T
EACHING is one of the most
challenging and rewarding of
careers.
Whether it be helping young children find
their first steps in learning, or preparing
confident near-adult teenagers for university
and a career, it offers satisfaction, variety, a
good income and excellent prospects.
Certainly there is no shortage of opportunity.
Across the UK, there are more than 500,000
teachers, working at every level in schools
and covering almost every imaginable subject.
As with any career, there are benefits
and disadvantages. The job is interesting
� exciting even � and offers real opportunities
to interact with engaged young people, to see
them grow, and to help with their educational
and character development.
In addition, the work tends to be secure,
holidays are long, andthere is plenty of
opportunity for continuing professional
development.
It also offers comradeship and, at the end of
it all, a worthwhile pension. The Government,
too, is committed to backing education,
meaning budgets have been improved and
more support than ever is available.
As a spokesman for the Training and
Development Agency for Schools (TDA), the
national agency responsible for the schools
workforce development in England, puts it:
"Working with pupils is very rewarding, and
each day is different.
"Teachers use their skills, intelligence and
creativity � they make learning exciting and
relevant for young people, and open their
minds to the world around them.
"Starting pay is impressive and there
is a wide range of possibilities for career
progression, either within the classroom or by
becoming a school leader."
Keith Bartley, chief executive of the General
Teaching Council for England, says: "There
has never been a better time to be a teacher
than now."
There are also excellent opportunities
for career-long skills development, through
initiatives such as the Postgraduate
Professional Development Programme, with
plenty of ongoing support available.
The disadvantages of teaching?
Pressure can be high and so can stress
levels. The work is complex and demanding,
and teachers do not always feel their
contribution to society is fully appreciated. >>
Better budgets as well as support
mean that there has never been
a better time to get into teaching,
writes Andrew Collier.
YOUNG MINDS ... teaching
is all about inspiring
and expanding people's
knowledge, creativity and
intelligence.
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