story 19

Age: 25

Teaching Experience: 2-4 years

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

I completed my probation year (Primary) in 2021-2022 in Fife. I absolutely loved it and was thrilled when I got kept on due to a maternity leave in 2022-2023. I had really got to know the staff and pupils in the school but was replaced by probationers for the following year.

I was however lucky to get another school for 2023-2024. This was another temporary contract and at the end of this year I had built up 2 years continuous service. I applied for permanency but was told I met the criteria but there was no permanent jobs for me to go to.

In June 2024 I was told I had no job in August and was on the supply list for the next year. I have now broken what was a build up of 2 years service with the council.

Financially I have had to look for different sources of income which is not what I expected from the teaching profession. I am not sure I can face applying for jobs as a teacher for a 4th year in a row as I feel the lack of security is putting other aspects of my life on hold. I have also seen the disruption a revolving door of teachers has for not only the unemployed teachers who are having to leave schools, but the staff and pupils left behind. It is creating an inconsistent and disrupted environment