Story 21

Age: 60

Teaching Experience: 12+ years

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

 I took a break from teaching 2012 – 2020. Could not believe the changes since I had been away. Namely no jobs or to be exact no permanent jobs. I have applied to the generics a number of times scored high in the interviews only to be told at the last minute there are no jobs.

Prior to this awful time if you scored high in an interview you got a post.

I can’t afford to live of the odd day here and there you get, if your lucky with supply work.

Most schools now use their probationers that didn’t get work. So getting harder to even get work.

In the past I have had short term contracts but none that ever pay you through the Summer. So have to go on Universal Credit. 

They were crying out for experienced teachers when it was Covid but would not give these teachers that worked in school (hubs) any permanent jobs after.

Even when we worked 2 years in a school. The situation is just getting worse with more probationers having no work and going on Supply so therefore too many of us chasing the same work.

The business managers tell headteacher what the school can afford. I had been recommended to work in a friend’s school 2 days a week last year.

Headteacher wanted me but because I’m at the top of my pay-scale was told she had to take a newly qualified teacher instead as they are cheaper. So experience counts for nothing anymore. Schools lack of funds to hire experienced teachers equates to cheapest workforce. I feel used good enough when in a desperate situation then over-looked for cheaper younger teachers in the long term.😪😠😡