Computer Science Teachers

[Crizzy]

Hi all,

Is anyone here a computer science teacher?

I am thinking about a possible career change and would be interested in hearing from anyone in the field.

I'm still trying to understand the myriad ways to get into the profession, but I wonder if anyone has any real life experience of day to day life teaching this subject?

Many thanks in advance

 

[Crizzy]

I am Computer science teacher. (Even though I'm not currently teaching)

I qualified, did 5 years then left for industry.

Teaching is... unique. You really need a thick skin, not just for the abuse you get from teenagers, but the attacks you get from Senior leadership can be demoralising and depressing.

If you enjoy 60-80hr weeks, then teaching is for you.

I spent 2 of my years as a Union Rep. What I witnessed was eye opening and shocking. The sheer level of career attacks I've seen on professional people is terrible. What's worse, it's carried out by people who barely teach anymore. And who are there to supposedly support them.

Don't get me wrong, yes I loved teaching. I was really very good at it. What ruined it for me, was the abuse from other colleagues and the system. The sheer amount of work I had to take home against my will. Gross.

I'm on a 40% higher salary in industry, with no work to take home. No demand to work beyond my 40hours unless I want to. Holidays which are mine to allocate when I like... what else? Oh no need to be on anti depression drugs any more...

Thanks for getting back to me, sorry to hear that you had a bad experience, was that in one school or was it across multiple schools?

It'll be a tough decision for me, as it would take no small effort on my part just to get NQT status. And then as you say I'll be working more hours for significantly less pay than I do at the moment. I'm not sure I can justify the pay drop right now, and I don't think it would be fair to my wife and children either.