ECT mentors / experienced teachers

[namechangedyetagain]

I'm in my second year of ECT. It has been a rocky time (4 heads so far this year). School feels toxic. Teachers are supportive and have good friends but we are losing at least 4 teachers in the summer to be replaced by ECTs.

Have applied and been rejected from 2 job applications - feedback has been a close second and on a different day...

I feel I have no confidence to try again but I know that I can't continue in this school. I have spent the holidays in a state of burnout really and don't want to return

I will of course because I won't let anyone down and I need to finish my ECT.

I'm pretty sure it's not teaching its the environment. Any advice as to how to get through? Should I still be applying for jobs ? I don't think I will be able to keep visiting schools ahead of applications.

Thanks

I think you are right in saying you need to focus on completing your ECT induction period. Put all your effort into that.
Don't worry too much about the job interviews. It's more if the interviewer likes you rather then being a good teacher and if they think you will 'fit'. Your options are stay where you are or go supply and hopefully if the schools got any common sense they will keep you on a permanent basis.

Keep applying for jobs. If you're secondary, it's not necessary to visit. If it's primary and they encourage you to visit, then ask to visit after your working day has ended and explain you can't let your current school down by taking two days off- if it's a sane head, this will reflect well on you.

The other option is to stick it out until Christmas- often it's much easier to find a job for a January start as there's less competition. I know it's a long way away, but it's a good option to have in mind.

4 heads in a year is extreme- you will have an easier time of it elsewhere. Personally, I think most teachers stay too long in toxic situations, so I'd focus on getting out as much as possible.

There is quite a lot being advertised at present for September. Remaining in a toxic culture is not a good start to a new career. Wishing you good things.

Keep applying! Think of interviews as good experience: the more you go to, the better and more confident you will be! Sorry you've had a rough time of it so far but well done for recognising that it's just your school and not you - I'm sure you will thrive somewhere else.

I am. Just feel deflated after 2 back to back rejections. There are a few jobs out there at the minute but feel worried about applying for them all . I love the team I'm with but even that will look different by September. There's a high chance at 2 years in I'll be the most experienced in my key stage !

Just haven't managed to switch off at all this holiday such is the dread of going back.

You need to find a school that will help you develop as a teacher or long term it will harm your career.

2 rejections is really normal, just pick yourself up and carry on. The right fit will be out there. Also check that you are being given a decent reference by the school.

I suspect my reference may not be glowing. I've not long had my Term 1 report written and I feel very unsupported. I'll keep looking.

You're in year 2 and you've only just had your term 1 report written? I hope that's a typo. You should be on term 5 by now

Sorry yes @MrsHamlet term 4 report just written.

Term 4? So you're a term adrift somewhere.

Yep.

Is that because you started late?