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View All NewsUK — Credit crunch teachers bring new skills and experience into the classroom
13 August 2009
A recent survey by Hays Education, the specialist staffing agency owned by Hays plc, shows that more than a fifth of teachers believe the increase in teaching applications caused by the so-called "credit crunch teachers"; bringing new skills and experiences with them, is positive.
The government has recently attempted to attract redundant workers into teaching by offering fast track Postgraduate Certificate in Education Courses (PGCE). The incentives also include golden handshakes to those choosing to teach science or mathematics.
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."
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".