Head of year or second in subject

[pastoralorno]

Hello

An internal vacancy for HOY has come up with TLR 2b.

I'm not hugely keen on going down the pastoral route for my professional development, I'd ideally like to go down the line of subject lead.

A second in department role will be going up in September, and there will only be 2 candidates going for it due to the fact that the other two teachers are ECTs and the other is AP. The other potential candidate is my friend who has said she isn't keen on the role, but she could just be saying that 🤷‍♀️

So do I pass the opportunity of HOY waiting on second in department that I might not even get anyway?

FYI I was acting HOD in my old school so I know what the job entails, but I moved schools due to the toxicity of the old one. I really loved it, but couldn't stand leadership there.

My HOD has said I could do both and is actually trying to encourage me to apply for HOY.

Also does anyone know what the TLR for second in department usually is?

When I was acting HOD I was on 2b, but at my current school, middle leaders move onto the leadership scale.

Oh and is TLR pay pro rata'd? It doesn't say that in the job description but I work 4 days, so would be good to know.

I wouldn't touch HOY with a bargepole, especially not if your heart lies with curriculum. Imo HOY jobs should now be a non-teaching position, there's just too much social work to do, it's impossible alongside any kid of teaching timetable. Teaching HOYs just get burnt out within a few years, and whilst for some it can be a step to AHT, but they more often take a step back to classroom teacher. And a TLR 2b is definitely not enough.

TLR 2b would be reasonable for 2ic, I think that's what they are at my school (large comp).

Thanks @Hayliebells! Spoke to the head about the HOY yesterday and she discouraged me since I'll be teaching only GCSE next year and the role was for KS3.

Hoping the 2nd lead goes up soon! Not sure why they're waiting till September to advertise though...

If it was me, I would wait out for the 2nd in Department post especially as that is the route you feel is the best to take for your professional development.
Given that you have been an acting HoD previously then that puts you in good stead for the position.
HOY position is ok if you want progression in a pastoral role. Personally, it’s not a favourable position - and you’ll find that you spend most of your time dealing with parents or issues with students ASWELL as your teaching responsibilities. It’s not worth it.

Do you know for sure that the 2nd in subject role will be advertised? My previous school got rid of these in a lot of departments in order to save money.

I wonder if your HoD is pushing you towards the HoY role because they have these concerns?

That said if the head has discouraged you, it's probably not worth applying.

@good96 yeah I've decided against the HOY. I was asked by admin to speak to a parent yesterday who called in and only spoke my second language.

It's a common one that lots of people speak, but it was only me in the staff room at the time. Safe to say, i was DYING for the conversation to be over!

@Postapocalypticcowgirl yeah that's a good point, it's what happened at my old school.

Basically what's happened is the old HOD got an AP role, 2nd moved up to HOD, hence the position is now open BUT it's been since Easter that we haven't had a 2nd so I'm not sure that the role will definitely go up. I keep getting told by AP & HOD that it will.

Also I'm on MAT leave but using my KIT days up before I go back properly after half term.

If they want me for the position, is it that they're waiting until I'm back to advertise?

Ugh forgot to change my name to my original post @Postapocalypticcowgirl but it's still me.