In recent years, the image of the teaching industry in the public consciousness has become one of underpaid and overworked individuals. Yet many individuals are choosing to enter or return to the profession in their mid-30s and 40s, citing job satisfaction and quality of life as the primary reasons for such a career change. Nevertheless, it is still true to say that there remains an acute shortage of qualified teachers, particularly in certain subjects, and that the morale of those currently in the profession is dispirited at best.

The government is keenly aware of the nationwide shortage and has introduced an aggressive recruitment drive that has included several memorable advertising campaigns ("No-one forgets a good teacher" and “Those who can, teach”) and cash incentives for those going into or returning to teaching, especially in shortage subjects.

Teaching is an ideal career choice for those who feel drawn to working with young people from a wide variety of backgrounds. If you can respond to differing needs and interests and enjoy communicating and explaining your knowledge to others, teaching may be the right choice for you. If you are wondering whether you have what it takes, think of the teachers who inspired you and what were the qualities that made them good at their work. Talented teachers can express their vision of the world clearly and make the facts involved come to life and appear relevant and exciting to their students.