Teacher of Science job, Lincoln
A teaching position has arisen within a Lincoln secondary school. We are looking to recruit a supply teacher for a teacher of Science job.
[Read more…] about Teacher of Science job, Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Life as a Teacher
Teaching offers you..
…all the opportunities, training, support and rewards you need to develop and build a stimulating career. It takes passion, commitment and drive to become a successful teacher. Thomas, a Physical Education teacher say “What I love most about teacher is working with young adults and passing on my successful experiences to others. I like helping to make a difference in young people’s lives by acting as a role model and someone to look up to by demonstrating a clear knowledge of the curriculum I teach.”
Working as a teacher…
…can be mentally demanding, emotionally demanding and physically demanding, but don’t let that get you down. The average teacher gets into school at 8am and leaves at 6pm, This may sound daunting, but once you start the school day, time flies past, you are so caught up in the momentum of the lessons that 3.15pm arrives very quickly. Usually lessons end , after that teachers will generally attend meeting or make a lesson plan for the next day.
Every day is DIFFERENT!
One of the great things about teaching is that each day is so different, If you are looking for a boring job, then being a teacher is not for you, however if you are looking for a diverse job with plenty of opportunities, then you will fit perfectly into the teaching world, Margaret, who has been teaching for 43 years says,
“I love them – they keep you young and fresh, as they come into young adulthood with new ideas, hopes and dreams, they have a different perspective on life”
The first day!
Obviously a teachers first day can be quite nerve racking Thomas has this to say,
“ I felt slightly nervous as should be the case going into a new environment working with young adults who you have never met before because first impressions make a massive difference and its important wherever your working to make a good first impression.”
The draw backs
Being a teacher and passing on your knowledge to other can be so enjoyable, but obviously, like any other job it has it’s draw backs, for instance, not being able to book a day’s holiday off when you need to as you’ve got fixed working days. Some say that teaching is not the same as it used to be and that staff have spent hours talking about the “customer” and never got round to actually talking about the pupils. So, if you are thinking of pursuing the life as a teacher, here’s a bit of friendly advice from some great teachers. Margaret said,
“I would recommend anyone to complete a skills audit having established the skills required to be a teacher. If restricted to a geographical area it could be a wise move to ‘do supply’ that way you get a feel for a school and you have a get out of goal card if you are not impressed – this advice goes for state and private schools.”
Finally, Thomas’ advice is,
“Go into it and enjoy every minute of it because it is such an enjoyable and rewarding career path. Most importantly though is to be able to switch off from work and make sure you have a good work family individual time as you don’t want to be worrying and stressing about things at work.”
What are you waiting for??
The Perfect Teaching Job Interview
Are you a teacher wondering what schools look for when interviewing you? Whether it’s your appearance, skills, attributes or just how you perform, teaching job interviews can be nerve racking. Learn these secrets and give yourself a greater opportunity of landing your dream teaching job.
First Impressions Count…
From the moment you arrive at the teaching job interview you are being assessed. When you are going for your teaching interview you have to think about what will make you stand out from the crowd, so dress smart. Teachers are advised to wear smart business dress clothes, e.g flat trousers or a knee length skirt and flat shoes, a colour is good, but not too much. Make sure you look neat and very presentable with a smile on your face. No one is going to employ you if you look scruffy and like you don’t want to be there.
Be a Soldier…
The army have a great phrase when it comes to preparation.
“Failure to prepare ….means you are preparing to fail!”
You must make a GREAT first impression not just a good one. Take time to research the school you have applied to. Review (even analyse) their website, OFSTED reports, league tables, twitter and facebook pages. There is SO much information at your disposal you simply have to scratch the surface. For every one hour of teaching you will normally spend 3 hours of planning and preparation. We advise you use the same ratio for interview and like you tell your students…. “do your homework!”
Visit and get a first impression
Visit the school before your interview. This will help you immensely! The drive, parking, signage and layout of the school can give you lots of clues before the interview. Use all available information on the environment. Ask yourself what will it be like to work in? and make use of it. Use the tour to pick up on relationships between student and staff. Look out for notice boards and how disciplined the students are in school. Take into account the school’s strength and weaknesses and subtly let them know how you will be an asset to their school.
Know your best competencies.
What do you think head teachers look for in a teaching job interview? You have to enjoy working with children, it’s not just about wanting to get that pay slip and the holidays! Head teachers will also be keen for you to demonstrate your teaching philosophy, experience, achievements (both in and out of school) and most importantly your personality. But getting the information across to the head is the challenge, giving meaningful and relative examples is critical and sets you apart from the crowd…OR doesn’t.
Have flexibility in your test drive!
Most if not all schools will make you teach as part of the interview process. This way they can see your ability to interact and perform with the students.
Key things to condersation:
- Keep a good pace of lesson.
- Be aware of differentiation, and always have additional work for the students who understand quickly.
- Make sure you review with Q and A so to demonstrate the students have grasp the learning objectives…even in 30 minute lesson.
Would you do anything differently?
After the lesson observation you will be asked for your feedback. Would you change anything? If you would TELL THEM! One positive every head teacher respects is when you can identify areas to improve and change for the better. We are not talking about re-inventing the wheel. But if you pitched your lesson too high or too low say so. Explain how you would change it if you were to do it again. The ability to reflect and understand how to improve is an excellent skill.
Team Player or Maverick?
It is critical that you work well both individually and within the department. The head teacher will ask you for examples of such experiences. Give specific details where you have been successful. Highlight your role in such situations. What was the goal or target? How did you helped the team achieve this? Other great examples of this may be hobbies, clubs and team sports that you may be involved in. Make sure your personality comes out with these conversations (head teachers are human beings as well!). You never know you may find common ground between the pair of you!
Most importantly be YOU.
Be confident, friendly with all staff and firm but friendly with the students. Make sure you display your energy and charisma during the interview process. If you are naturally reserved it is important you still present yourself and most importantly SMILE! Make conversation by having 2-3 questions about the school. Showing an interest in the recent school events is always a great ice breaker. Remember the teaching job interview doesn’t end until you are sat at home reflecting on your performance. So be observant with your surroundings. Don’t do anything you wouldn’t do when the head teacher is stood next to you.
Conclusion…
Get these area’s right and you are well on your way to achieving the perfect teaching job interview. Remember to smile, look smart, add your personality and magic, don’t be afraid to ask questions (interviewers love it when you show a genuine interest) and you will be well on your way to securing your perfect teaching job.
We are curious to know what you think. Are we right or completely wrong ? Let us know your comments below.
