Thinking of returning - would you employ me?

[undeecided]

I left teaching 18 months ago, five years in, after a similar length of time as TA. I was in a tough school - mixed classes nil budget etc and in the end along with issues in my own family it got too much for me. I gave in my notice - HT tried to dissuade me but once accepted it made things very difficult and I ended up taking time off with stress before my contract ended. Since then I've done admin (related to children's welfare). I miss teaching a great deal. I always had positive comments in obs including Ofsted and good results. Now a part time post has come up in a school I'd love to work in. I'd like to apply but am wondering if such a patchy record would be too off-putting to a new employer. My experience is relevant, I think the ethos of the school is right, and I could definitely manage part time, maybe more (things at home seem to have settled down now). Any advice/opinions would be much appreciated! I put a lot of energy and enthusiasm into my teaching role but I really lost confidence the way things turned out.

Honestly? Would consider and interview you, but only if we didn't have good applicants with recent experience and no alarm bells. Secondary English in area where we struggle to recruit a wide field.

Yes I rather thought that.

I'd interview you too. I think you can reword what's in your OP in a really positive way (experience at various levels of education, left to work for a children's charity, etc)

Your problem may come when references are requested. I don't know what you can do about that though?

Apparently there's a shortage of teachers so probably they would welcome you with open arms

Agree with all previous posters. Go for it. Good luck!

Thank you. I do feel I was unlucky in that the school went through 4 DHs in the time I was not to mention teachers and TAs; by the time I left I was the longest serving member of staff apart from the HT and one TA. However, I also recognise that time out of teaching is not an asset and I am a little nervous about returning given the stress I was under by the end of my time there. Had thought I might approach via supply but then this came up. My old HT would give me a reference. My teaching itself has always been good. I am OK at what I do now but I feel it's a pity not to use the skills I worked so hard to acquire. And I miss children, and the liveliness of the school day.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

It's true,

Go for it.