Underqualified for management?

[HeiressesGiltnor]

Ok. I'm stuck in a rut.

We relocated a few years ago. I was previously working in a large school and was offered a middle management role just before we decided to relocate. So I wasn't able to take it up.

When we relocated I found what I thought would be an ideal job. In some ways it's fine, but I'm not keen on the school long term. Management is poor and no opportunities to progress.

I've kept my eyes open for head of year/dept roles for 18months or so. Nothing. I guess it is all internal :-(

Anyway a local school have just advertised a role which is an SMT role a bit like head of key stage.

It's basically two jumps up from where I am at the moment. But on a par with what I was offered at my old school.

Would I be mad to apply as a regular class teacher with essentially 'zero' management experience. Obviously I feel I am capable and do have examples I can give of when I have managed other people well etc. But on paper I might look like a weak candidate? I'm not sure! I'm still quite young (under 30) so not sure if that will also make me seem inexperienced.

I'm just desperate to make some progress!!

[MooPointCowsOpinion]

I think you should, and investigate whether there will be support for you in the role. I only say that because I've just taken one on and been left to it with no direction, and it's really hard to implement anything with no-one supporting from above. Luckily I take no shit, and have demanded in some instances to get what I need. I'd imagine that's harder to do in a new school, where you're trying to settle in!

So my advice would be to make it clear you haven't done it before, but you feel capable, and to ask what the support will be like while you transition into the role. They'll likely snap you up, as you're mouldable for want of a better word.

[HeiressesGiltnor]

That's really good advice moo.
**
I fully accept that I would need some guidance and that it wouldn't be easy. I would really like/want to do some training courses to equip me with some extra skills. Should I say that?

I see your point about being mouldable too. It's very valid.

My references would, I hope, highlight my strengths which would go some way in making up for my lack of experience.

I sort of feel like I can't not apply. But equally I don't want them to get my application and just laugh!

[MooPointCowsOpinion]

You're a teacher so right now you're gold dust as far as I can tell, so don't undersell yourself. They are the ones who need you.

I'd say you're willing to go on courses rather than you request to go, because they may want to train you in house.

[GinandJag]

If you are half-way qualified, then do apply. The worst thing is that you will be turned down but you will get fantastic feedback. Hopefully, this would lead to growth opportunities coming your way, so that you will be the ideal candidate next time.

[PurpleAlerts]

At my school, 3/4 of our SMT are teachers under 30. The deputy is 30 this year and has been in post for two years!

With budgets being cut left right and centre some Head teachers might find a younger teacher a cheaper (and therefore desirable!) prospect...

[HeiressesGiltnor]

Great advice

I feel quite positive about it because whilst I would love the job, it really wouldn't be the end of the world if I didn't get it.

I'm going to apply but not put too much pressure on myself. The process of applying and the feedback alone would be incredibly valuable.

[lougle]

Make sure you look at every bit of the essential person spec and tie part of your application to it. The selection panel will have a scoring matrix and to get an interview, they'll need to be able to see the link between what you say about your experience and what they have asked for on the person specification.

[HeiressesGiltnor]

Great tip. Thanks Lougle.

I am going through it this eve thinking of examples of times I've done each part.

I'm not sure what kind of questions they'd ask at interview either, having only ever had a handful of interviews for class teacher roles.

[Curioushorse]

Go for it!

(there are bugger all applicants for jobs at the moment. We're struggling to get together even enough people for a decent round of interviews)

[TwllBach]

I'm also under 30 and am SLT but by default through staff long term sickness. I'm only in my fourth year of teaching as well. What I will say is it's been an amazing experience so far and definitely go for it! I've quite enjoyed it at times, but then I'm only a part time class teacher, which makes a heck of a difference IMO. I teach five mornings but am generally still in school in the afternoons coping with the management paperwork. Do you get the pay jump as well? I'm currently doing it still on MP3 and the pay would make a huge difference for me.

[Olivo]

I also found it hard to break that vicious circle of needing the experience to get the experience! However, I applied for a role, didn't get it, as expected, but acted o nevertheless single part of my feedback so that the next time the role came up, I could prove I had done as much as possible without actually being in role. I got it!

Keep at it, and good luck!