Gosh, who would HAVE thought there were so many teachers on here...?!! I could easily name 50+ teachers who have left the profession to pursue other careers. Some have returned, most have not. In many cases, they just couldn't handle the stress.
The OP entry score in Qld for BEd Primary is about a 15... the course is 4 years, including pracs throughout (IMO, the pracs should be ongoing, with more intensives). Some of the more dedicated Ed students align themselves with supportive schools and spend time in classrooms on a voluntary basis. These are the kids who get jobs straight up...usually at the school where they have established a rapport and proven their commitment and enthusiasm. It might only be a contract to begin with but they have a working knowledge of the school; the culture, the staff, the students, the expectations...
I'd love to hear some views on Performance Pay for teachers... Ie paying teachers for their students' results.