Back to work -any pointers/encouragement gratefully received!

[NorthernShores]

Hello!

I'm looking to return to teaching and have seen a temp position at my previous employment. I'd love the job, and was a good teacher, but have been out of the game for 5 years!

I know a lot has changed... any ideas on returning to work/ applications/current buzz?

I'm going to pop over to the TES site, and look at the current A level specification. I do know a lot has changed in As/A levels while I've been away.

I'm a tad anxious - I'd hate to be turned down by my previous employment, but I can also see with a few years out I need to somehow show I'm up to date!

[NorthernShores]

Also - What do people wear to job interviews - especially larger middle aged ladies....

Last few interviews I was younger, slimmer, and oozing confidence!

[NorthernShores]

Anyone?

[josette]

Hi Northern Shores,
Good Luck with your application for the post. As far as what to wear at an interview: usual really, trouser, dress or skirt suit. That doesn't seem to have changed having watched people come to interviews at our school. Something comfortable to teach in as part of the interview process will be lesson observation by the subject leader.
You have to sound knowledgeable about data. For each child, you need to know their target grade, what grade they are working at now based on recent work and how to improve to reach their target. Have intervention strategies for those below target that you can implement and be seen to increase their grade. You also have to watch specific groups: especially pupil premium kids (FSM), but also ethnic groups, new students if they have entered in 6th form, eal etc
In lessons that are observed you have to show that all students make good/outstanding progress...the method for which will depend on your subject. Differentiation is a buzz word again at our place.
Hope this helps. Have a nose at the TES site.
Good luck again

[NorthernShores]

Gosh yes - I used to just have a predicted grade for A level and vaguely refer to it.

I know I need to read up on the changes to the A level curriculum, it seems to have changed a lot - but luckily the school website has good links!

I'm not really sure how I explain my 5 years out. I left my previous role due to ill health (luckily all cleared up now!). Do I mention it? I have since gained another degree (first!), led a toddler group, had 2 children BUT I don't have recent teaching experience. Am I onto a loser?

[petalpower]

I had 7 years out to have my children before I went back 4 years ago - you're definitely not onto a loser. the most important thing is to make sure you're up to date with current practice etc. I was asked about my time out (I think they have to at interview) but explained that it was a career break to have my family and that was fine.
Go for it!

[NorthernShores]

Thanks petal -that's really helpful. I'm worried about mentioning family in case that raises alarm bells re childcare and all sorts of other discriminatory stuff. However I did leave due to ill health, got pregnant, got better, had two children. Obviously I want to play it well. By bringing up the ill health, does that draw attention to it or do I need to1 would 'After recovering from a period of ill health I proceeded to . . . Something about degree and family?

[petalpower]

That sounds fine - I think you probably won't be asked in too much detail about your career break (if my interview was anything to go by). They can't ask about childcare as it's discriminatory IIRC. During your time out you obviously used your time very productively if you got a degree and had children! Not to mention all the other skills that come with being a parent.

[NorthernShores]

Thankyou - you're really helping! I'll brush over the children and try and big up the degree!