Teachers, Trainees and NQT chat thread!

Update: Called the first application/school, 49 applications were sent to the 1st school so they are not providing any feedback (not successful).

I've been applying to community, academy and religious schools. I'd apply for anything at the moment full-time or part-time. I'm scared that i'm not going to get a role and maybe it's a sign i shouldn't be a teacher (sorry for the negativity).

I understand that, but i am being told that opportunities for full-time or maternity leave jobs will be closing soon, so i may have to contemplate whether i'll be completing my NQT year this year. Supply agencies have stated they may be long or term supply in September, so maybe i can complete one term of my NQT somewhere. It's been very de-motivating and mentally draining because i feel like i am not good enough to teach due to not being able to be healthy or acquire a job last September.

49 applications is a lot- is this secondary or primary?

I really don't think it's a comment on you- I think it's a comment on the situation. Doing your NQT supply isn't the first choice, but it is still a viable option, and there may still be more jobs coming out.

Even though you graduated last year, your uni should still be willing to help you with applications!

Primary.

The situation is not great, and thanks. True, i hope there is.

I'm unsure if i would be their top priority right now. I wasn't able to finish the rest of my lectures due to being unwell. However, i went back to my university once i graduated for help/update on my NQT year, i felt like i was bothering them and they didn't give me much help. I don't know if it is typical or i should expect them to help me with my application. I could email student services and have my application form checked regarding careers and employment service. Thank you for helping, i do appreciate it .

When you are looking for jobs for NQT's, can we still apply for jobs which don't state if they are applicable for NQTS? or as long as the personal specification states 'qualified teacher'?

I think you should still expect help in securing an NQT role, yes- most unis have an alumni service and want to help their grads find jobs.

I would recommend getting in touch with the school to just double check BUT employed teachers aren't able to leave their roles for September now as the deadline to resign has passed. The only people able to start in September will be NQTs or qualified teachers on supply etc.

Hopefully, thanks for the advice.

On a positive note, I've just been notified I've been shortlisted for a temporary nqt teaching role September to the end of autumn term. Not very confident as I haven't been in the classroom or have taught in a while. I have to deliver a 30 minute outdoor socially distanced activity of my own choice. (10 key worker children in Y2-Y3). I was thinking of basketball or a creative arts activity, but unsure. Have you guys got any ideas? It would be very much appreciated

Scavenger hunt? You could maybe do an art activity at the end with things you find, too?

I'd be wary of anything involving sharing equipment at the moment.

Okay will do, originally thought of doing a therapy art activity, but it's too long for a 30 minute activity. Therefore thinking of basing activity on 'footgolf'. Pupils will be highlighted safety procedures and and compete against each other in pairs. Pupils' will add up their score all together (aid younger pupils by using column addition as a group). Then we can sit down and compare scores e.g. who hit the ball more, who hit the ball the least. Then would give them all a certificate for participation. Do you think this may be an okay idea for the interview activity?

Thank you! I wish you the best of luck as well. Found out the 1st school i applied for had 49 applications, so haven't been able to provide feedback for me to improve. Sounds like a good plan

When you are looking for jobs for NQT's, can we still apply for jobs which don't state if they are applicable for NQTS? or as long as the personal specification states 'qualified teacher'?

I only got my job on Tuesday after a lot of applications and seven interviews. My first sets of applications didn’t get shortlisted. This was down to my personal statement. I change my personal statement and was eventually getting a lot more interviews. There was always the odd school where I didn’t get shortlisted with the personal statement. I learnt it’s key to highlight school ethos and values in the first paragraph, as to why your interested in the school and job role. It takes time, but the right school will be out their for you. It’s easy to stress about not having a job for September but don’t panic and keep applying

Ah reading this thread is making me super anxious about doing my pgce in September. Seems like getting a job isn’t as easy as perhaps i has originally assumed. I’ll be qualified in secondary maths but do you think I’d still have to make a lot of applications?

I’ve been rejected for so many grad jobs post interview I’m pretty terrified that I’d be awful when it comes to an interview for a teaching role!

Also when did you guys start applying for jobs?

@lozzielizzie - congrats on the job and thanks for the advice!!

I’m starting to get worried about not getting a job. I applied for one last week and had an interview but didn’t get the job. I got good feedback though and feel less nervous after getting to have a virtual interview experience! I can’t see any I want to apply for at the moment so not sure I will have a job for September.

I should have started applying earlier but wanted to wait till I felt more prepared and had finished work for my course.

@lozzielizzie - congrats on the job and thanks for the advice!!

I’m starting to get worried about not getting a job. I applied for one last week and had an interview but didn’t get the job. I got good feedback though and feel less nervous after getting to have a virtual interview experience! I can’t see any I want to apply for at the moment so not sure I will have a job for September.

I should have started applying earlier but wanted to wait till I felt more prepared and had finished work for my course.

@fefsdfsdf
Maths is a good subject to train in as there are more vacancies than other subjects. You might also end up having interviews about your placement schools and get a job that way. Check eteach and tes to see what jobs are about at the moment, though there would have been more in previous months. I’ve just checked and there are still Maths jobs in my area

I just started applying a few weeks ago and feel a bit worried about getting a job now so I’d advise applying earlier!

Most people on my course applied from Easter onwards.

Good Luck on your course! I can’t believe I am very nearly done (still have a virtual assessment to do).

Hopefully something will come up in the next few weeks, but if it doesn't then I really do think there will be more vacancies in September than usual. I'd also consider getting signed up with some supply and possibly tutoring agencies- I think there will be lots of demand for both come September (or maybe even before).