Returning to teaching

[accidentpronemum]

Moved from London to the NW at that start of 2021, just as I started maternity leave, and left my job as an AHT and SENCO which had its stresses but I generally enjoyed.

Last Feb I took a related job in an education charity. It really isn't the job for me and I just impulsively handed my notice in to 'get back into teaching' but I don't really have a plan. That means from May I'll be unemployed. Any advice on getting back into teaching? Is supply my best bet? Will I need to take a classroom teacher job and work back up? I'm open to specialist provision but no real experience. I probably should add I'm going to be looking at a 0.8 contract as well...

Thought I'd feel better once I handed my notice in but I've replaced sleepless nights around my work with sleepless nights about being unemployable!

Go on the TES website and see what is available. Arrange school visits and get a feel for what (attitudes/ethos) is out there.

I'd say don't use TES- it's so expensive that most schools don't use it. Use the DfE website, unless you're interested in private.

Depending on subject/stage, you could potentially find maternity cover or an unfilled vacancy for May if you wanted.

Schools are also crying out for leadership staff in some areas, so there's no reason to think that finding an SLT post for September would be impossible.

Thank you, have been feeling very down and completely unemployable... my last job was just not for me and my confidence is really low at the moment. Crazy when I think of how sure I was of my abilities before I left teaching. Good to hear you think I might get a job!!

I was on L7 when I left but think I'd be happy to go as low as M6 (any lower and I won't break even on childcare...)

Have been calling round schools which are advertising for September starts but everything is advertised as full time which I'm not ready to do really. Will just keep going and hope something good appears...

I think if you want part time, a leadership post may not be possible.

If you're only after 0.8, I would apply for full time jobs and try to negotiate 0.8 at interview.