How do you get another teaching job when you already have one?

[sky1010]

I think I have made a decision on my career from September. I dislike the culture of my school, the location doesn't allow for any work/life balance and I just think I need to make a change as I did my training there and am forever feeling like the student baby.

I work in an area where I can pick and choose where I work, basically. I am still getting emails and calls from my agencies every few weeks asking if I fancy a change or am looking for another role.

Can some more experienced teachers tell me about what I need to do to essentially secure another job and part amicably with my current employer? I have a few questions.

1. how do I interview for another school when I already have a job? How does this work with interviews?
   
   
2. is it best to be blunt with agencies 'I dislike x y and z with my current employer, I want a b c with my next employer.'
   
   
3. when do I tell my employer I am leaving? Should I do it on deadline day, or should I get it out the way early?
   
   Any other words of wisdom much appreciated. I am terrified.

[seven201]

Your reference needs to be your current head so you have to ask for permission /let them know you're looking. If you get selected for interview you request the time off politely. Although most heads will allow you the time off, they do not have to. You could tell the agencies and what you do and don't like but most would probably ignore it. Schools prefer people to apply directly though them /their adverts as it saves them agency fees.

[seven201]

Oh and I think it's polite to resign before the deadlines. That way the school have a better chance of finding a good replacement.

I'm intrigued to know where you live as I've not heard of anywhere where you can pick and choose a school!

[sky1010]

Great, thank you.

The thought of asking imminently makes me feel sick, but it must be done.

[SisterViktorine]

I wouldn't go through an agency. Schools using agencies are desperate and there will be a reason why. Even in an area where recruitment is difficult a school that is a fabulous place to work (NOT necessarily ofsted outstanding- they are NOT the same thing!) will not need to use an agency. They will not have a high turnover as the staff are happy and when vacancies do come up they will get applications due to word of mouth.

Look for vacancies in the TES/ local websites. When one comes up that you want to apply for let your Head know and ask very politely for a reference. Personally I would not tell them you are looking.

Visit the schools you are applying to after school so you can get a feel for them. If you get an interview ask your Head for the time off. When you are offered a new job resign- remembering this must be before the deadline which is roughly each half term.

Are you an NQT? You sound inexperienced. Are you sure you don't want to give yourself a settled year next year- unless your school is awful it could be better the devil you know.

[hollieberrie]

You can pick and choose in my area too - schools are desperate and are often having to advertise several times before even getting any applicants. If you have a pulse, they will employ you.

I second not using agencies too. They are only interested in bums on seats and will try to sell you any job/school, regardless of whether it really suits you.

Does your area have county / borough teaching vacancies website? Thats where i always look, then also TES and ETeach. Definitely visit and try to briefly talk to a few different staff members to get a feel for the place.
Good luck!

[GinandJag]

I think TES is pricing itself out of the market and agencies are playing an increasing role. It's nothing to do with schools being desperate.

The "system" means that you have to be fairly transparent with your current school. There is an expectation that you will move on after a couple of years, and this is seen as positive for career progression.

You can be as blunt as you like with agencies. They will not pass on any negative feelings you have for your current job. They will be simply trying to get you an interview in a school that does suit. In the interview, you focus on the positives of the new school. They will not want to hear that you are only interested in them in order to escape your current school.

As for dates, you won't have a lot of control over interview dates and your current school will know or suspect that you are at an interview. It's courtesy to informally tell them once you have made up your mind. There are formal deadlines too, but you can do this sooner. It is bitter to delay to one minute before midnight on the deadline day. You never know when you will work with any of these people again, so don't burn your bridges.

[toomuchicecream]

When I was looking for my second job I was told that many heads view it as a sort of compliment when staff look for a new job (as long as it's not a mass exodus) - it shows that your school has done a good job of supporting you and developing your career so that you are ready to take on a new role elsewhere, and so reflects well on the school. I'm sure not every headteacher would think that way, but it helped me to think like that when I was preparing to leave my first school.

[sky1010]

Thank you so much everyone. I am terrified of telling my head. Our staff retention is already awful. I don't think they will take it well.

I don't think agencies are desperate. It appears to be the done thing now in my area. This school was matched well to me when I was doing my PGCE, but as a more experienced teacher I realise I don't want this any more.

How do I phrase to an agency that I don't want to work at a 'trendy' school? I am being swallowed up by new initiatives which I am expected to put in place by the next day (that contradicts what we were told last meeting) and I have visitors in my classroom (students, local heads, LEA) a few times every week for reason, without notice, to again 'show off'. It's disruptive to the kids, and to me.

I know I can't escape OFSTED or new education buzzwords, but the latter annoys me. I cannot deal with having randoms swanning in and out of my classroom looking at my books and observing me thrice a week.

[user1467272156]

You could maybe look for some teaching jobs online that will fit your schedule and your preference. I think you can find some there. Just be sure to use a reliable and credible website to help you find another job. Good luck with that!