Etiquette around planning to leave

[ForOliveShaker]

Stupid question I’m sure. I’ve worked at the school I’m at for 4 years. I came on from another industry where you didn’t even need to say you were going for an interview.

Im looking for a new job. I’ve seen a couple id like to apply for. Do I mention it in passing to my LM? I don’t want to just email them and say I’m applying for this be my reference. It seems rude.

Yes it’s a stupid question I know but I’m not sure if I need to say it before I’ve applied or send it off then say I’ve applied for x role and I’ve listed you as a referee.

Are you a teacher? You need to have a conversation with your Head about this not your direct line manager.
Arrange to schedule a meeting or you can just send them an email. If you’re looking to leave because there is an issue in school then be more inclined to arrange the meeting. If you’re looking to leave to advance your career then an email would suffice. Just needs to say the following:

Dear Headteacher,

I hope this email finds you well.

Over the last couple of months, I have taken the opportunity to reflect on my achievements and my career to date and I have evaluated as to where my next steps in my career will be. I have noticed xx role at xx school and it is a role that I am interested in; I feel that the role will provide me with the natural progression to take the next step in my career and I would like to submit an application for that respective position. I would be grateful if you could support me in this application process with providing a reference when required.

Many thanks,

Teacher

Recruitment is crazy in teaching

Yes you need to inform the head and ask for reference before applying as references are sought before interview.

It's rubbish you can't slope off on a days leave and come back with a new job!

Why not copy and paste good96 example who is a headteacher teacher

Not a stupid question at all. Friends in other sectors think recruitment practices in teaching are utterly mad!

You will need to inform your Headteacher if you are applying for a teaching role, as the other school will want references before the interview.

If it's in a role outside of teaching, then no need to inform them unless you want to. They would prefer it, but it's up to you. For example, I chose not to tell them, in case it took me a while to find a job, as I didn't want them knowing I was considering leaving and I was worried I would be treated less favourably. I ended up securing a job outside of teaching using another reference, so my headteacher didn't realise I was looking to leave until I handed in my notice earlier this week.

It’s only week 4 of term and I’ve already had 2 resignations with a Christmas departure (both promoted positions) and 7 teaching staff inform me that they’re applying elsewhere. Ironically, 90% of those 7 teachers are ones who are being performance managed at the moment by their line managers anyway. I agree it’s different strategy for teacher recruitment but the benefit as a Head, I can at least plan ahead somewhat and put some contingency into place.

I’ve also had one of my AHT’s inform me that they are pregnant and will be going on maternity from February. One of my HoD’s from my old school will be seconded across to the school to cover…

I’m just not happy where I am and it’s a choice between that or finding something for progression and also something I feel marginally better doing. It’s just torture going in at the moment. I know it’s affecting my teaching too.