister' by the end of the year. See, it's like we know each other already?

I am now at the point where I have to decide where to go next. This seems an odd to make *after* I decided to throw away a steady wage, excellent benefits, a heavily-subsidised home and a 3-minute commute to work, but then I did sort of end up in this job on a whim, so I guess I'm the impetuous type.

The thing is, I work in IT and having military experience (and the associated security clearances) can be pretty lucrative. Especially if I "don't mind travelling" *cough*

That's fine. As stated above, no mouths will go hungry if I run off to Equatorial Kundu to man a diplomatic post. But, in the UK, a scheme to get non-graduate Forces leavers to re-train as teachers has literally just openend up . It aims to take the everyday leadership qualities we are purported to possess in the Mob and, with a bit of uni-time and classroom experience, pop a qualified teacher out at the other end.

I'm intrigued, so I've signed up for it. The money is l-ooooousy. I'll have to save most of my wages for the rest of my career, and probably consider a second job once I begin training.

So, two questions:

1) Has anyone else done this? Any tips?
2) Am I mad?

 

[Albino Boo]

If you do it, be prepared for all those middle class lefties to hate you, if you go into a standard school. Go for an academy or free school, not just because of less politics, but because they can pay more than scale if they wish. I think there is a new free school being set by the Army in Oldham, maybe look it up. The advantage of free schools is that they don't have to take people with teacher training, so you could walk right into a new job.

I work in IT and have clearances and if you want to make money, they way to go is work interim contracts. Depending on what your precise skill set is you can walk away with £300-450 a day. The down side is no pension, you can be gone in week and if you are sick you don't get paid. You don't get paid for holidays either. After all costs and taxes out of £400 you will get about £320 a day. Its ideal for someone with no attachments.