Hays Education Reports Rise In Number Of Teaching Applications
Released
on: August 10, 2009, 7:37 am
Author: Hays Plc.
Industry: Human
Resources
A
recent Hays Education survey has shown that more than a fifth
of teachers believe the increase in teaching applications is positive,
because the so-called 'credit crunch teachers' are bringing new
skills and experience with them.. However, current teachers have
also questioned their motives and 33% are concerned that they
don't realise how difficult teaching is and won't stick with their
newfound careers when the economy picks up.
Martyn Best, managing director of Hays Education, said: "Interest
in teaching jobs
has increased during the recession. Naturally, people are looking
for the added job security, but they are also taking stock and
assessing what they really want from a career – particularly
if they have been made redundant and feel let down by their previous
employer."
The government has recently attempted to attract redundant workers
into teaching by offering fastrack PGCE courses. The incentives
also include golden handshakes to those chosing to teach science
or maths.
Stuart
MacKenzie is a former graphic designer who turned his back on
commerce and retrained as a teacher. Stuart, who is now head of
design and technology, said: "I was a graphic designer working
with clients such as Cadbury and Rolls Royce before becoming a
teacher. Real-life experience is really helpful in the classroom
and adds to the breadth of knowldege that you can pass on to a
class."
The vast majority of respondents (84%) confirmed this, with the
belief that recruiting teachers from a wider cross section of
backgrounds – including commerce – would benefit the
teaching profession. Interestingly, it also seems the tide is
turning against some of the common misconceptions of teaching
with 59% of teachers stating that they were happy with their work-life
balance.
Martyn
Best said: "Our advice is to contact your local school and
get some practical experience. See how schools have progressed
and find out whether the reality of a career in the classroom
would suit you. Then take a PGCE course and explore which side
of teaching you prefer. A positive attitude, good communication
skills and patience were rated most highly by current teachers.
Many people will have learnt these skills in the private sector
and once they have the relevant qualifications will find that
teaching is a career they can excel in."
-ends-
About
Hays Education:
Hays Education is part of Hays plc, specialising in range of education
jobs from teaching
assistant jobs to headteacher
jobs. It is market leader in the UK and Australia, and one
of the market leaders in Continental Europe. The Group employs
8294 staff operating from 380 offices in 28 countries across 17
specialisms.
Press contact:
Claire Fowler
Hays Plc
Charter House
13 - 15 Carteret Street
London
SW1H 9DJ
020 7630 4282
www.hays.com