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Original poster

Any teachers out there? I need help filling in my application form.

21 replies

Mung · 02/03/2008 21:13

I feel like I have been out of the profession for years, but it has only been 3. Anyway, I am stuck with a bit on my application form that says 'Special areas of teaching interest'. Other than 'getting the little buggers to speak French', I have no idea what to write. I am scared also that any 'jargon' will have changed.

Help!

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spudmasher · 02/03/2008 21:14

Secondary or primary?

Original poster

Mung · 02/03/2008 21:15

sorry...secondary.

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spudmasher · 02/03/2008 21:17

Oooh. Can't help really then. I'm primary. Maybe someone else will come along soon for you..... Good luck!!

Original poster

Mung · 02/03/2008 21:26

Thanks. I am not sure why this is making me so nervous.

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spudmasher · 02/03/2008 21:28

It is terrifying. I can completely understand why. But it is like swimming or riding a bike. Just get back in there and it will all come back to you!

Original poster

Mung · 02/03/2008 21:30

I feel like I can do it, but I just need to prove to the powers that be that I can. Thats where I am struggling, as I feel like they are just going to see a 3 year break in my employment history and push me aside.

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ChipButty · 02/03/2008 21:32

I'm primary too - but I would advise you to just be honest. Knowing the jargon doesn't make you a good teacher.

Are you aware of MFL becoming statutory in 2010 for KS2? You could express an interest in coordinating programmes of study with the feeder schools or helping them out in an advisory way, perhaps.

Best of luck! x

spudmasher · 02/03/2008 21:34

Try to put a positive spin on your break. Make it sound like you are full of energy and raring to go and now that you have children you have a deeper understanding of the basic needs of the child and how this can help you remove their barriers to learning.

Original poster

Mung · 02/03/2008 21:46

I agree with you Chipbutty that honesty is the best way forward, but I cannot leave that box empty. I really don't understand what they want to see in there. I suppose if I were interested in a pastoral role, then that would be where to put it. The thing is that I just want to be a teacher again and then once in there get back to a Head of Department role...can't really put that, can I
I may copy and past your post spud

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ChipButty · 02/03/2008 21:51

I'm not saying you should leave that box empty, Mung. I agree with what spudmasher said. You could big up your desire to be a fabulous classroom practitioner - perhaps looking more closely at the different ways children learn and adapting your style to suit. Learning to learn has been very big over the past year or two.

Original poster

Mung · 02/03/2008 21:53

Thanks for the tips.

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Moomin · 02/03/2008 21:54

'Teaching and Learning' is a good one these days as it's such a wide remit. Can mean making MfL accessible through active teaching methods; could mean you looking at ways to teach to a variety of abilities; etc.
'VAK' is another good one: Visual, Audio and Kinaesthetic approaches to learning in your lessons.

Original poster

Mung · 03/03/2008 08:39

Thanks Moomin. I just gave up and went to bed last night. I feel more refreshed today and ready to fill it in.

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Original poster

Mung · 03/03/2008 14:15

Just wondering if anyone else out there had some advice, before I get started again.

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Original poster

Mung · 03/03/2008 14:45

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spudmasher · 03/03/2008 17:55

How goes it Mung?
Don't copy and paste from me!! I applied for a job a couple of weeks ago and didn't even get a bloody interview!! I was sorely disappointed.

Original poster

Mung · 03/03/2008 20:29

oh spud...are you working at the moment anyway or looking to return? Any other interesting jobs out there?

My form is going slowly, the fact that the laptop took its last breath last night didn't help. I am using an old desktop that is badly set up and I am having to stand up at the moment.

The whole 'covering letter' thing just scares me, but I find that if I get the bare facts down on paper my DH manages to tweak it for me and make it sound much more eloquent.

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spudmasher · 03/03/2008 21:31

I am full time Year Six and a few Year Fives in a very challenging school.I am looking for something a bit different, just easier really! I've done my time in difficult places with difficult children! There is one on the TES website I was looking at earlier but the journey would be hell so I don't think I'll go for that one.
Have you finished it yet? When is the closing date?
Something that really annoyed me about the job I applied for is that they have still not written to tell me I was unsuccessful. They just seem to let the date go by and keep you in suspense! Interviews were last week! My nerves were in shreds everyday looking at the post! I had forgetten about that but I think it is standard. Hope you have more luck than me!

Original poster

Mung · 03/03/2008 21:47

That is so unreasonable. They should have replied to tell you that you were unsuccessful. They surely didn't have that many applicants that it was impossible to reply to those who weren't being called for interview.

A long journey to a good school can be a killer too...been there.

The school I am applying for isn't that great. I just want to give it a go and see. They are advertising a FT position for a teacher of French and German, Spanish an advantage and I am applying saying I can do 2 days French and Spanish, with no German, but will give it a go at if needs be. I did the same a while back to a good school locally and they have said that they will keep my details and are interested, but cannot be sure what is going to happen between now and September. I cannot decide whether to just wait for the better school just in case, or give the other one a shot.

Form nearly done, just need DH to give it a once over. No deadline printed on website with the ad. When I called on Friday they said 'next week', so I am hoping that I am not too late.

Keep looking on TES website...

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spudmasher · 03/03/2008 21:55

Yes, that's the big dilemma at this time of the year - do you go for it or wait to see if something better comes up?! It is quite a cut throat business round here! We have appointed staff in March for September before, only to find out that we have been snubbed for a better offer in July and we have been left high and dry come September on more than one occasion!Cheek of it!!

The other problem I have is that if you have been doing it a while, you are more expensive than an NQT.....

Full of joy, me, eh??

Original poster

Mung · 03/03/2008 22:25

Yes, but they gain a wealth of experience that is worth the money

You sound rather like the typical teacher that needs another holiday

If I accepted a job, I wouldn't then accept another. On the other hand, if I were offered one then I might consider calling the school of preference and letting them know...you never know! Either that or take the risk.
Not really sure why I am even thinking like that I haven't been called for interview for the first one and haven't even submitted my application for the second .

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