From the OU to the classroom – Kevin’s journey with Teach First

Posted on 27 November 2024 • Graduate opportunities, Teaching and education

“It’s been interesting to see how all my prior experiences have proved valuable and transferable to my role as a primary school teacher.”

Teach First, a rewarding route into teaching

Kevin’s decision to teach was inspired by his work for a theatre and education charity supporting young people struggling in mainstream education. He chose the Teach First route, whose mission is to give children facing the biggest barriers the chance to fulfil their potential. Discover this and  other routes into teaching in the four UK nations and the Republic of Ireland with our Becoming a Teacher guides for 2024/2025.

See Teach First’s current opportunities on OpportunityHub.

“I’d known about Teach First for a long time. I was drawn to its ethos of social inclusion and the opportunity to get into the classroom right away. The relationships I’ve built with children and their families/carers and seeing students’ excitement and enthusiasm for learning really take hold have been the most rewarding aspects for me.”

Managing the transition: age and life balance

As an OU graduate who pursued teaching later in life, Kevin understands the concerns many might have about starting a new career at an older age. He admits there were some initial nerves about making such a significant change, but he found that his life experience helped him manage the challenges. Find out more how to prepare for your future on Before making a career change. Discover how graduate employers value experienced candidates in the recorded panel session New beginnings – career transitions at any age from CareersFest 2024.

“It’s natural to feel some nervousness about taking on such a challenge, especially later in life. But with experience comes resilience and perspective.”

Kevin’s OU journey had already taught him how to balance study with full-time work, a skill that proved invaluable when juggling the demands of teaching. He also emphasises that the qualifications gained through Teach First are beneficial no matter where your career takes you next.

Advice for career changers

Kevin’s advice to anyone considering teaching later in life? Don’t let age be a barrier. He’s made great friends of all ages through teaching, and he’s found that teaching is equally challenging and rewarding for everyone.

“Regardless of age, everyone finds teaching hard! But if you’ve met Teach First’s rigorous recruitment standards, trust that you have what it takes. Children don’t have preconceived ideas about age; they see anyone over 18 as old! So believe in yourself—you’ll be helping ensure that all children get the education they deserve, which is a powerful motivator at any age.”

Take the leap and make a difference

Kevin’s journey shows that it’s never too late to pursue teaching. For those considering a change, he encourages taking the leap—teaching is a powerful opportunity to make a difference. Learn more on Teach First’s OpportunityHub page, with links to opportunities, how to register your interest with Teach First and more information about their training programme.

 

Kevin Metchear, teacher

OU graduate Kevin’s path to becoming a teacher was far from conventional. After a diverse career as a professional musician, writer, and arts marketer, he transitioned into teaching through Teach First, a programme training individuals passionate about education. In addition to his teaching work, Kevin is a Teach First Ambassador, giving advice to those considering teaching later in life.