Returning to school, but in the big desk

March 20, 2006 2:51 AM

Becoming a Primary teacher (in NSW, Australia). Tips/Suggestions?

A decade ago I finished with a Masters degree in Education with computing and science majors and was considering teaching high school.
I promptly abandoned teaching for well paid tech jobs, but have lately considered returning. The twist is I think I would rather teach little kids, based on how I have found my kids and friends little ones.
The education department suggests I will qualify academically, but I am a little sketchy on just showing up in a class after 10 years of corporate life and with no experience of younger kids.
So...any pointers, maybe a good book dealing with classroom management for younger kids, or comtemporary ideas in education I can use to get my self up to speed?
I am not necessarily averse to going back to school either, if it was compatible with earning an income at the same time.

posted by bystander to Education (1 answer total)

Presumably you've checked out the official websites, but if not the department of education and training is here. They might be able to help you, perhaps get you into some professional development courses? There is a year long diploma of education, but you probably wouldn't be able to do that after a Masters (disclaimer: I have no idea if that's true).

In terms of getting some experience with lots of little kids, do you play sport? If you can play any sport, you can coach at that level. If you can't, you could volunteer at Little Athletics or similar where there's lot of roles for uninformed volunteers (usually parents of competitors, but I'm sure they'd welcome you if you explained...or you can get your own kids into it).
posted by jacalata at 5:38 AM on March 20, 2006