Why teaching part time could work for you!

Teaching part-time has a lot of really interesting benefits for both teachers and students. I've been a part-time teacher for a long time, so if you've ever considered taking up part-time teaching let me list the benefits and pitfalls as I see them.

1. CAN YOU COPE WITH LESS MONEY IN YOUR PAY PACKET EACH FORTNIGHT?

This is typically the biggest reason a lot of teachers don't teach part-time. Sometimes they think they can't cope with less income but then once part-time realise they can, if they adjust their budget. Alternatively, many teachers just cannot afford to have a reduction in pay each fortnight so rule part-time teaching out completely. Do the sums and see if you can manage even 3 or 4 days a week rather than 5.

Options:

• Use up your Long Service Leave for the remaining days you don't teach
• See if you can do tutoring after school for extra cash
• Consider selling your teaching products on Teachers Pay Teachers
• Take up relief teaching 1-2 days a week when you're strapped for cash.

2. TEACHING PART TIME GIVES YOU MORE ENERGY

Part-time teaching generally allows you more energy for students and the stresses of the day-to-day issues that classroom teachers face. When you're working on a reduced week, you naturally have more enthusiasm for teaching because your work/life balance is more in-tune with your needs. This isn't to say ALL full time teachers lack energy but from all the teachers I know that have reduced their days, they have far more energy in general for their students, partners and life in general. This energy gets passed on to the students and a love of learning.

3. YOU CAN GO DEEPER INTO A SUBJECT

One option for part-timers is specialist teaching either on several classes within grades or across grades. I worked as a specialist part-time HASS teacher for many years and you can really get to grips with your subject. Even now, as a classroom teacher, both my teaching partner and I can really become masters of the subjects we take charge of. We have both taught the same subjects for many years and know them inside out and sideways! We know the essential skills our students need right from the start of the year and can hone in on them, enhancing our students' knowledge of the subject matter both because we have more time outside of school to prepare material and the energy to do so.

4. PART-TIME WORKERS TEND TO BE HAPPIER

My teaching buddy recently changed to part-time teaching and the first thing she said was 'Why didn't I do this earlier!?'. Teaching part time has really helped her with the demands of being a mother and wife. She can now devote energy to all parts of her life and more importantly HERSELF! Okay I don't have the data to support my statement but I do have first-hand real-life experience and rarely do part-timers wish they were full time again. Ask them!

5. TEACHING PART TIME MAKES YOU MORE RELAXED

The stresses and strains of school paperwork, parents and students are only endured for a couple of days a week. After which, you can unwind and de-stress. Teaching part time is perfect for those who are emotionally worn out or just need a break. You can recharge your batteries and therefore become more relaxed with students and co-workers.

What are your experiences with teaching part time?