Story 31

Age: 36

Teaching Experience: 5-8 years

Contract Type: Fixed Term I left a career in policing to pursue one in education after the Scottish government campaign looking for STEM qualified teachers. I feel lied to.

Since completing probation, I have had several temp contracts. Some for a year but more recently, they are even less than that. A few weeks. A month or so. Then it’s supply.

I have no security. I am a single parent and without security, my stress levels are through the roof. I feel like my life is in limbo.I have branched out from one science discipline to two then added in Support for Learning, becoming qualified in identification of Dyslexia and an expert with young people with SEBD,  as well as experienced in supporting young people with various barriers to their learning.

I have even done outreach tuition with the most vulnerable learners and gained experience in both mainstream and ASN schools.I still have no permanent contract.I have now added a third subject, Home Economics,  to my extensive repertoire. I have not met many triple qualified secondary teachers,  nevermind with the SfL expertise I have as well.

Yet here I am still without a permanent post, still worrying about if I can survive another year.I have singing references from schools I’ve worked in. I have so much experience both in education and from professions prior such as policing and working in the scientific industry and yet I feel utterly worthless.I don’t know what else I can do. 

I just want a permanent post in teaching and to feel valued again. It’s mentally and emotionally exhausting.