Trainee teacher numbers in the North East have fallen by 56% in just five years — the steepest decline in England. Yet one group is growing fast: people over 40, starting a new chapter as teachers.
After a long career in museums and libraries, Amelia Joicey made the leap into teaching. She told the BBC that, although the change was nerve-wracking, the support she received from her family and Now Teach reassured her she’d made the right decision, and she has no regrets.
"The kids I work with are some of the most lovely people I’ve met."
Lucy Kellaway shared with BBC News that older professionals could play a vital role in solving teacher shortages.
“Our working lives are now so long that one career isn’t enough, and we’ve neglected that older slice.”
She believes the government should do more to reach people looking for something different later in life, and support them to bring their experience into schools.
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At Now Teach, we know that career changers can help fill the gap.
Experienced professionals bring skills, resilience and perspective that enrich the classroom, and they can help strengthen the teaching workforce at a time when schools need them most.
Ready to use your experience to make a difference?