My experience as a male primary school teacher.

TL;DR - I believe teaching is the best job in the world. If you are considering it, even a little, volunteer and try it out for yourself. 

The workload is immense, it is in no way a 9-5. It will eat into most evenings and weekends. However, you have the freedom to make each workday as fun as you choose. 

Here is a more detailed look at my experience. 

This is a (relatively) short summary of my experience working as a male primary school teacher. I will look at why I got into teaching and how I feel about it now I am years into the role. I hope there is enough information to help you to decide if it is for you (either way).  

After university I spent nearly a decade working in more traditionally masculine job roles. So why change?

(Stick with me here) - After graduation I suddenly realised that I needed a job - and fast. My brother worked as an engineer and I saw that he was paid well. I decided to follow his route. Of course, having no relevant engineering qualifications wouldn’t stop me. I got a copy of the yellow pages (yes, I’m that old) and I cold called every engineering company in my local area until I got a job creating parts for a luxury car brand. 

I found that whilst I was quickly out of my student overdraft - my work left me unfulfilled. 

A few years later I was working in an office - still bored. I had decided to volunteer at my local primary school. I came away after just a few weeks knowing it was what I wanted to do. I couldn’t believe it; it was work but it was also - fun. I began to look forward to it every week. I eventually spent two years volunteering at that school and I had loved it. 

If you are considering teaching primary - even a little - volunteer!

So, what is teaching like?

I have been lucky, the school that I work in has an excellent environment. The SLT are brilliant, supportive and friendly. The school feels part of the community and all staff have been welcoming and friendly since my first day.

I realise that not all schools are this good! My advice – Do not settle! If you find yourself in a workplace you don’t enjoy, move on. That goes for whatever career path you choose. 

In my experience there is a desperate need for children (especially boys) to have male role models - men that they see behave positively and with consistency. I’ve never received any stigma for choosing this path. In fact, parents often seem happy that there is a male influence in school and children seem to respond well to their being a difference in personality types amongst teaching staff.  

• It’s fun. 

Every day is different. You can have as much fun on any day as your imagination will let you. It is up to you to create lessons that cover what is needed and you have the freedom to make that as fun and engaging as you can.  

• It’s rewarding.

“Oh! I get it now!” – It doesn’t happen every day, but when you hear that from a child you receive instant feedback.  I always enjoy flicking from the end of a workbook to the start of a year. The instant visual reward that shows you how your hard work has made a positive difference. 

Does being male make all that much of a difference?

Yes (and no). To some children, you will be the male role model that they don’t have at home. For many others it’s way more important to them that you are kind, interested and make learning fun – your gender doesn’t matter to them.  

Every now and again I will become aware during a staff meeting or a staff night out that I am the only male there. It’s never bothered me, and I don’t believe it has had a positive or negative influence so far. I have read that it can be a little harder for males to get into head roles as they are currently overrepresented. That’s not a career path I wish to choose. If it is for you, one would hope that schools would always employ the best individual for the role.

The bad. 

The workload – Having worked outside of education, I was used to coming home and just being home. That isn’t the case being a teacher. I usually get to school before 8am and setting off around 5:30pm. I will still have some work to do every evening. If you are expecting a job where you can clock in and clock out. I suspect teaching is not for you. 

There are sometimes children you cannot help as much as you would like. 

A lot of the job is away from the children. Whilst I have the most fun bouncing ideas around and creating excitement for the children, a lot of the role is sat at a laptop – alone. 

I hope you have found some value here. The truth is, if you a male considering it – volunteer. I’m sure you’ll love it.

If you have a specific question make sure to contact me via Instagram, twitter or Daniel@DanielTimmis.com

Thanks guys!