How to tell head I'll need time off for interviews?!

[HopefulAnnie]

I've been losing sleep thinking this over. I know it's the time for me to leave my current school however the head is tricky and he takes these things personally.

I don't know how to go about letting him know I'll need time off for interviews.

What is the usual thing to do in these situations?

I don't want to be dishonest and take a sick day especially as there might be more than one interview with a handful of schools. That means the school hiring a supply several times over the next few weeks ?

I just feel so awkward about this whole thing and am honestly debating just staying where I am because of it. Do I wait till I have an interview and tell him a couple of days before? Or do I say I have an appointment and then let him know once I receive an offer pending reference?

References are called before interview in teaching so I’d let him know sooner rather than later if I were you.

What @CarrieBlue said. Schools will take up references prior to interviews so you should tell him asap.

He may not take it well but that's his problem. Just be diplomatic when you tell him

Would I expect to be laid for interview days?

Paid I mean!!
I mean would it be seen as paid leave or unpaid leave ?

Teaching job - probably
Non-teaching - probably not

You absolutely must not take them as sick days.
We have to fill in a form so I'd do that and take it to the head and let him know personally.

It is very common for teachers to move about, an experienced headteacher would be very used to this. If you have already started applying then let him know as they might call references - it's a good idea to part on good terms with any headteacher!
Don't take them as sick days - there is a procedure.

Have you not asked him to be a reference? If you've put his name down and not asked you need to inform him ASAP.

Usually an informal heads up is best, followed by a LOA request using whatever the normal procedure is in your place. They'll be used to it, don't worry!

You need to request time off. It is at HT discretion. Usually something built into policies about amount of paid time off for interviews.

I had this situation a few years ago when I moved jobs. I was terrified as I had a very power crazy, easily insulted head.

I arranged to meet her, clearly said that I was looking at applying for some jobs because I wanted to move to part time and be nearer my home for my children. She was put out but couldn't say no.

If you are a LA school there are usually rules like 5 days allowance for interviews that you are entitled and beyond that you lose pay.

My head was always going to be tricky but I couldn't- and shouldn't - have stayed out of fear of leaving. A few years down the line and it was the best move I ever made. I can't imagine still being stuck in that culture of fear and power.

Take a deep breath and do it. Remember it is a job at the end of day- you are allowed to leave!!

Going into education from corporate I was amazed at how open teachers were about going for interviews- maybe part of the reason is that you can't just take a couple of hours off as teaching interviews can be half a day / a day and it isn't possible to use paid leave!

References are taken before interview, as others have said, so there's every chance a head could find out about an application before the candidate tells them. This is why it's generally accepted that you tell your head when you apply to request a reference and give them a heads up that you might need an interview day.

I'd let them know sooner rather than later.

You talk to HT and say you are looking to another opportunity.

You give the reasons you’d think best for him/ her to understand for citing in your reference, if asked. You ask if will be a referee.

You then update on submission of application. This is because a school may contact ahead of letting you know if shortlisted.

You then fill out leave of absence request. You also keep goodwill by planning fully for your supply cover.