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Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

Original poster

Contract concern

28 replies

Snowflakewater · 08/04/2022 15:19

Job problem happening and I’m stuck. I work as a teacher and I have a fixed term contract. My issue is that I don’t know how long I’ll be waiting to get a job. I’ve made 4 applications now and I’m struggling to even hear back or I’ve been unsuccessful.

I have found the behaviour hard and for me it can be stressful and anxiety inducing and I’ve considered going with my tail between my legs and asking if I can stay. But I’m not sure it’s a good idea.

I wonder if I could just ask when I get back over holiday. I just need the time to think and put out some more applications.

I’m just wondering what to do, finding a job isn’t as easy as I thought it would be. Thoughts?

OP posts:
Original poster
Snowflakewater · 08/04/2022 15:20

Oh I missed out that they offered me a fixed term abouy 3 days ago and wanted an answer today and I had to say no because I didn’t have enough time to think.

OP posts:
Scarby9 · 08/04/2022 17:50

When does your current fixed term contract finish?
How long was the fixed term contract they offered you three days ago?
What do you actually want? Best case scenario?

Original poster
Snowflakewater · 08/04/2022 18:12

Current ends in august, FT was offered for a year due to budgets, I would like a job that makes me happy and this isn’t doing that. I can’t handle the stress the poor behaviour gives and also my mentor left 2 months ago and so did the practitioner that observes nqt’s. They left a month ago. So my whole training is just being disturbed.

It’s also very toxic. So in summary I want a new job, but they’re really hard to find.

OP posts:
Lilac57 · 08/04/2022 18:56

I'd try and move somewhere with better behaviour, then you can hone your craft. What do you teach? Tbh I wouldn't stay at a school that just wanted to keep renewing fixed term contracts, I'd look to move (even if it means a stint on supply, that can often lead to permanent positions) somewhere that you can actually teach, then aim to become the best teacher you can be. I'm presuming you're relatively inexperienced?

Sortingfinances2 · 08/04/2022 19:23

I'd accept the contract while still looking elsewhere. Presumably you can still resign by 31st may to not come back on sept, but you have certainty of an income if you don't find work elsewhere.

Original poster
Snowflakewater · 08/04/2022 19:32

Yeah that’s the predicament I’m in. I’m an nqt and I really want to teach rather than behaviour manage.

I’m tired of being told to shut up or a prck or a c*t it’s actually tiring. I literally cannot teach sometimes because of it.

Honestly, I just wish somewhere else would give me a chance. I had to ask my manager last week about the prospect of staying aswell if any issues arise in terms of not being successful with other apps. It was actually really hard because I was so determined to get out in jan

OP posts:
Original poster
Snowflakewater · 08/04/2022 19:33

If I accept a whole new contract for the next academic year I can’t put in notice still can I? I feel they’d be pissed

OP posts:
Lilac57 · 08/04/2022 20:05

I probably wouldn't agree to a new contract no, not if you don't really want to stay. Honestly, I'd just let this contact run its course, at the moment there's always supply if nothing else comes up, but it probably will.

Original poster
Snowflakewater · 09/04/2022 13:36

I agreee with you. It’s just always that worry of my ECT year and if nothing comes up.

I just don’t know why my applications had been unsuccessful when I’ve had them checked so many times. Gets so frustrating.

OP posts:
MrsHamlet · 09/04/2022 15:31

So you have a contract until the end of the academic year?
They offered you another which you turned down?
You now want to take them up on that?
If the offer is still on the table, you might as well take it.
I assume you'll have three successful terms of induction by the end of the year, won't you?

Original poster
Snowflakewater · 09/04/2022 21:32

Oh they only offered once sorry, I turned it down as I wanted to look because as I said behaviour is a real big issue at the moment. I’m very short so that’s always a sticking point with kids aswell. Obviously I ignore it but even still, other staff heard a kid shout “hey short arse cow.” and they didn’t do much about it to which the child followed up with “I can’t stand that teacher. She really thinks she’s doing something in her job, doesn’t even know how to teach” it’s been really relentless with those type of comments.

But yeah indictions my first and second went really well.

When I turned the school down I was never rude,just said “at the moment I’m seeing what’s nearby but we can regroup if that’s okay maybe round April”.

I suppose I was just hoping I’d have my shit together by now with a new job

OP posts:
MrsHamlet · 10/04/2022 07:15

Will have three terms of successful induction by the end of the academic year?
When you asked to "regroup", what did they say?

ImAnOmelette · 10/04/2022 08:44

Consider also that your progression up the pay scale might be impacted if you take time supply teaching.

Original poster
Snowflakewater · 10/04/2022 11:10

All the observations so far have been really good and so we’re the reports.
My manager just said yeah see how you go then speak to the ht. I then said “ I really do love it here it’s just the location”

So I never made out it was the place of anything. Also there’s a role being advertised in the dept and the deadlines the first Friday back.

I figured I wanted to wait till I had back from outstanding applications though.

OP posts:
MrsHamlet · 10/04/2022 11:34

Well if your contract ends at the end of this year, and they fill the post, you don't have a job.
If it's just the location, can you move?
Doesn't sound very lovable to me!

Original poster
Snowflakewater · 10/04/2022 13:44

They offered a temp contract earlier which I asked my manager about if I could have and he said “it would be great if you could stay with us” there’s a perm role going but the deadlines the Friday back, like a said I just needed the holidays to have a think and I suppose it’s the lesser of two evils in terms of supply.

Also they did offer my my role before anyone had even handed a notice in. So I guess If I hear nothing it might be worth an ask?

OP posts:
MrsHamlet · 10/04/2022 13:52

The conversation you need to have is with the head.
Is it temporary for a term/a year?
If you're not enjoying it though, is it worth it?

Original poster
Snowflakewater · 10/04/2022 14:03

I did consider emailing in the holidays but I know they don’t have to reply till they’re back and I just feel it’ll come across all wrong via email.

It’s 2 terms temp. I guess it’s probably not worth it after the amount of abuse I take but at the same time I really need to complete my ECT too as I’d like to go abroad. I just seem to keep getting rejections from others

OP posts:
MrsHamlet · 10/04/2022 14:46

Don't email the head. You need to make an appointment to see them face to face.
If you do take it, you really should stop looking. I know you CAN still resign to leave at the end of the year but it would be bad form to push for a contact extension, take it, and then quit.
2 terms won't complete ECT.

Original poster
Snowflakewater · 10/04/2022 16:09

Thankyou, yes I agree I won’t be emailing the head. I feel it’s just pretty disheartening when you really want to keep options open but the time frame is hard to.

Do you know anywhere I could maybe get my applications checked incase that’s the biggest problem? I just want out and would like my application to stand out more

OP posts:
MrsHamlet · 10/04/2022 16:14

You need to tailor your applications to the school and the post. Your mentor might look over them - I sometimes do.

Original poster
Snowflakewater · 10/04/2022 16:41

Mentor said no haha so a bit stuck!

OP posts:
MrsHamlet · 10/04/2022 17:49

I'm away at the moment but if you can wait a couple of days and want to DM it to me, I can have a quick look.

Original poster
Snowflakewater · 10/04/2022 17:52

That would be superb! I can DM you and whenever you have time I’m happy for feedback. Thank you so much!

OP posts:
MrsHamlet · 10/04/2022 17:57

Can you let me know the post it's for too. It won't be til Wednesday at the earliest