One in 10 NQTs leave
teaching after only a year. On top of this, schools are now experiencing
increased difficulties in retaining staff in the UK. Some very alarming figures
considering I am in my NQT year and don’t quite know what’s next for me. Well
today’s blog post is about applying for jobs/interview tips which I have picked
up so far…
1.
Before applying for
a job, take some time out to go and visit the school. Go in for 30 minutes, walk
around, talk to both the staff and students, and get a feel for the atmosphere
of the school. Ask yourself, do you see yourself within that environment. Does the
school ethos support yours? If yes, then definitely put in that application!
So you have
put in your application and have been selected for an interview, what’s next?
2.
Make sure you research the
school. Stalk them on all of their media outlets! I recently had an interview
at a city school (I am yet to hear from them) but before that interview, I spent
so long on their website, learning about the school, looked at their latest
OFSTED report. Looked to see where they are at in the league tables. All this
information came in handy when I was being grilled in the formal interview.
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| Coaching on Mondays has been refreshing. #Cobras |
3. Do not over plan your lesson. Simplicity is key! Have one part of the lesson which will be unforgettable. Leave your observers impressed and the students talking about how exciting the lesson was. Be honest when it comes to evaluating your lesson. If it did not go well, say why and what you would do differently if you could turn the clock back. I once had a shocking lesson at an interview, it was my second ever teaching interview and I just chocked. I could see the lesson unravelling, the kids not challenged enough. Behaviour deteriorated and before I knew it my time was up. Now looking back, there was so much I could have done, and I wish someone had given me hints and tips for interview.
4.
Always have a question to ask
your interviewers based on the research you have done. In my recent interview, most of my questions were
based on what the NQT development programme looked like within the school and
if I was to be successful, how was that going to be implemented?
5.
Finally, be enthused and be
positive!
I hope you find these tips useful. Just a
quick update, I have started coaching again, which has made my Mondays extra
manic. I am still applying for jobs, it seems to be a trend to have a second subject.
Something which I do not have, fingers crossed I will not be the one in ten of
the NQTs that leave teaching after a year…
