I am in my fourth year of UNE's Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) (up to age 5). Before I selected this university/course, I initially aimed for USQ's ECT qualification (to teach up to 8 years), as I figured I preferred this age bracket. I applied through QTAC and was unsuccessful (even though I had my diploma). They went off my school grades for some reason I couldn't understand, as I was a mature-age student. It wasn't til later that I realised I should have just applied directly to the university, and I probably would have been accepted. Anyway, upon being knocked back, I applied to UNE. My only concern now is whether I should apply to study primary or 'up to age 8' now...
I was just after some input that may help me weigh up whether it is worth completing another year of study. As I understand, it's near impossible to gain employment at a school unless you go regional/rural. I would love to hear from people who have had experience in both preschool and formal school settings as I've also heard that school is quite rigid, teachers are burning out, and the emphasis on curriculum hugely impacts teacher autonomy... Though this is what I've heard, it's hard to gain an insight on articles alone.
The main reasons I would not want to undertake the extra year for Stage 1/Primary training comes down to the logistics...Another year of study = another year of debt and another year of little to no life (lol).
Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom
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