We need a reality check about this time of year where we can step back a little and look at the situation.
We are now near the end of May and job applications are closing every day up until approximately the end of June – when it all seems to stop. If you are in the position of NOT having a teaching job for September then the window of opportunity is fast closing…so what do we do?
Action:
There is no point in panicking – that achieves nothing. What you now need to do is make a plan of action and decide what you need to do. Here are your options….
- You are unable to move from the area you live or you do not wish to move
- Look and apply for any remaining ECT available jobs in your area – there are 2 ways this can go and you need to plan for both. 1. You get one of the jobs…simple – 2. You don’t get any of the jobs. This is the worst scenario as unless you have covered your bases then you could then find all other jobs have gone.
- Covering your bases – in order to avoid the 2nd scenario you need to be registering with Agencies at the same time to try to get either a years contract or at least a term or 2 terms contract at a school.
2. You are able to move locations if necessary
- You may prefer not to move area but are able to do so. In this case you should now be making multi location applications to schools (including your own area). There are plenty of jobs available but it may be that you will have to move areas to get one. Decide on where in the country you would like to live and start applying NOW. Jobs in these areas are close to closing also so start applying quickly.
How do I see things and what is my opinion?
The ideal situation is that you get a job close to where you wish to be and can complete your ECT years. However things are running out of time and as such options.
My advice is, where possible, to be flexible in where you want to live. There are some great schools out there looking for ECT’s and yes they could be looking for you. Time is running out and very soon all posts will close and options will be limited.
I will be asking schools from the beginning of July to advertise any vacant posts they may have – but I can’t guarantee how many the group will get – schools will start to turn to agencies to make sure they have staff for September.
Agencies:
Agency work is a stop gap – you may be fortunate and get offered a full years contract and as such complete your ECT years successfully. It is possible to complete your ECT time in bits but generally only term chunks are allowed as these can be monitored. (there is no time limit to completing your ECT years) The problem with agency work is that the school is not your school, the class is not your class and you lose that sense of belonging and being part of the team and having your own class and children. It would of course be better if we could avoid having to do this – but it may be that it is now necessary.
What you need to do now:
Apply…your best chance of getting a permanent job may now depend on how flexible you are and willing to move.
Whatever your situation you should be applying now and to all the schools you can. If you are unable to move then you do need to register with agencies during the summer 1/2 term and ask them to source you long term positions if possible. Remember that the second half of the summer term is only 6 weeks long and schools will wish to have their September staffing sorted ideally by the beginning of July. My recommendation would be to accept any long term posts (1 term or more) if you are offered them from mid June onwards.
Time is getting short and you do need to get onto things very very quickly – if you need advice or assistance then please ask.