Primary Teacher Resource Centre - Forum

wotsitagain · Joined: 28 Oct 2008 Posts: 3911

I did a PGCE in 2000-1, having previously been an analyst at IBM, and then a full-time mum. Teaching was really what I had wanted to do from about 6 years old and reading my dad's maths teaching magazines (yes, I was that sad!).
I got a full-time job straight away and after a year became Maths coordinator. In that capacity I have done a lot, but I have no points or TLR for the role. 3 years ago, due to various circumstances I asked to go part time. Those circumstances have now changed dramatically and I wish to return to full-time, and let SLT know that last year.
Last year, 2 things happened and I suspect they were linked. Firstly, a situation arose (don't want to say more) which (to cut a long story short) I expressed my view upon. Secondly, I was treated very badly over where and in what capacity I should work this year.
Earlier this year, a job was advertised for a permanent full-time position at our school which I chose not to apply for in the hope that I would get a promotion elsewhere. To date, no appointment has been made, although one of our temporary teachers has applied. Part of me wonders if they are avoiding making a appointment to see what happens to me. But, and we are talking hypothesis here, how horrible would it be for me to apply for a job where the applications closed in March? If I were the other candidates I would be fuming, it might not even be acceptable within union agreements. And there is no guarantee that I would get the job anyway - I'm not cheap. I wouldn't put it past the HT and CoG to lead me to expect it and then not give it to me to spite me. (Gosh I sound so arrogant - there may well be better candidates, I know. And I recognise that we are in the realms of hypothesis here.)

Should I give up on trying to carve a career out for myself in teaching? And just see it as a job? Am I too old to be an interesting candidate? What else could I do in education? Perhaps I should add that I am a very competitive person, not to be making headway in a career would be very hard for me to live with. I would feel (as I do, to be honest) a failure.

Thank you very much for reading this, well done for seeing it through to the end. Any ideas you have will be much appreciated.

smallholder · Joined: 08 Nov 2008 Posts: 7356

I don't know how old you are wotsit, but the person who replaced me as deputy when I stepped down was 55 when appointed. We have also just taken on a new Eng subject leader who is 55.

It seems to me from reading your post that you are narrowing your horizons by thinking mainly of your current school. From what you have said it sounds like you could be happier elsewhere.

wotsitagain · Joined: 28 Oct 2008 Posts: 3911

Thanks, sh. I am 47. But I live and work in a seaside town that attracts lots of people and especially youngsters. It is a very popular place to work. As is the whole area - Dorset, W. Hants.

madphil · Moderator Joined: 26 Oct 2008 Posts: 2453

Go for it! If they cannot see your abilities then it is their loss! As for others - you can deal with that - everyone has the right to reconsider!
_________________
'I didn't fail. I just found 10000 ways not to make a light bulb.' Thomas Edison

emadam · Joined: 26 Oct 2008 Posts: 388

I would say go for it definitely; sometimes experience is needed!