In response to an article in The Guardian citing statistics from the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) which show a 35 per cent year-on-year rise in the number of career changers applying to train as teachers during 2009/10, Teacher Support Network Chief Executive, Julian Stanley, said:

“Teacher Support Network has always praised efforts to help those with experience outside of teaching to bring their unique skills to the classroom. A silver lining to the recession seems to be increased interest in teaching from other professionals. We’re pleased that schools will benefit from a cohort of new teachers with differing life experiences to complement those already teaching in schools.

“Teaching is of course a rewarding but sometimes very difficult profession and those drawn to teaching, whether as graduates or career changers, should be aware of the unique challenges that it provides as well as the support available via their union and our online and telephone support services.

“In addition school leaders should be sensitive to the differing pressures and aspirations of career changers, both in and out of school, and take these into account when inducting and developing their staff. New staff and management should also consider and be sensitive to the concerns and feelings of established staff when those new to the profession from other walks of life first enter the staffroom.”