Downturn spurs many to take up teaching

Volker Schroeter hopes his new career will come up smelling of roses.

The 56-year-old Palmerston North florist is part of a new wave of people taking advantage of the economic recession to change careers and become a teacher.

Universities have reported booming rolls for teaching programmes this year, which they say is partly because of the slow economy giving people a chance to review their careers.

Others taking the plunge include a winemaker, head chef, company manager, several engineers and a 62-year-old accountant.

"There are people who have had excellent businesses or careers and have always wanted to be teachers, but in times of economic boom it is hard to walk away from that," said Peter Rawlins, Massey University's graduate diploma of secondary teaching programme co-ordinator.

"Now there are a few clouds on the economic landscape, it is giving them a chance to do the teaching thing."

The intake was up about 30 per cent this year to 185 students as people looked for a stable career option.

"We have got winemakers who will be teaching science and chemistry and engineers doing maths. It is a big coup for the education sector to attract people like this," Dr Rawlins said.

Mr Schroeter has been a florist for five years, but said it was time for a change. He is training to be a maths and technology teacher at secondary school.

"I have always wanted to be a teacher and now is the perfect time to do it. My family has been pestering me for a while so it is very exciting to finally say yes."

He said his age was not a barrier and he thought it would actually be a positive when it came to applying for jobs.

"During my studies everyone has been great, really encouraging. I have a lot of life experience and I hope that will help me further down the track. The main thing is I am really passionate and want to help the kids learn."

Originally from Germany, Mr Schroeter said he would be considered too old to take up teaching there. "It's really refreshing to know I still have the option here at my age."

Dr Rawlins said if a principal could get five or 10 "really good years" out of those in their 50s or 60s they would be happy.

Waikato University School of Education acting director Bev Cooper said the broadening base of new teachers was great for pupils, who would be taught by a workforce that was more diverse and had more life experience.

- © Fairfax NZ News