Teaching isn't out of the news at the moment. First the new education minister Nick Gibb let his mouth run away with him. Then stress in the profession was highlighted when a teacher attacked a pupil with a dumbbell. But despite the negative press, our recent Q&A on teaching in challenging schools showed that for those who love it, there's no better job. So, with that in mind, this week's job top ten is teacher-tastic. Well, sort of. It definitely has an educational feel to it so chalk at the ready as we begin the countdown:
10. A secondary school maths teacher in North London. We're starting here because it's a classic. And also because I still feel guilty that I was such a disinterested student to my old maths teacher.
9. Practitioner in Residence in Computer Games Art, Bournemouth University. Teaching students how to fashion their very own Lara Croft. Its a job which requires an artistic gamer, with the ability to communicate to students. I'm in awe of anyone capable of all those things.
8. Employability Skills Tutor, Peabody. A different sort of teaching this. Working with young adults to try and get them into employment this seems the sort of role where you'll need to be teacher, counsellor and cheerleader. I picked it out because as everyone knows the upside of teaching is seeing the difference you can make in someone's life and I feel in this role you'd see that both quickly and clearly.
7. Bursar. Less teaching, more bean-counting. Bursars are responsible for the finance of a school, making sure there's enough money to keep it going and that the books add up. You'll need to be ACCA qualified and with enough tact to make sure that every department feels as though it's received its share of the cash.
6. Education Service Manager, House of Commons. In a nutshell, teaching the public about parliament.
5. Biology Teacher, Surrey. I think respect is due to anyone who can teach sex-ed to a bunch of hormonally-charged teenagers. If you think you can control the urge to blush whilst discussing the mating habits of birds and bees, this "lovely" and "high-performing" school wants someone to teach biology to A-level standard.
4. Learning and events coordinator, Bafta. Some glitz and glamour here. Bafta has put together a programme which allows the public to tap into the association's contacts and learn from them. I think this sounds quite fun, you'll be teaching and organising events, plus there's lots of chatting to the public. No mention of meeting the stars in the job description but I'm sure Colin Firth drops by the office all the time.
3. Psychology & sociology teacher, Bedfordshire. Being an old lady, psychology and sociology weren't options back in my day. So, I don't know whether this is an interesting role or not but I really like the sound of this school. It wants someone to support its "ethos and vision" and emphasises that you'll be part of a "friendly and enthusiastic" team. I'm a sucker for a jolly-sounding advert.
2. Food technology teacher, Kent. I don't want to go all Jamie Oliver here, but someone needs to teach the kids to cook! This role also encompasses teaching childcare so you'll be making a difference to two generations of lives.
1. Lecturer in welding and fabrication, Newcastle College. I want this as my job title! Plus, anything featuring welding allows me to reference Flashdance, an '80s film based around a woman who's a welder by day and a dancer by night. Sadly, this job isn't asking for someone with their own ballet-shoes, but it does need someone with experience in renewable energy as well as related vocational qualifications. The advert states that "hours of work will be flexible" so expect to have to work evenings or weekends, but it also says that, as this is a new role, whoever they employ will be expected to "help grow the department" so there should be a chance of promotion.
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