Is there still a chance?

[BagOfMushrooms]

Hello all,
this is my first post here. It feels really peculiar too as I am neither a mum nor a parent. I am, however, a man in my mid-30's reaching out to every forum for teachers possible (this being my first mind).

I was late to the profession. A moment of clarity to empower a huge turnaround in my life inspired the adventure. I trained and qualified in the year 2017.

Tragedy struck - my mother and my grandmother (who sadly passed some time ago) were both diagnosed with dementia. The diagnosis was within 2 weeks of each other and over the Christmas holidays of all periods.

I cannot even begin to explain how difficult a time it was. But needless to say, being so young to the profession, it negatively impacted my performance. My NQT year had to be completed in two schools. I left my first school in fear of failing. I completed my NQT in a second school but shortly after a new headteacher took over who was less sympathetic to my strife at home. It was after my grandmothers passing I left that school too.

I went into supply eager to find the right school for me. I was about to start a new job and then COVID-19 hit and the job fell through. I worked supply 05/2019 to 09/2020. I was furloughed for most of 2020.

Fed up of doing nothing I found employment in a wonderful nursery, where I still work, that allowed me to implement my teaching skills. I am, technically, an underpaid teacher currently but it has cemented my passion and love for teaching, especially the younger children. I love the EYFS.

I've started applying to schools again in hope to reignite my adventure into teaching. My mother's health is stable and I no longer need to be her secondary carer as we now have support. I am a little wiser to the profession now too and know what I want out of it.

Sadly, 4 applications in and being unsuccessful 4 times, I'm beginning to think that the damage caused to my career history is the cause for concern with headteachers.

It is still to early to think negative. It took 6 applications to land my first teaching role, but I do have to wonder if this is this the end of my teaching or is there still a chance?
How do I get around the family medical history in my applications? Do I be honest and sound an emotional wreck or do I avert to lies (which is what I have been doing thus far)? It is not easy to talk about.

I want to teach and be the best at it as possible but it is beginning to seem that the damage has been done through no real fault of anyone other than just bad timing. Is it time to walk away and look for another career maybe?

If anyone can share similar experiences - what they did to land a job after devastating circumstances - or offer any advice I'd be most grateful.

I would say keep going with your applications. It took me 4 interviews before I got my current job and I’ve been teaching a couple of years now!! Teaching is extremely competitive. Don’t give up.

I hope this doesn’t sound too blunt as it sounds like you’ve had a very challenging few years, but I don’t understand why you’d need to explain ‘the family medical history’. Just stick to the facts about your teaching. So in the CV/application form, list your roles and simply put ‘caring for mother’ in any gaps. In the letter or personal statement focus on what you have done in teaching, not on any gaps. Focus on the schools you’re applying for: your application should be about why you’d be good at this job, not about issues with previous ones, if that makes sense?

And yes, still plenty of time for applications.

I would encourage you to keep going with your applications! 4 isn't a huge amount and there will be more jobs coming up You sound really determined to teach so don't let knock backs get you down.

With regards to the family issues, keep it brief on the forms/in interviews e.g. 'during that time, I was caring for my mother and grandmother who had significant health issues. Following a bereavement, I decided to take a short break from teaching. The family situation is now stable and I am looking forward to resuming my teaching career again'.

I sometimes see applications (not a head but a senior in my department) where people disclose such things. It never goes against them and we rarely probe for further detail. If we did,it would only be after appointment to offer support.

Last year I had about 12 interviews before I finally landed a role. Keep on going and someone told me for every question you answer always back it up with an example and the outcome. The more the interviews the more disheartening it can become but also you have a better idea of the questions asked and can better equip yourself with an answer