How can I turn this situation good?

Question

I recently graduated from my PGCE and, unable to get a teaching job, and with paperwork required for agency work yet to come through I decided to apply for a teaching assistant position. I have the interview tomorrow, and have definately decided I don't want the job, I need to stick it out or I may never do my NQT year. Obviously I may not get the job, or I might, how should I play it so that I can definately refuse the job, but still keep on good terms with the school as it's local to me and so there's every chance that in the future I might get supply work there, or even be tempted to apply for a permanant job there?

I don't want to take the job as I feel that given my situation in life I won't be able to complete the NQT year within the time frame given if I don't get a teaching job within the next year or so. While it's true that it would be a foot in the door of 1 school, agency is a foot in the door of many schools. I'd given up on teaching when I applied for the job, but now I don't feel ready to do that.

Answer 1

i would say "although i'm very grateful for the oppurtunity, i feel that i am over qualified for this position, i have specific goals in mind and plan on reaching them, but i thank you for your time" along with a smile and a handshake :)

Answer 2

Hi! I've just finished my year as an NQT and can empathise with your problem. I had the same problem a few months ago. I.e. I applied for a job at a college because I was also waiting to hear if supply work would come up but changed my mind about it because it was too far away. If you had posted this question a few days ago, I would have said phone up the contact person at the school, say that you no longer wish to apply for the job because you have work elsewhere (little white lie) or no longer feel that it's suitable etc and apologise and that would have left you on good terms, but as it's too late, I would say that the best thing to do is go in there, give the best interview that you can (it's all experience) and if the school offers you the job, apologise and say that you no longer want it because another job has come up in the last few days/you've changed your mind. If you do this politely and honestly (but without going into too much detail), the school shouldn't be offended. Also, apologise for wasting their time and say that you look forward to working with them in the future, especially if there are any teaching jobs going. As for waiting for paperwork, I suggest that you hassle the agency for it, as you shouldn't be kept hanging around now! There should be plenty of jobs available at this time of year!

A word of caution: Agency work DOES give you a broader experience but remember your rights as an NQT! Most agencies will put you in touch with potential schools and act as a point of contact for stuff like being paid on time etc, some agencies may even negotiate your hourly rate of pay for you. However, it is unlikely that they will help you with the day to day stuff (e.g. colleagues taking advantage of you), as different schools/colleges will expect a different level of input from you. DON'T be browbeaten into stuff that you don't feel qualified to do and ALWAYS ask both the agency and the potential schools if they will offer you the full level of support that you need as an NQT before taking on any work. This includes an induction and individualised support program. If they aren't prepared to do this, DON'T accept the work, as this support is a mandatory requirement! Also, make sure that you join a teaching union (if you haven't already), so that you are supported if anything goes wrong! You should also make sure that your supply work counts as part of your induction year. Supply work lasting for less than a term (short-term supply) does NOT count as part of your induction year and you are only allowed to do this work for only up to 4 terms. After that, you must only take on work which lasts for longer than a term.

Hope this advice helps & Good Luck!

Answer 3

I don't understand why you don't want the job. Is it because you know an opportunity will come along before the end of the contract? Why did you apply for the job? What is an NQT year? Why not do it after the job you have the interview for? Taking the job would surely look good on your CV. If you did turn down the job you could always lie and say that you have been given a better offer elsewhere. That way you don't sound like you have been wasting their time and they would still look at you for a permanent post later.

Answer 4

You can still be looking for a teaching job and work toward your NQT while working as a teaching assistant. Any and all relevant experience in your field will look really good on a resume. Not to mention that the school maybe wanting to evaluate you and your teaching ability by offering you this job.
You may want to consider doing a good job during the interview and taking the position, if offered, for the interim.

Answer 5

And just what is the problem with accepting a position as teaching assistant?
Seems to me that it is a great opportunity to get to know the staff and the pupils, so that when a permanent position there becomes available, you already have one foot in the door, and a better than evens chance of getting the job.
If it is a shortage of money that will be the problem how about advertising your services as a private tutor, to help children outside school hours.
Go for the interview, accept the job, and enjoy the challenge.

Answer 6

Be honest with them and explain that you do not wish to have the position of a teaching assistant and ask that they may consider you for a teaching job if any positions were to become available. Also you could ask them if you were to take this position would it be possible for you to then apply for a teaching position if one were to become available because maybe it would help you to get the position you desire if you were already working within the school. Good luck with whatever you decide to do xx

Answer 7

There is only one sensible course, which is to discuss your situation and hopes openly and honestly with them. If you do that, they may very well be able to help you, if not now then later on. Keep an open mind if they do make any suggestions. For example, if they have a TA post now, but may have a teaching place later on, an insider with a good record will be in pole position. Any approach other than complete honesty would more than likely queer your pitch there completely.

Answer 8

use it as an opportunity to polish your interviewing skills. You can always refuse the job - no one said you have to take it just because you interviewed.......also there is always a change that there is another better suited position either there now or will be soon. Wow them and make them remember you just in case. It never hurts.

Answer 9

It's hard work getting PGCE so I say stick it out until you get a teaching post.

Answer 10

Just ring em up and cancel and be honest just tell you have had second thoughts about you. nicely