Researching the experiences of career changes teachers at Pymble

Like all schools and sectors in education, nationally and internationally, Pymble is conscious of how teacher shortages are impacting staffing. One of the Pymble Institute’s projects is an investigation into career-change teachers in our own school with the goal of better understanding this important group’s motivations and experiences. Career change, or second career, teachers are teachers who commenced their work lives in careers outside education and made the pivotal decision to re-train as teachers.

Career-change teachers often bring with them a past life rich in combinations of skills, leadership and experience, as well as strong intentions to contribute to society as a teacher. The research highlights attributes like maturity, resilience and intentionality which strengthens teachers’ commitments to their work. Along with these interpersonal attributes, career-change teachers can bring resources such as networks of contacts and resources which enliven their teaching.

Kate Rimer, Chief People and Culture Officer, and Dr Sarah Loch, Director – Pymble Institute, are working with Dr Meera Varadharajan, Research Fellow (Education) at the Centre for Social Impact at the University of New South Wales, on Pymble’s own research in this area. Participants from within the College’s teaching team have contributed to interview and survey data which is currently being analysed. From within the group of 20 participants, pre-teaching careers in law, business and management dominated. Career change teachers at Pymble bring with them lived experience in areas including healthcare, insurance, banking, telecommunications, microbiology, chemistry, marketing, pharmacy, fashion, law, television and film.

Many mentioned a ‘light-bulb moment’ which solidified their determination to transition into a new career. These reflect both passion and hope which indicate what an incredible asset career-change teachers are for the teaching profession. The following quotes give a small insight into the type of data collected:

“I have always wanted to become a teacher as I see the profession as one that you can really make a difference in a child’s life”.

“It was actually my husband who made me realise teaching was what I was passionate about. I was miserable in my job and he asked me some questions that made me realise I wanted to empower young people to love learning and loved working with children”.

A College resource will be prepared to help career-change teachers include the full scope of their skills in job applications and interviews so that the College learns of the additional experience they bring. 

For more information, contact Kate or Sarah via pymbleinstitute@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au