It's inevitable that there are some teaching positions you'll want to move on from, perhaps a role that once challenged you has now become tedious or you feel like you've fallen out of favour with your seniors? Whatever your reason for thinking about a new teaching role, it's important that you're clear on:
Why
When looking for a new job you should be clear on what you are looking for; to understand this you need to think about why you're leaving your current position. Once you have assessed your reasons for looking for a new role then you should evaluate whether the reasons you have will outweigh the uncertainty and graft that comes with a job-search.
Remember that the grass is always greener on the other side. If you're relatively happy in your current role, bar perhaps Mondays, then you probably don't need a new job. If on the other hand you're unhappy in your current role, so much so that it's taking a toll on the effectiveness of your lessons then you should seek out a new role immediately.
When
While you can hand in your notice whenever you choose to, you will have to work through the notice period stipulated in your contract, usually half a term or a full school term. These notice periods have lead to the three half terms of each year becoming peak times for resignations; and subsequently vacancies. Plan your resignation around these times and be patient to ensure that you have options prior to handing in your notice.
In order to have a chance at landing a top spot, you have to start your search early. The top schools tend to leave plenty of time to find the right candidate and if you want that to be you then you have to know how to go about becoming the top candidate.
How
A good CV is your most important tool for applying for teaching positions. Most recruitment consultants use them to put your name out there and if you plan on applying directly to the schools then you'll certainly need one.
Once you have a good CV (guide) then you might look to approach teaching recruitment agencies in your local area. Recruitment consultants can be your best ally through your job-search process and being polite, honest and friendly will go some way towards bumping your CV up the pecking order. Make the effort and strike up a good relationship with your advisor if you can; it'll pay off.
If you really can't stay put where you are then supply teaching is a good option for you. As well as providing a short term solution to your work situation, it will also allow you to travel around different schools and find what kind of area/school you'd like to work in. The easiest way to get in to supply teaching is to find your local agency.
- Why you want a new job
- When you should start your search
- How you should go about it
Why
When looking for a new job you should be clear on what you are looking for; to understand this you need to think about why you're leaving your current position. Once you have assessed your reasons for looking for a new role then you should evaluate whether the reasons you have will outweigh the uncertainty and graft that comes with a job-search.
Remember that the grass is always greener on the other side. If you're relatively happy in your current role, bar perhaps Mondays, then you probably don't need a new job. If on the other hand you're unhappy in your current role, so much so that it's taking a toll on the effectiveness of your lessons then you should seek out a new role immediately.
When
While you can hand in your notice whenever you choose to, you will have to work through the notice period stipulated in your contract, usually half a term or a full school term. These notice periods have lead to the three half terms of each year becoming peak times for resignations; and subsequently vacancies. Plan your resignation around these times and be patient to ensure that you have options prior to handing in your notice.
In order to have a chance at landing a top spot, you have to start your search early. The top schools tend to leave plenty of time to find the right candidate and if you want that to be you then you have to know how to go about becoming the top candidate.
How
A good CV is your most important tool for applying for teaching positions. Most recruitment consultants use them to put your name out there and if you plan on applying directly to the schools then you'll certainly need one.
Once you have a good CV (guide) then you might look to approach teaching recruitment agencies in your local area. Recruitment consultants can be your best ally through your job-search process and being polite, honest and friendly will go some way towards bumping your CV up the pecking order. Make the effort and strike up a good relationship with your advisor if you can; it'll pay off.
If you really can't stay put where you are then supply teaching is a good option for you. As well as providing a short term solution to your work situation, it will also allow you to travel around different schools and find what kind of area/school you'd like to work in. The easiest way to get in to supply teaching is to find your local agency.