Calling teachers also anyone who knows about employment issues - Time off for interview

[eeekerama]

Thank you for reading. Am a reasonably regular regular but have namechanged for this as I'm feeling paranoid! Am a teacher in an independent school and have given a term's notice as requested. The trouble with that, obviously, is that I have had to give notice without having anything to go to. I am applying for jobs and have an interview one day next week. Bad time, will have to take several hours off work. Have tried to change it, was told that is the day they are interviewing for that position, and that is the time available, so like it or lump it basically. Do I have a leg to stand on? Employer is stonewalling me and will not give me an answer as to whether or not I can go. Any help/experience appreciated.

Not sure about the independent sector, sorry - in a state school your employer would be obliged to give you the time off. Are you in a union? Could you give them a ring maybe?

oh my gosh - really?? Are you teacher Feenie?

Unless they really hate you I can't believe they won't give you a day off to attend interview. It's standard practice in teaching (state sector).

Why can't you just put in a request for leave of absense?

All schools know that teachers move around - it is good for the profession. And they also know that interviews happen during school time.

I think you need to be more assertive with your employer - tell them that you have an interview. I have never known it to be a problem before.

Do you have 'issues' with your current school?

I'm not even asking for a full day off roisin! I need about 2.5 hours off, will be there before and after the interview. I have offered to work unpaid for the time I am there that day so they can find someone to cover me. It can be easily arranged. I don't think they hate me... although I am starting to wonder

Am so unreasonably upset, it is trashing my w/end!

No issues at all, seriously, I have been a good employee.

How does a leave of absence work Mme?

How does cover usually work in your school? What happens if you are ill, on a training course, or out on an educational visit?

Don't you have procedures for requesting time off?

I can't believe that you are struggling with this. Has your head teacher given a reference?

Eeek,

In my school, we have to fill in a form for either a school (inset or EV) or personal absence. It gets signed by my line manager and the Head, and then is passed to the person responsible for cover.

Cover is always internal. They never use agency staff. I am full-time but there are four members of staff who work mornings only who could be asked to stay on and cover me. I have suggested this. There are no procedures for requesting time off. When I resigned the Principal was very supportive and said reference no problem, anything she could do, sorry to see me go etc.

Yes, I'm a teacher.

Thanks Feenie. If I do get out to this interview, I hope I get it, it could be a loooooooong term if I have to keep going to interviews!

We do all our own cover too, and we even have a timetable when we know we might be taken. I know it is a bit more difficult during exam season, where invigilation requirements can be quite intense.

However, you should be able to get an answer to your dilemma. Why don't you just 'confirm' with the Head and the cover administrator that you are good to go to your interview. You shouldn't need to worry about how the school covers your lesson, other than providing work.

DP has been telling me I need to grow a pair and that because I am quite placid, I am being walked over. The school is a small one and the set-up is not quite as straightforward as I imagine things are elsewhere. I agree I need to be more assertive.