Frustrating feedback, what next?

Hello,

I'm looking for advice - what you would do essentially if you were in my situation.

I sent my application late, it was only sent just last week. I'd received an absolutely fantastic reference from my employer, and I felt my application was also strong - but due to the lateness of my application, I was worried I would not get anywhere this year.

I was however offered an interview for a Schools Direct place. I attended the interview today.

The feedback I got was:


After two phone conversations with the Head of History, he's said that the school Governor was worried that I might not stay at the school over the longer term. Despite the fact I have lived in this small area for the past five months already! Also, despite telling them I would be leaving a secure job, to do something I really wanted to do. They stated at the start of the day that they have a high level of staff turnover, and that this placement is not a job, but rather a training course.

I'm struggling to see where I went wrong, they're saying I have the very real potential to be 'a very good teacher' and to 'not give up', with 'education being strange to get into'. Pushing further, it was just the worry over me staying on after the training was completed, that put them off and that there were slight worries over me teaching A level History (not really part of the job as a secondary History teacher anyway, and this wasn't mentioned in interview either, I didn't even know they would be looking for this).

I'm feeling obviously disappointed and we all have set backs. But now I'm really struggling to think of what to do next. I've withdrawn my application from the IOE because I've decided schools based training is really what I want to do, especially after today.

How would you change your approach next time? I've got one schools direct programme I am waiting to get back to me.

I just don't fully follow what is being said to me. My interview was great. my lesson was great, I'd fit into the team, and I'd be a good teacher, yet they're not offering me or the other candidate a position, and they've also said they've not had many applications. <- seriously, WHAT?

Pushing further, it was just the worry over me staying on after the training was completed, that put them off and that there were slight worries over me teaching A level History (not really part of the job as a secondary History teacher anyway, and this wasn't mentioned in interview either, I didn't even know they would be looking for this).

Hello,

I'm looking for advice - what you would do essentially if you were in my situation.

I sent my application late, it was only sent just last week. I'd received an absolutely fantastic reference from my employer, and I felt my application was also strong - but due to the lateness of my application, I was worried I would not get anywhere this year.

I was however offered an interview for a Schools Direct place. I attended the interview today.

The feedback I got was:


After two phone conversations with the Head of History, he's said that the school Governor was worried that I might not stay at the school over the longer term. Despite the fact I have lived in this small area for the past five months already! Also, despite telling them I would be leaving a secure job, to do something I really wanted to do. They stated at the start of the day that they have a high level of staff turnover, and that this placement is not a job, but rather a training course.

I'm struggling to see where I went wrong, they're saying I have the very real potential to be 'a very good teacher' and to 'not give up', with 'education being strange to get into'. Pushing further, it was just the worry over me staying on after the training was completed, that put them off and that there were slight worries over me teaching A level History (not really part of the job as a secondary History teacher anyway, and this wasn't mentioned in interview either, I didn't even know they would be looking for this).

I'm feeling obviously disappointed and we all have set backs. But now I'm really struggling to think of what to do next. I've withdrawn my application from the IOE because I've decided schools based training is really what I want to do, especially after today.

How would you change your approach next time? I've got one schools direct programme I am waiting to get back to me.

I just don't fully follow what is being said to me. My interview was great. my lesson was great, I'd fit into the team, and I'd be a good teacher, yet they're not offering me or the other candidate a position, and they've also said they've not had many applications. <- seriously, WHAT?

They really liked you but are concerned you won't stay on after the training period - they obviously see you as a high flyer.
As the staff have a high turnover I can see why they would be concerned by this - but if it has a high staff turnover there are obviously issues within the school that some people can't stick - as a professional leaving another career you have life experience that could mean you were more able to deal with whatever these issues may be - were they discussed in the interview stage?

If they haven't selected either of you I would get back to them and say you have moved to the area, you are still keen and are looking to give a long term commitment, you are more than happy to teach a'levels and with the appropraite training (that they will be providing) you are confident you as such a strong candidate you will make a valuable asset to the school
See if putting the ball back in their court makes them re consider.

If not, learn from it and move on - and good luck

Thanks, that's great advice!

I've called the other school I applied to, but they've since filled the position. They said they filled it before half term, so before my application was even sent.

I then called another school I was interested in apply to, to hear that the person overseeing their programme had left, sigh!

I've since found somewhere else to apply to and spoke to the university coordinator, they said they have several applications ready for interview, so to get in quick!

Fingers crossed!