How to kick-start a rewarding career in Secondary Education

Many professionals consider switching to teaching mid-career, drawn by the potential to make a positive difference in young people's lives. 

This desire, coupled with the chance to guide diverse students through their personal development, makes teaching an appealing career choice.

Key motivations for transitioning to secondary school teaching include:

• inspiring a passion for learning in young people, sparking their curiosity and influencing their educational pathways
• playing a vital role in young people's social and emotional growth, enhancing their resilience, empathy and interpersonal skills.
• serving as a positive influence, impacting students' lives well beyond their secondary education
• joining a field with a growing need for dedicated and skilled educators, offering job stability, security and generous holidays
• the chance for continuous professional development, expanding teaching skills and your specialist knowledge
• contributing to the broader community by shaping future generations through education
• enjoying a dynamic and varied career, where each day presents new challenges and opportunities for problem-solving, leading to personal fulfillment and satisfaction.

Deirdre Brandner, a teacher and, more recently, a psychologist, shares how her experiences have taught her a lot about career transitions. 

"Being able to make a difference right from the get-go is what makes the transition into teaching so rewarding,” she says. 

Being there from the very beginning, being able to put things in place that will allow the next generation to learn and develop, and walking that path with them is the greatest joy of teaching.

Now is an excellent time to think about shifting to a secondary teaching career. The convergence of fewer new graduates entering the profession, a rising demand due to an expanding student population, and an ageing teacher workforce is leading to significant teacher shortages, means there are ample opportunities in the field.

Projections on teacher demand and supply indicate that these shortages are likely to intensify in the near future. Specifically, there's an expected shortfall of approximately 4,100 secondary teachers, as demand outstrips the supply of new graduates between 2021 and 2025.

Transitioning to a career in secondary teaching, especially later in life, allows you to apply your vast experience and transferable skills effectively within the classroom. These attributes are invaluable in an educational setting. 

These key skills can put you ahead of the crowd.

Communication skills

Effective communication is crucial for teachers. They must articulate ideas clearly to students, parents, colleagues, and other educational stakeholders. "Being an adept communicator with both children and adults is a pivotal skill for teachers," Brandner notes.

Organisational skills

Efficient time and resource management, lesson planning, and maintaining accurate student records are essential tasks for teachers. "Organisation and time management are fundamental," Brandner emphasises.

Understanding diversity

Adapting teaching methods to accommodate diverse student backgrounds is necessary for an inclusive learning environment. Brandner points out, "Schools often group children based merely on age and locality, overlooking their varied backgrounds and beliefs. A teacher with experience in diverse settings can better navigate these differences in the classroom."

Life experience

Entering teaching from other professions or as a parent brings valuable perspectives on child development and behaviour. These experiences enhance a teacher's empathy. "It’s crucial to be mindful of the individual experiences of each child," Brandner says.

By recognising and valuing these skills, those considering a shift to teaching can see how well-suited they may already be for this impactful and rewarding career path.

Transitioning into secondary teaching 

Pursuing a career as a secondary school teacher not only offers job security but also presents a deeply rewarding profession. However, transitioning to teaching can seem overwhelming. Brandner provides insights on navigating this change.

"I think change always comes with apprehension," she explains. "But I think we need to look at it as a stepwise approach, that you’re making an investment in a career that’s going to be long-lasting. 

Teaching is a wonderful profession, and no one day will be the same. If you can keep the bigger picture in mind and remember that you’re going to make a huge difference in people’s lives once you start teaching, that can really help.