So disheartened

[Serena1977]

I'm looking for my first teaching position in primary. I've always wanted to be a teacher and here I am aged 45 and just qualified.

In my area, there isn't much to apply for but had 4 interviews.
Interview 1 - didn't model column subtraction concisely enough to y6 ( follow trainee got the position who I see everyday preparing for September (and the head knows him personally))
Interview 2 - lesson was too easy and the children may well have got the correct answer by luck rather than learning
Interview 3 - didnt sell myself in the interview
Interview 4 - everything was great but don't have enough classroom to back it up.

I know I'm a great teacher but it just doesn't work out. On my course, the ones that have jobs are mainly ks1, some have opted for supply and others are that jaded by teaching already, they aren't bothering.

I don't have time on my hands, I'm already 45.

Is there a school and job for me or has all the hardwork and sacrifice been for nothing? Any advice please? Someone told me that every though ECTs are cheaper, the 2 year induction and mentoring is just not worth the hassle when compared to a slightly more expensive teacher who is 'oven-ready'.

Keep going, you'll get there, 4 interviews isn't many. I wouldn't rule out supply though, and there's a big demand of supply atm. I actually think it's a great way of getting a good feel for a school as well as getting a foot in the door. I know numerous teachers who have got permanent positions off the back of supply contracts, and it allows you to see if a school is a good place to work too. Good luck!

I'm sure there's a school out there for you OP! Keep going! Good luck.

When I've eventually got jobs, I've been told I interview exceptionally well and get outstanding graded observations. Unfortunately there is a lot of luck involved - positions going to internal candidates, jobs coming up which don't fit your key stage experience etc. As an NQT I had a real run of bad luck with interviews! But found something really nice eventually. Try not to lose heart. Also, don't dismiss any temporary contracts as these very often become permanent.

Keep going, not to sound harsh but sometimes the other person is just better or has an internal link. I learnt to accept that. I went to I believe 6 interviews before I landed my ECT post at the start of this academic year. I always heard “candidate x was just slightly better” or “we would have hired you if you had just done xyz” don’t sweat the small stuff, the right place will come along in time! It just takes time sometimes. Try an agency they’re always great for getting interviews tbh, Or even supply! or get a job as a TA or a cover supervisor till the right thing comes, which it will!

I’m not primary nor that experienced but if you need any help I can always do my level best (but there’s better people for that on here with way more experience) or just need a listening ear send a DM!

Be careful thinking you are a ‘great’ teacher at this point in your career - you maybe a strong trainee but without ect experience you’ll have no idea what it is like to really lead your own class and i’ve worked along many ‘outstanding’ students who struggled in the real world.

It sounds like you’re approaching the teaching aspect of the interview wrongly - you need to really show case your skills and show them exactly what progress the children have made. So lots of afl, discussion, praise etc. they need to warm to you and see how you relate to the children.

Where are you based? Where I live there are massive shortages of primary teachers, the turnover is high and basically anyone with a pulse can get hired....

Would you consider supply work to get known in some schools? It can be a great way in. 4 interviews is not that many - keep going!