I’m towards the end of my pre-service teaching course (12 months left!) but I feel very lost. I’ve kept a very high average when it comes to results as I love the academic work; but I dread the teaching rounds and when I think about a career in school teaching my heart sinks.
I feel as if it might be a cop out to change courses or leave the course now as I have come this far, but I don’t feel this is my path and don’t know what my options are! I feel very torn. help!
Your experience is not uncommon but it is important that you take your concerns seriously. Here at the Counselling Service we often see people who have had a plan to undertake something, but as the course progresses and moves from the academic to the reality of the actual job, it becomes clear that they don’t enjoy it.
It would be helpful to start by talking to someone within your Faculty. You are clearly a successful student and I am guessing have developed some good relationships with teaching staff. Is there one of them you can speak to? They may be good role models, as they are clearly interested in education, but not working as school teachers. Perhaps approach those who are teaching the subjects you have enjoyed most. As you have loved the academic work there is something important for you in this area so clarify where your interests lie. This degree is the first step to somewhere, maybe not toward the classroom.
Exploring options for either completion of this degree or transfer to something else is vital. The study you have done will be valuable in any transfer and if you choose to complete, a teaching degree is a versatile qualification, that can equip you for roles other than classroom teacher. To research these you should approach the University Career Service. Your heart sinking feelings are valuable in terms of teaching rounds and the prospect of a school career. This feels more than a reaction to a particular problematic school or placement experience. It isn’t a “cop out” but an appropriate career adjustment made on the basis of some real experience. If you want to talk it through with a counsellor you would be welcome to come in and do so.
