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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.