The good news is there are lots of jobs out there
Teaching has long been trumpeted as one of the most recession-proof jobs around – after all, a city as huge as London will always need teachers.
The good news is there are lots of jobs out there. The not-so-good news is that it can sometimes be difficult and overwhelming to land one, especially if you haven’t taught for a while, or are new to the teaching game.
Getting started
First up, be prepared. To teach in the UK you need to have a recognised qualification, which means a teaching degree from Australia, New Zealand or South Africa. You will need a copy of your qualification with you.
You also need references from previous teaching roles. It doesn’t matter if you have never been paid to teach before as your reference can also come from your practical experience during your training. You need to obtain a police check from your home country, and have one done in the UK
too before you can be employed. Schools and recruitment companies can help with this.
Getting work
By far the easiest way to find work in London is through a specialist teaching recruiter, and there are many to chose from. In general these companies can help with visa advice, finding you a job, sorting out police checks, providing support and helping you if you want to add to your qualifications.
John Dunne, director of teacher recruitment company Select Education, says it doesn’t take long for qualified teachers to start earning. “Once a candidate has undergone a face-to-face interview, provided all the appropriate documentation and we have taken out all required checks, then they are ready to begin in our schools,” he says.
It then comes down to what type of work you are seeking.
Supply
In supply teaching you are given a short-term placement rather than a permanent role. Supply teaching, Dunne says, can vary from one day to a week, a term or even longer.
“Ideally the teacher is told of a teaching assignment in advance, but morning calls for work on the day are also made,” Dunne says. “The candidate will be told the details of the school and the class and given thorough directions on how to get there.“
Dunne says that often a supply teaching role can lead to a long-term assignment as the school gets to know the teacher and the teacher gets to know the school.
Permanent
Dunne says permanent teaching work means you will not be on the recruitment company’s payroll, but employed directly by the school for a longer period. One of the benefits of permanent work is you get the opportunity to build relationships with students, parents and other teachers.
Another plus to permanent teaching work is that you may get paid a higher rate than supply teachers.
Are there jobs out there?
Dunne says the teaching market is particularly buoyant at the moment, although it’s worth noting that those seeking a permanent role may take longer to find a job than those interested in supply work.
» For more info see tntjobs.co.uk and selecteducation.co.uk.
