Graduate glut puts trainee teachers on the scrapheap, Anna Pat

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Reader's Comment, Graduate glut puts trainee teachers on the scrapheap, Anna Patty, The Sydney Morning Herald, 20 October 2014.

Casual teacher: I would discourage anybody from going into teaching. It's depressing.

I graduated 16 years ago, worked for two years as a casual teacher and then stayed home for the next ten years with my four young children.

I returned to teaching two years ago and was kind of hoping there'd be a chance of gaining a permanent position.

I realised quickly that it was like winning Lotto.

It is also about who you know.

The merit selection process isn't based on the best person for the job, but an exercise In who the school principal loves at the time.

I am fortunate (Lotto ticket fortunate) at the moment to have a temp part time position but I, like all the other temps, am awaiting my fate for 2015.

I can't apply for a loan with no consistent work coming in and house prices keep escalating.

I still have a $10,000 HECS debt.

I have four dependent children.

I am fortunate my husband has a job.

I would discourage anyone from getting into teaching, it's depressing.

As a temp or casual you are always stressed to do a great job and not make a mistake because that is what the executive will remember when they are forming classes.

Permanents can make mistakes but they just get trained up or counselled and still keep their job.

Hoping 2015 will be a great year otherwise I'm leaving and working towards something that has a future.

So if you have some career advice for a washed-up, dispirited teacher - please let me know!

wish I had that permanent job