Would you apply for a job in a SM school or stay out of teaching for a while?

[MinnieMousse]

I had some helpful replies when I posted before, so hoping to gain the benefit of some more MN teacher wisdom. A planned house move and relocation has fallen through (that's a whole other thread ) and I am left in the position of having already resigned from my cushy, permanant part-time teaching position. I've been replaced, so no going back. I have young children and could just about afford to stay out of work for a few months with them. However, I'm worried that if I do that, it will be really hard to find teaching work in the future. Also, I would have to sort out new childcare as the nursery I currently use is near my old school, so that creates another headache when looking for work. I live in a part of the country where part-time teaching work seems very rare.

Today, I've seen a job-share position advertised in a school down the road from my current one. It would mean I could keep the girls in nursery, and it's even the same days as my current job. However, the school is in special measures and "challenging" behaviour was mentioned. Do you think this would be too stressful to take on with young children? Any opinions or experiences gratefully received. Thanks!

I would go and have a look. I've worked in a couple of schools in that situation, one horrific, one fab. You will be able to gauge that from a visit. And they will probably be very open with you about the issues so you will know what to expect.
It's hard work in schools like that as there is no room for a unplanned go with flow kind of lesson, but it's very rewarding and will really hone your skills.

I think it depends on you ? Do you have quite good behaviour management skills? if you do I would give it a go?

A school in special measures can be quite an exciting place to work because changes have to happen. I would rather work in a school in special measures than one that is hiding its problems and coasting along.

Me too Aris

It might be stressful, but so would a job in a leafy suburb in terms of needing to arrange new childcare, switch days etc. If you got the job, you could always leave if too hard - but would mean you are still in work, no gap in your cv.
I work in a school that is not in special measures (different country) but has a fairly poor catchment area. Great place to work, lovely atmosphere.

All good points, thank you very much. I'll go and take a look at the school and see what I think.