Calling Teachers!

[Ameriscot2005]

Has anyone successfully returned to teaching after a long break? If so, what issues did you come against in securing a post? Was a teaching reference a problem?

I've been out of teaching for 8 years, and have just applied for a part-time post, which seems fairly perfect for me. I've also seen another couple of ads in the TES that are also good.

My qualification is Secondary Science - Physics, which apparently is a shortage subject.

I have been out for 9 years apart from a brief return 3 years ago. Other people I know who have been out for even less time are taking returner to teaching courses first. (You get child care paid for and a small amount of money per week on top). I can't believe that is necessary. I know the job has vhanged a bit since I was there, but not that much surely. I will watch this thread with interest.

I was planning on taking a returners' course, but there are none in my area this academic year. Therefore, I was resigned to waiting until September. However, I have seen suitable jobs advertised now for starting in September so thought I would give it a go given my shortage subject qualification. I figured there is no harm in trying.

Get in touch with the TTA. I believe they may have recommendations for courses and a certain definition of a 'long' time.

Remember that you can highlight transferable skills on your CV which you have gained o/s teaching. Students look at you with a new eye when they find you did not finish school and then 'stayed' in school since then.

These are some of the 'real life' experiences that GTP candidates bring into schools.

Well you won't get offered interviews if they think you are out of date so you may as well apply and see what happens.

re your last post ameriscott, then highlight in an interview that it will be part of your professional development in the coming school year.

I returned last year after about 5 years, I applied for a job as a classroom assistant, which they didn't offer me as I was over qualified, they did however offer me a job as a teacher!! I'd apply and see what happens, i don't see that much has changed other than following different bits of paper!! Good Luck!!

I worked in industry for 8 years before doing my PGCE. Since leaving teaching, I've had some contact with education - obviously as a parent, but also as a school governor and as a youth and adult leader at church. All that has gone in my letter of application, so we'll see if it triggers an interview.

I just can't see there being a huge demand for this particular post - it's 0.5 hours, so that's going to put off the NQTs and anyone more than about 5 miles away. But it's perfect for me! Match made in heaven, or what?

I guess I am just nervous about re-entering the workforce and giving up my life of leisure [wink}

Ameriscot - the TES website has a good chatroom for advice etc - why don't you register and have a look?

In a shortage secondary subject, I'd have thought schools would bite your hand off tbh,but my background is primary so what do I know !

God, if you can teach physics, particulary to A level, and if you have a pulse, you are in with a job!

lol hmb !

I've no experience of A-levels - only did Highers myself, and then Chem Eng at Uni - but the post I am applying for is just 11-16 (as are the others I've seen).

According to my sons' headmaster (a good friend of ours), there were only 17 Physics PGCE "graduates" last year, which sounds promising

If you did chem eng then you would also finf the Chemistry 11-16 a doddle as well. I have a degree in Biochemistry and feel quite at home with the chemistry at GCSE. Ironicaly I don't teach it, as we have enough chemistry specialists. I have taught physics to age 16 and did OK, and I have only and A level in the subject....TBH they don't do half the stuff I had to do at A level any more, our physics teacher teaches A level from the O level text book that I used in the 70s! And she says that they struggle with the Maths!

Trust me they will grab you with open arms

Yeah, I'm equally happy with physics and chemistry - not sure which one I prefer, tbh. I had to make a choice for my PGCE, so chose physics as I thought it would be more marketable .

The job I have already applied for is Physics only, but the other ones I've seen are both Physics and Chemistry. It seems a weird set-up to only teach Physics in KS3 - we'll see, hopefully!

As for Biology - I dropped it for O-grade, so most of what I know is either from childbirth or from Spotlight Science.

Just a bump to see if you had any luck Ameriscot, or if you had any specific feedback following an interview.