/lit/ - Literature

>>17936208
>>17936315
Yeah, teaching in secondary schools is so disparate in quality depending on position and location so as to amount to essentially different careers. There are schoolmasters in private schools and grammar schools with MAs and doctorates, recognised as experts in their fields, afforded respect by the naturally more intelligent and respectful upper-class pupils curated by entrance exams and term fees, and on a substantially higher wage than national average. That's where you get school houses, Latin mottos, and the like.

Then you have Mr Dean the PE teacher at an inner city comp who became a teacher because he couldn't quite cut it as a physio due to the maths and science elements, languishing on 21k a year and getting laughed at by a mottled crowd of brown and black faces, half of whom speak little to no English, all of whom get extra time in exams because they've been labelled with ADHD.

Naturally the quality teachers end up at quality schools. MA holders command higher salaries regardless and the more distinguished teachers, who are accepted onto PGCE programs at Oxbridge and other top tier universities, are snapped up by the most prestigious schools in the country. Not so for Mr Dean.

I did a literature degree because I love English literature and I wanted to teach English literature. Now I teach English literature. Pay is mediocre. Worth it because I love my job. My own MA unlocked private/independent schools (I'm in the UK) and I work at a great one, Latin mottos, smart uniforms, students sorted into houses. Students refer to teachers as 'sir' or 'miss' and all rise when we enter the classroom. I teach AS and A level (age 17-18) so my students have chosen to pursue the subject rather than being forced to. I have a good amount of control over my syllabus and feel my studies are directly linked to my teaching. I also run a creative writing club which I find rewarding. Faculty include plenty of ex graduate students and even PhD's who didn't land tenure track jobs. 6 weeks off over summer, 3 weeks over Christmas, various term breaks. My only regret is that my wife had to work a bit longer for us to afford our first house.

Super comfy, super stimulating, super enjoyable. Genuinely feel like I have the best job in the world. Haters can suck it

Has anyone got experience teaching high school? I stupidly went for a PhD in Eng Lit and there are literally no academic jobs unless I want to move across the country for a terribly paid 9 month contract. However with my qualification I could go for some of the better private/independent schools, better pay, holidays, etc. Don't really know what else I'd do since I don't want to leave England.

>>15470477
Totally depends on the school. Inner city public schools yes, private schools are a different breed.

Which is more pozzed nowadays, journalism or academia? Finishing an MA and I want a comfy lecturing/private school teaching gig.