Teacher changing from private to state - any advice from teachers?

[AmyPeralta]

Hi,
Bit of an odd question, but was wondering if any teachers had any thoughts on this.....I'm a teacher who has been working part time in the private sector in PPA / learning support type jobs for almost 15 years. I trained in the state sector, but after having kids was much easier getting the part time work I wanted in private schools.
Left my last job where had worked for 8 years, as we were relocating, but also because I was stuck in a rut doing small groups / cover and not learning much. I remember the state school I worked in being much tougher, but I learnt so much and was a much better teacher back then.
Now we've moved I'd like to move back to state and thought the best way back in would be to work as a TA to find my feet again. Today had a TA interview and they gave it to another teacher - the feedback was that "it really showed that I didn't have recent state experience."
I was really nervous, so didn't interview that well, but are state and private really that different? How best to get into state again?

I've only ever taught in state schools and alternative provision, but I've been on interview in private schools, and I'd say there probably is a big difference. I say 'probably' because there are some state schools that by nature of location, faith or some sort of covert selection have similar cohorts to some private schools. But even then, you're likely to have maybe twice as many kids in your state school class. Have you considered doing supply?

I've thought about doing supply, and have done in the past, but we're a bit out in the sticks and I'd be reliant on PT which is stressful when you're supplying.
Yes, the number of kids would be a big change, although you get some bigger private school classes.

I cannot imagine having the choice of two qualified teachers for a TA role! We are finding it desperately hard to recruit. I would start applying for teaching jobs tbh.

I always understood that teaching in the private sector (which I do) meant that it would be almost impossible to get back into state sector teaching - like once you made the switch, you’d more or less burned your bridges. I don’t have any state experience so can’t speak to how different the two are, but I’ve certainly always assumed I’d struggle to find state school employment now.

I suppose these days, it depends how difficult it is to recruit teachers - maybe if you’re secondary with a much-needed subject (Maths, sciences) they might bite your hand off now!

Schools are struggling to recruit teachers these days so it might be not as hard as you think to find a teaching role, dependent on subject.
ps Did you know MN has a staffroom board: www.mumsnet.com/talk/the_staffroom

Was your private school academically selective?
In some of my classes I have children with a reading age of 16 and others with a reading age of 6, children with incredibly challenging behaviour from trauma experienced which needs to be managed in classes of 32. We are in a very disadvantaged area so yours may not be as difficult but I'd definitely freshen up on behaviour management techniques and teaching vastly different ability levels.

ThanksItHasPockets - Think this TA job was extra attractive as part time.

TheOnlyLivingBoyInNewCross - Yes! I'm going to find out how hard it is. Although I know at least of 2 private school teachers who missed state and switched back, but they weren't out of it as long as I have been.

TeenDivided - thanks I'll check it out. Must depend on the area. I moved from London where it was always relatively easy to get a job.

Singleandproud - that's how my state school was. Had a colleague who was an ex social worker and she said her social work background was as, if not more useful than her teaching skills. Such a skilful job managing it all.

Forgot to say. I'm primary rather than secondary if that makes any difference

Behaviour is generally far worse , as are working conditions

I started in the private sector then had some time off with my DC. Returned to state doing supply work and had no problems getting employed in state schools after that.

i agree that you need a slightly different skill set but I find my current role satisfying as I like the diversity of the young people I teach.

find my current role satisfying as I like the diversity of the young people I teach.

Yes, that’s what I love about teaching in the private sector.