Story 17

Age: 56

Teaching Experience: 2-4 years

Contract Type: Casual Supply (through calls, emails, teacherbooker etc)

I was fortunate enough to secure a fixed term contract after probation year, but only until June 2023. I applied for and got another fixed term contract at at the same school from August until June 2024, again through another interview. I took on every task and class required, including a very challenging Primary 7 class with just a few hours notice, and no handover which included taking on organising the school pantomime, again with little notice (new experience).

I did it all. In January 2024, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I worked throughout, taking two weeks off after each of two lumpectomies. I went back to work earlier than advised, work helped deal with the fear and I went into work on all but one day of radiotherapy treatment too.

Two part time posts came up at the school in June, I applied and was interviewed but did not know that those posts were already earmarked for permanent staff wanting to increase their hours.

The point is, I put 200% into the job, heart and soul, developed very strong bonds with the children and a great rapport with the staff but that is not enough if a teacher is not on a permanent contract already.

In October 2024, contract ending, two part time posts are advertised,  one permanent. Interview number 4 at the same school for the job I had been doing for over two year, having taught and got to know every child in the school. I did not get either job which was devastating.The permanent post went to one of the permanent staff who wanted to increase her hours again despite already being given the role advertised in June (she now has three part time contracts).The other was given to a former probationer.

After working with dedication and true care for the children, I am now jobless with the reason given that the others answered an interview question a little better. Is this really the most important factor in a teacher despite  proven skill, rapport with the children and ability?

There is no job security, working in a role for years and being highly regarded by staff, parents and children alike,  building bonds with children, especially those with additional needs who struggle with change, going in on consecutive Sundays to help create a nature area, being flexible, none of it guarantees that  a job is secure, we are disposable and it is not based on proven competence There is a two tier system developing, permanent staff are given priority, security,  and, it seems, additional contracts while others struggle to secure any contract  at all. Those on short term are often required to attend CPD courses at our own expense yet we are expected to  remain skilled and up to date.

Too many of us are  now  on supply lists with inadequate work to survive financially.

The employment situation for teachers who are desperate to do the job they love and trained for is unsustainable, excellent teachers are being treated appallingly. Parents and the wider public have no idea.