DH can't get a teaching job

[Fedupofsupply]

DH has been qualified for 2 years now as a primary teacher. He's done supply ever since qualifying, none of the work has been suitable towards his NQT as he's always been with different schools and classes. Never anything longterm.

He gets enough work most of the time and many of the schools request him back as they like him and trust him to do a good job. Always gets good feed back.

He's applied for countless jobs over the last 2 years. Had quite a few interviews but never successful. Usual reasons are someone else was more qualified, his lesson wasn't perfect enough, lack of experience showed in the interview for things like assessment. He's an NQT so of course others will be more qualified and he doesn't get to do things like assessment as a supply teacher. After the last interview he had he was so deflated.

I'm at my wits end with it, we need the stability of a permanent income and plus he is stagnating being stuck as a supply teacher when he's still an NQT. Every time we talk about it, it becomes an arguement. He gets upset as feels like a failure

Any advice on how he can improve his interviews etc greatly appreciated. I think he's starting to feel like giving up. It would be such a shame as I genuinely think he is a good teacher

[Littlewhistle]

Come to my LA in Scotland - 52 vacancies at the last count. Can't recruit teachers for love nor money.

[Lowdoorinthewal1]

Where are you geographically and could you move? There is a genuine shortage in many areas.

Alternatively maybe he needs to pay for some interview coaching.

[Redlocks28]

Blimey-where do you live? We are in the south east and simply can't recruit teachers-adverts go in repeatedly and no one applies.

Would you consider moving?

[PumpkinPie2016]

Where in the country are you? Some areas have an over supply and others have dire shortages - applying in the next county along could make all.the difference.

Would him looking in another area - say the south east be an option and if he gets a job there either all relocate or him stay there in the week and come home at weekends? Not ideal but might be an option to get the NQT year done?

Can he ask a school where he has been a lot to look over his applications/lessons?

Would be consider a maternity cover post - usually less applicants for these.

I hope he finds something soon.

[Fedupofsupply]

Thank you for replies.

We're in the south west. Tbh it does seem like there is a lot of applicants per job in this area compared to others, usually at least 20 and the interviews tend to see 6-10 candidates.

We have a DC in school and baby on the way so relocating not really an option we want to try. Plus not wanting to give up my job. I think he will have to start applying over an even wider radius but as you all know teaching is already such long hours without a big commute on top but it's looking like it will have to be a consideration.

I think he will apply for maternity cover posts this year. He hasn't done previously as the ones that have come up have always been part time and we felt he would get a full time job eventually but I think it's got to the stage where he just needs to get his foot in the door however he can.

It really is so demoralising.

[UsedToBeAPaxmanFan]

I used to be a school governor ad chair of the personnel committee so interviewed lots of primary school teachers, including NQTs. Tbh, we would have fallen over ourselves to employ a male teacher but could only do so if they performed well in interview.

I would guess therefore he needs to polish up his interview technique. It may be worth paying for some specialised interview coaching. Hopefully something will come along soon

[Out2pasture]

no one really wants to move but if that is what is needed for him to get going with his career then that is what needs to be done.
maybe he goes on his own for 1 year to get the experience.

[BitchyInnerMonologue]

OK, I'm in school, on the SLT and although not a direct interviewer, I am consulted and listened to on the selection process.

If he's getting interviews then his application is fine.

The process is a different matter and he has to be on form for the WHOLE day. Even in the "down" periods when he's moving to the next task (assuming that, as in our school, it's a whole day process). So, I deal with handling the moving about; but I talk to the candidates during this. Negativity is reported; "well, I think x went well, I hope y was okay but pupil z struggled so I'd do this to sort it" is great. "It was wonderful and I was amazing" would lead me to reporting that the candidate was possibly overconfident. So, confidence is good, but we expect a level of realism.

Also, not based on our last set of interviews slagging off the head is not a good thing

[rollonthesummer]

Having a child at school and being pregnant don't mean you can't move. If the child was about to sit GCSEs or A levels, I might think twice but not otherwise.

If he can't get a permanent job where you live, that may be your best option.

[PotteringAlong]

He's a male primary school teacher. It's usually a bit of a perfect way in to a primary teaching job.

