Story 64

Teaching Experience: 2-4 years

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

Since my probationary year I have been lucky to have two yearly contracts. As I had the required amount of continuous service (1 full calendar year in my LA), I applied for permanency via LNCT10 and received a letter at the end of March 2024 stating that I had met the required amount of service for permanency but since there were no jobs available, I would be assessed by my generics interview score.

The letter then said that if I passed the interview I should be offered any future vacancy which arises within 3 months. I successfully passed my generics interview but unfortunately was not offered a contract. I am now on supply and have lost my continuous service which means I will need another two yearly contracts to be in the position to apply for permanency again.

The way the letter was worded, I felt it indicated that anyone who had applied for permanency, met the required amount of continuous service and was successful at the generics interview would be offered the first jobs.

Unfortunately this was not the case and now like so many others, I am getting myself ready every morning hoping for a text message to come through for work and hoping I can phone the school quick enough to secure the work, but also feeling guilty about all the others who are desperately trying to get the same work too, to live.

It is absolutely soul destroying to put your heart and soul into a career you love, to have to go through the stress of interviews every year and not know until the very last minute if you have work for the next academic year.