How to explain this situation?

[Bella87]

Hi I'm looking for some advice about applying for a new job.

To give some background, I was at my first school for 2 years (it was an academy across 2 separate schools and the executive Head was keen for me to experience both schools. One was Special Measures and the other was Outstanding but I did well in both and have a very positive reference.)

I left to work closer to home and joined a Good school which went into Special Measures after 6 months. I stayed there for a year and a half and left this Easter to re-assess what I wanted to do.

There are many reasons I left. It was mainly because I was unhappy with the huge stress and workload that comes with a school that is newly in Special Measures. Staff morale was very low, I didn't receive any of the professional development I asked for, my head of year was often absent leaving me to organise work and brief supply teachers and the Head left suddenly, which left things feeling quite chaotic. I had mentioned leaving in July (after my first year) but was asked to stay on until January. I ended up staying until Easter.

I was honest with the new Head and said I'd like to leave as I wasn't sure I wanted to stay in teaching. I also explained the previous conversation I'd had about leaving, which SLT were aware of.

What I told her was true as the whole situation left me feeling negative towards the job. SLT were very happy with my work and I consistently got Good and outstanding gradings from both them and Ofsted but I couldn't see myself at the school long term because it wasn't right for me.

I have spent the last 3 months private tutoring and have approached some schools about doing some supply teaching in my specialist subject. I have not had any replies and Ive found myself missing teaching and thinking I might be happy in another school. I was happy at my previous schools so I think I just need to find the right school for me.

One of the schools I have contacted about supply work has a full time vacancy. I'm thinking of applying as it looks a nice school that I'd be happy in. However I'm not sure for several reasons.

1. would it look odd to apply, as I have already sent them a letter with a CV explaining that I'm self employed specialist teacher? I suppose there is a chance the Head might not even remember it or have read it.
   
   
2. Is it likely my previous school would be annoyed and give me a bad reference for leaving? I left on positive terms with the Head but I have emailed her since about supply work she said she might be interested in and she hasn't replied.
   
   
3. would the new school think badly of me for leaving at Easter? How could I explain my reasons without coming off as disloyal? I tried my best there but in the end, I think I made the right decision.
   
   Sorry it's so long. I'd appreciate some advice.

[toomuchicecream]

1. If you are in this part of the country, you'll get your hand snapped off if you're even half way competent - don't know what recruitment is like where you are but I don't know many schools round here that are fully staffed.
   

1. Due to safeguarding, if you're applying for a permanent position you'll almost certainly have to apply on an application form not via a CV - that's the advice in the safer recruitment training I did a few weeks ago. So it would actually be odd if a school accepted an application on a CV (too easy to hide gaps was the reason given for requiring forms not CVs). So don't worry about already having contacted them about supply.
   

1. I can't see why your previous Head would give you a bad reference. If they did you could take them to the cleaners. There are very stringent rules about references having to be factual, actual etc. It's far more likely that your previous Head hasn't replied to your email because she's rushed off her feet and it's on her to-do list.
   

1. Leaving a permanent position to broaden your experience by doing supply is a perfectly valid reason for leaving in my opinion. I also think it's acceptable to say that after x amount of time in a job you could feel you were losing your spark so you decided to be proactive and do something which would enable you to get your enthusiasm back. Then you can talk about what you've learnt in your time out.
   

1. Again, I don't know where you are, but round here all schools use supply agencies rather than employing temporary staff direct as it's so much easier on the paperwork to do it that way. So don't read anything into not having had a reply from schools to your previous messages.
   

1. Try some supply if you haven't already! It will give you a chance to find out what other places are like and where you really want to work.

[InstitutionCode]

As PP said, most supply work here is done through agencies, or TBH, in secondary by in house cover supervisors.

I doubt anyone even looked at your CV.

I'm in Primary in a good school, we've had 3 teaching vacancies this year and got a total of 5 applicants. As I understand it, would be even fewer in secondary.

What are your subjects?

[Bella87]

Thanks for your advice, it's made me feel more positive. I'm in the South East. My specialism is MFL.

[InstitutionCode]

OMG. They'll be biting your arm off. Good luck.

[breward]

South East, MFL... you'll have a job within a week!