[unar]

Hi,

My husband and I are going to move to Wellington, his home town, next year some time. Still hasn't started the visa processes yet, things on that front should be straight forward enough (fingers crossed). I am more worried about the work situations though. I have a PhD in biology and have almost finished with my first post-doctoral work in London. My specific field of research does not really exist in New Zealand, except for this one lab in Otago. Although I am still looking for research jobs, but it looks like I am set for a career change.

I have been thinking about getting a Graduate Diploma in teaching secondary science (biology and Chemistry)..Has any body gone through the application process or this course? And what is the prospects of getting a job after in the Wellington area? Does anybody teach science on this forum? what is it like? I have thought a few classes at Uni, but as we all know a class of 16 years olds are completely different.

I am also thinking maybe volunteer in the Te papa or at Victoria or any of the polytechs to get my foot in the door. Not sure if any of these ideas are good or even possible. Can any body help?

Thanks. And Have a Merry Christmas.
-Una

[CjChris]

Take it from someone who has taught 16 year olds and the like for the last 10 + years: don't do it!! :exit

They can be darlings, and I've had such a rewarding career on the one hand--on the other, it can drive you a bit bonkers!! :yes

Seriously, since you have a PhD., I'd focus on tertiary institutions rather than secondary. I'm not sure what you'll need to do to to prepare, but I'd contact Victoria University's teacher ed programme (http://www.victoria.ac.nz/home/about/maps/campus_karori.aspx) after the holidays and ask them if you will need further courses in conjunction with your PhD to teach at uni. (In the States, if you have a PhD you don't have to go through teacher ed programme to teach at uni but you do for highschool. Not sure how it is here in NZ).

I think you'd be much better satisfied as uni lecturer, but of course it might be hard to find something as soon as you need it; in the meantime you might have to do other work until a suitable job opens or take part time work at uni (since you only have Welly as your option). I wouldn't take courses to teach secondary unless that's REALLY what you know you want to do.

Can you tell I'm not keen on secondary anymore? Burnout, baby! It happens! :yes

[ruthyroo]

Hello

I would have to agree with CJ and say only go into teaching if you really want to be a secondary teacher first and foremost, not because it's something that you feel will fit with your qualifications. My OH is a teacher (Geography) and has come to the realisation over the years that expertise in / enthusiasm for your subject isn't enough to take most people through the reality of teaching teenagers - you need to genuinely like and enjoy spending time with that age group first and foremost.

As far as jobs go, there are a number of other avenues you could explore. Regional Councils are major employers of scientists in NZ, outwith the education field, and a PhD would stand you in very good stead there. In my experience PhDs are pretty highly thought of in NZ and get a lot of respect - they are not nearly as 'two a penny' as they can be in the UK. So they give you a bit of an edge over other candidates, even if the job doesn't exactly match your own speciality - you'll have lots of transferrable skills. Certainly check out the tertiary education field. Also Wellington is the home of the NZ govt - there are a number of places like the Ministry of Environment or Ministry of Ag and Fish if you were keen to head in a policy-making direction from you science background.

Best of luck,

[ruthyroo]

PS you don't need any specific teaching qualification to lecture at Uni here, but you might do for polytech and definitely for secondary school. There are some unqualified teachers in NZ schools but they tend to have been around for a long long time, or fulfil some pastoral or guidance role in a school. And I have heard that they don't earn nearly as much as a qualified teacher.

[unar]

Thanks for replies. This forum rocks, people are so nice!

Yeah I am very apprehensive about teaching teenagers but I am also very passionate about getting students to be interested in science.. not just technology but pleasure of finding things out. I was hoping that might be enough. Maybe primary students would be better, poison them early :) .

The problem of getting an uni position is they are so rare and I am really not a good enough scientist to become a lecturer. I don’t have a lot of publications, and research seems to be making me angry more than happy these days. It may have something to do with the lab I am in now, or maybe not... I get so frustrated sometimes I just want to run away! Sorry about the rant, why do I want to make other people want to do science again! ;)

I am considering policy side of things, but lack of New Zealand knowledge is no help, also science communication side of things. Any way I will keep my eyes peeled on sciency jobs. Well, me and my hubby can just open a real English pub in Wellington! Ale any one?