Primary v Secondary - Thoughts???

[Shokujo]

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Ok, so a little background..

I'm 32, and live in Rockhampton, so would be looking at doing CQ university's Bachelor of Learning Management program. My selections are already in through QTAC, and it says that I have the minimum requirements for both. Last year both courses had a minimum selection rank of 60, and I know for a fact I currently have a rank of 71, so hopefully not too many problems there (also will be sitting STAT test early november, which may help).

My only problem is, I'm indecisive.. lol... I don't know whether to do primary or secondary! If I chose to do secondary, I would be thinking more of the maths/science disciplines.

I know I'd be happy with either option, however I think my main concern is career options after graduation. Would there be more opportunities for generic primary school (perhaps even looking at doing the catholic streams?) or for specialised Maths/Science secondary school teachers? I've tried looking around at job websites, but there's not too much on there.

Being from a large country town, I'm even wondering if the jobs really aren't advertised, but based on the work experience you get while you are at uni???

Any thoughts on this? Thanks!

[Shokujo]

Oh, and just to add - If I want to do maths/science teaching, would I be better off gaining a BSc then doing a year of teaching, or would they be satisfied hiring me if I just followed the learning management course disciplines of maths/science?

[blerkles]

Firstly, google 'Primary teacher oversupply' - there isn't a huge teacher shortage in that area unless you want to do casual work (kiss home loan application goodbye) or go to a rural area.

Maths and Science secondary teachers are very much in demand. If you are worried about getting a job at the end, I'd strongly push you in that direction. Problem is that you can make more money in industry with a Maths or Science degree than in teaching so it is tempting to 'jump ship'. Don't forget TAFE science teaching too, they like teachers that are still in industry but want to teach casually.

Not sure about the QLD system, but in NSW they don't accept 'how to teach maths/science' or 'how kids best learn maths/science' primary teaching subjects as acceptable for 'this is science' (e.g Chemistry 101) subjects needed for teaching it at secondary level.

[Shokujo]

Thanks blerkles

Where I live is considered to be a country/rural area, however it is fairly populated, so not too sure. I've checked a few websites and not found any available primary roles, but a few maths and business teachers, so think I will definitely do that. I'm not wanting to "jump ship" no matter how tempting, as for me money is not important, it's the job satisfaction that I'm after (already have mortgage, a couple of investments and living comfortably).

The course is set out so that I'd do subjects such as Learning Management etc, and then I would choose two disciplines which I would study as well. The science discipline looks as though it's broken up into a few parts, being biology, chemistry, physics & multistrand, but not sure if i need to choose one or they are all covered. Should find out more about that before i choose a discipline. Being that there is only one university within about a 500km radius, it's more than likely that if there is a need for a teacher, it would be a CQU graduate.

Not too sure if I'd be too excited about teaching in TAFE, but it could be something to look into a bit later.

I have put the Secondary option as my first preference after thinking long and hard about it. So bring on Jan 14 so I can find out if I get a place!! LOL