Should I think before I start applying?

[ForOliveShaker]

I’m looking for a second in department or lead practitioner role. I teach English.

my current responsibilities/things I am doing to enhance my role are:
Mentor
Literacy leader
Essentially second in department but have not got the title.
Currently undertaking an NPQ
Signed up for a training programme to enhance my subject knowledge for a level teaching
A level co ordinator (not labelled as this but I lead the course and am the only teacher on this)

I feel as though I do other things but can’t seem to remember them! I spin a few plates. Much like many of us.

I just need to know whether someone who’s 5 years into teaching would be considered for these roles. I am applying but I feel my school are looking at me as if to say “you’re too early in your career for that”

I have management experience in a previous role and advancement was very swift in that sector. So I find it strange that people seem to be less willing to offer opportunities. I will always try and get involved in as much training as possible to support my career to ensure I can advance.

Thoughts?

2ic, definitely. Possibly even head of English roles in a smaller or 11-16 school. Are you not being shortlisted for the roles you are applying for?

Lead practitioner, no. Sorry. Lead Prac roles are generally commensurate with Assistant Principal roles, which is why the LP pay scale mirrors the leadership spine. People often move on to LP work after having been a HOD.

I’m a secondary HT - I’d be considering you for a HoD position if anything. You seem experienced enough to be a 2i/c so the HoD would be your next natural step.

As the above poster commented, Lead Prac role isn’t something I’d consider you or someone of your experience for either to be honest. Get the experience as a HoD first. You seem like you can do the job..

Sorry we called the HOD an LP at my previous school. I did mean HOD. I think I had got my terms mixed up there!

ideally I’d really want a HOD role. I just keep feeling nervous about applying. Almost like I’m not good enough for it yet or I’m having a wobble about being rejected. Not that I can’t handle it. But more so because I really want to be out of here and I’m worried about jumping around and not making informed choices

Sorry I mentioned previously that I thought the hod role was akin to LP. Sorry it’s stupid I know.

I really don’t want to do the HOD role, I’m just worried that I’m not good enough or that I don’t have enough experience. When I applied to the same role at my current school some months ago they said no so I just feel concerned about whether or not I’m going to get laughed at for making those applications.

Do you think I have enough to offer in relation to a HOD role. I had someone who I know who was an assistant head raise an eyebrow when I said I was applying to HOD roles.