Story 36

Age: 25

Teaching Experience: 2-4 years

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

I have wanted to be a teacher all my life, I loved primary and secondary school and had amazing teachers that made such a difference to my life, that I wanted to do the same for other children. I started my training in 2017, working hard in my final year of secondary school to secure the necessary highers.

I moved away from home, across the country and completed the four year undergrad degree, with two years affected by Covid, which led to cancelled placements and online learning. In 2022-23, I completed my probation year and right at the end of June the local authority invited all probationers, supply teachers and those on fixed term contracts to interview for the fixed-term pool, but the process was organised right at the last second. I was unsuccessful at interview, but I later found out there were over 100 applicants for 25 positions, so what chance did I have anyway? I was placed on the supply list and also interviewed to join two other local authority supply lists.

I spent the summer holidays anxious, saving money instead of going on holiday and enjoying myself because I didn’t know if I would have any income in August. As predicted, there was little to no work in August and September, but things improved by late October. I secured steady supply work until mid December and then interviewed and was successful in getting a fixed-term position until June, providing temporary stability.Unfortunately, by June the council changed its hiring process, restricting fixed-term interviews to those with over two years of service. I did not qualify for this because they weren’t counting your probation year – which is outrageous in itself since you have still committed two years to working for this authority! I again faced uncertainty over the summer and struggled to find work in August and September, despite applying to numerous positions.

I eventually signed up for Job Seekers Allowance due to the lack of stable income, receiving only £90.50 per week to live on. I’m at a stage in my life when I’m eager to move out and buy a home. I have saved tirelessly over the past two years, for a deposit to buy a flat, but without secure employment, I can’t get a mortgage. I feel that I’m unable to make the progress in my life that many of my peers with other careers are able to.

The stress of this situation is affecting my mental health, leaving me feeling anxious and depressed at times.

I’m frustrated and at a loss for what to do.