If he's getting interviews then, as others have said, his application is fine. He needs some interview help, and quickly. I think it's fair to say that if he fails to get a permanent job soon then it may give people pause for thought about why that is and they might not even bother interviewing him.

[Huffletuff]

Strange, usually you're snapped up if you have a penis.

Is anything going wrong in his interviews?

[Fedupofsupply]

Yes my feeling is interview technique is an issue too. He needs to make himself stand out I guess. I'm not sure he has enough confidence with answering certain questions.

Its hard as everyone told him schools would be so keen to have him as a male teacher, sporty, musical, behaviour management always been his strong point, he has worked in some very difficult schools and gets told he manages much better than most supply do.

Will look into interview coaching.

[Fedupofsupply]

Yes Pottering I do worry that the length of time he's done supply for now might be going against him

[PotteringAlong]

He needs to make himself stand out I guess.

He's a male primary teacher. He already stands out.
You said in your OP that they mentioned things like lack of knowledge for assessment. Has he sorted that out? Does he know everything up to date, inside out and back to front? Does he have anyone who can mock interview him?

[Lowdoorinthewal1]

The South West is a tough area though. The closer you get to Cornwall the tougher it is.

At my current school (medium sized, not particularly desirable SW town) we always have a range of good candidates to choose from. At my previous school (medium sized, not particularly desirable SE town) we would take anyone with a heartbeat and once went into the summer holidays with 6 vacancies still to fill .

Can your DH reach any towns or is he looking for a village school?

[theancientmarinader]

Another second for moving elsewhere once he has been accepted for a position.
Children are pretty portable - is your work area extremely niche? Are you not keen to move because you need to go back for a year after mat leave or you will end up owing money? Financially speaking (and in terms of your family dynamic) does it make more sense for dh to stay home with the dcs while you work, if you are established in your career and have higher earning potential? Or is your long term plan for him to be the main earner?

I've moved with children and babies, and while pregnant - I wouldn't be using that as the reason for not doing so. In many ways it is easier to move when kids are under 13/14. They settle more easily and there are no issues with exams.

[rosy71]

I did supply for 3 years after qualifying. The first full-time job I had after was at a school where I did supply & was temporary for 4 months. After that, I did 2 maternity covers, SATs boosters & a term's cover for a deputy who was acting head. The next temporary contract I had was made permanent after 2 terms. I was there 15 years. So it can be done!

I would definitely advise him to go for temporary jobs & part-time. Has nothing ever come up at any of the schools he's worked at? I had no problems finding another temporary jobs when a contract ended.

[BlessYourCottonSocks]

If he struggles in interview questions please suggest he looks at this thread on TES. There is a great deal of help on tes.co.uk and he should be following it - as others say, usually a male applicant is snapped up in primary interviews. I have struggled in the past with nerves and answering questions and mind mapping helped me. Good luck.

www.tes.com/news/blog/using-mind-mapping-interviews

[Viviennemary]

I think if he wants a permanent job then you will have to reconsider moving. It's not good for his career to be on supply after two years. The only other thing he can do would be to brush up on his interview skills and answers and presentations and ask for feedback when he doesn't get the job. And also seek advice on completing his applications form.

[OCSockOrphanage]

Your problem is looking for jobs in the SW, seriously. It is very very hard to get a teaching job down here. It attracts all the job changers from all over because it is a lovely place, without abnormal social pressures, and houses are not beyond your wild dreams. Once people have a job, which are very well paid against the local average salaries, no one moves until they retire. Apply anywhere else and your DH is likely to be snapped up. Rent out your home for two years and then reapply for what he wants.

[Lowdoorinthewal1]

Is your DH interested in SEN? If so I can recommend Axcis as an agency and suggest that, in my area anyway, there are often SEN posts that are difficult to fill. May be another avenue to explore.

[Lowdoorinthewal1]

Sock is right about the SW.

[Cynderella]

Definitely move. I was in your husband's situation in Cornwall, moved and walked into a job.

[RapidStreaming]

In your position I would move. Either you all move or he moves and rents a house share coming back at weekends.
Consider applying for prep schools - sporty teachers always seen as a positive there!

[Nettynet12]

Blimey! Is there something he is or isn't doing?