How to respond to placement?

[Watercress99]

At the minute I’m just job searching and my placement have asked a few times if I wanted a job there. I know from my experience that they need someone who’s not like me. It is a bit of a battle for most days there. I’ve warmed to it a lot now but it took me a while with lots of feelings of am I actually sure I wanna be a teacher lol.

Anywho. I just want to know how I can explain I’m not up for the job politely. I’ve mainly said “COVID had been tough this year and I think it’s my time to start on a clean slate and make my mark and develop myself as something more than the trainee like the kids see”

Idk if that’s the right thing to say but I just don’t know how to express it any clearer. It’s the 5th time I’ve been asked now and I’m doing my best to answer nicely but the hint isn’t being taken and I just feel bad. But I feel like I shouldn’t feel bad for wanting what is better for me? I’d I want a new start why is that bad

You say thank you but it's not for me.

You're going to have to be honest with them if you don't want a job there and that it isn't something you would consider.

They might be also coming back to see if you're interested because it's getting to the end of term and they will know you don't have a job. If anything it's a benefit of being a trainee in a school. I know others who've got jobs that way.

Heads are used to people declining jobs, or withdrawing from interviews, or deciding deciding leave a school. It happens every year. What matters is it is handled professionally.

I’ve tried. It seems like they maybe think because I failed at 2 interviews like someone won’t want me but my tutor did a mock with me today and said I articulate myself well and have clearly implemented the feedback I’ve got after interviews and that all it is is luck of the draw on the day which happens in teaching. Also she said if it’s meant to be it will be which I agree with.

It’s just tiring repeating myself. Then the teacher that asked went back on herself after I said I wanted a fresh start. She said oh actually I think they took someone so maybe I’m wrong. Like why ask then...

It’s getting me a little frustrated lol

I feel bad saying no because the schools known in the area for being poor as it’s ofsted inadequate. But that’s not why. I just know I’m not the right fit. You really need to be able to take a lot and it can mentally drain you. But I feel like I’ve made it clear by Continually saying I’m going to keep trying and wait on where I’ve applied to. I just think a fresh start would be better for me after a tough year of training

Then tell them directly you don't want to work there as you're looking for (insert something that you are looking for that current school doesn't have).

I enjoyed working in a school through special measures, far more than some outstanding schools. I know I'm not the only person to have similar experiences. It can be very easy for those who've not worked as a qualified teacher in an outstanding, high outcomes school to view the outstanding label through rose tinted glasses, usually not appreciating the level of pressure that exists in those contexts. I always caution trainees against looking for their ideal school, because it won't exist.

I wouldn't say being in an oftsed inadequate school is any more draining than oftsed outstanding. The challenges and pressures are just different.

You're overthinking. Just say no thank you and move on.

Oh yeah course. To be honest it’s more just being called the c word for asking something simple or being told “you’re a prat” when I’m just trying to help. I don’t mind the fact it’s inadequate but I mind that no one in SLT cares how bad it’s become. It’s been allowed for so long and I think you don’t go to work to be treated like that. Yea it will happen at schools but this is nearly a weekly battle of breaking up fights or settling issues in classes because they think you’re a “nonce”

You don't need to explain. Just say no thank you. It's clearly not for you.

Then politely decline the offer and continue looking elsewhere.

Yep- thanks

No thank you. I've learnt a lot here, but I want to start somewhere new as a teacher, (not the place where I have been a trainee).

No need to add the bit in brackets, but you could if you wanted to.

It is both a compliment (they think you are capable) and maybe a kindess (they know you want a job) but ot is best just to be clear, not to hint. However, having said that, it is really important not then to beman not having got a job yet, or wondering what you will do if you don't get a job. They are offering you one, so would then find that odd.

What subject do you teach? I think you’ve mentioned it before but I cant remember, that will make a difference to how much they’ll want to keep you/how many other places will still be advertising

@Scarby9 Thankyou. And no I usually just say it’s interview experience which counts the most and I’ll keep going till I crack it