150 Now’s the time to teach, with Katie Waldegrave

Katie Waldegrave MBE is co-founder of Now Teach, an organisation aiming to encourage more experienced people into teaching. She met ex-finance journalist, Lucy Kellaway six years ago who was considering shifting career to become a teacher. Given life is getting longer and our career patterns are changing, many people no longer expect – or want to – completely retire in their sixties. In the face of a teacher recruitment crisis, Katie believes that Now Teach can be part of the solution. The charity aims to bring older people into classrooms - and keep them there long term. To the children they bring wisdom, experience of the world, perspective and careers advice. To the system they bring knowledge of other sectors, fresh ideas and status. Experienced teacher and author Katie explains how Now Teach trains and supports career changers as they take the leap of faith into teaching as a second career. We chat about what makes an ideal teacher and the challenges and benefits of becoming a teacher in later life. If you are considering a change of career, then this episode is for you. Katie is also the founder of First Story, a charity that helps young people discover what it means to have a voice, while developing the skills and confidence to thrive in education and in life through writing.