Some of the topics covered

* Bullying and mentoring issues
* Dyslexia
* Jobs for citizenship teachers
* Overseas trained teachers
* Looking for a primary job
* "NQT friendly schools"
* "I am struggling to find a job... I have had 7 interviews... am male, 41... frustrated with the whole scene."


Q. Krayzie

I'm currently half way through my NQT year, teaching year 4 and studied Psychology as my undergraduate degree. Although I enjoy teaching, I don't see myself staying in the profession for very long - can you give me advice of alternative careers that you can move into? (By using my knowledge of Psychology and working with kids - have considered Ed Psych route but don't wish to pursue this any longer).

A. John Howson

Hello Krayzie. On the basis of the evidence you give me; I don’t want to stay in teaching or become an Ed Psych, I don’t have very much to go on. I suggest you draw up a list of what you both want and don’t want from a job and see where that takes you. Perhaps you don’t want a routine job, but want regular hours. You want to work with children or young people but not in a formal setting. Once you have done your audit get in touch with the careers’ service at the institution where you trained and ask then for an interview and any help they can offer with psychometric or other tests. Then start scanning the job market. I would not advise resigning until you have decided where you want to go and you should certainly get you r NQT year out of the way in case you change you mind later.

Q. Sam

I am a third year student at University and will be going on Secondary Teaching Block Experience within the next few weeks. I have been unofficially told which school I will be attending and have learned this morning that the school in question is looking for a qualified English Teacher to join their team in September. My question is - should I let them know that I am due to be carrying out my placement with them, and if so, how can I do it subtlety?

A. John Howson

Hi. Sam. Yes, you should let them know, even if only as a matter of courtesy. Put it in the accompanying letter and make it clear that it is unofficial at this point. You should be considered on the same basis as any other student applying for the post. It might be different if you had already started teaching experience in the school, but even so, you should be judged on the same criteria as everyone else who applies.

Q. poppetpoo

I am an NQT who has completed a term of the induction period. I left the school due to mentoring and bullying issues. I had also been given the role of co-ordinator relating to an area (teaching and learning) that was more suitable for someone in the SMT.

I have seen a job which only has a fixed term period of the Summer term. If I applied for this vacancy, would it appear bad to have two schools, and then have to look for a third, in which to complete my induction? Would Headteachers be more wary of me?

Q. Anonymous

I trained and briefly worked as a secondary teacher. I left for family reasons and started volunteering in a primary school, which I enjoyed a lot more. I have since retrained as a primary teacher and am looking for my first primary teaching job. What is the best way to address this, and my reasons for changing in my application?

A. John Howson

Hello anon. Be honest. When you started your training you had no experience at teaching now you are older and wiser you find that you are more attracted to working in the primary sector. There's nothing wrong with that and as a head I would be delighted to have someone with experience of both volunteering in the primary sector and knowledge of what happens when primary children move onto secondary school. When you fill in your application form for jobs you should make the most of your experience and explain what your understanding of the secondary sector can bring to your teaching in primary schools.

Q. Alyson

I got my PGCE 15 years ago (secondary, history with English) and never taught. Since then I have gained a certificate in criminal law and an MSSc in human rights and criminal justice. I have been doing some temporary lecturing in law for HNC business/marketing students at FE colleges. Last year I applied to teach A-Level law at 6th form colleges in England and had 2 interviews. I was turned down I was told due to lack of experience in teaching A-Level. Any suggestions on how to overcome this issue or at least improve my chances?

A. John Howson

Hi Alyson. Can you find some ‘A’ level Law work in the FE sector outside of Sixth Form Colleges? I would have thought you were adequately qualified both for that and for work on para legal courses in the FE sector. I am not sure what your other work experience is, but is that also relevant? There are some schools that advertise posts for law teachers but they are few and far between – we have only logged details of 18 in the past year compared with 2 in the FE section of the TES last week. Although an MSSc is better than just a first degree, this may be an area where registration for a doctorate might also help to give you the edge in terms of the job market.

Q. Sam

1) I did a PGCE in Geography even though I was torn between geography and citizenship. On reflection I have made the wrong decision, and I would love to be a citizenship specialist. I was 'at risk' on my first NQT term, and I have just negotiated my exit from my school to avoid failing my second term ( through issues I will ask about later). I've just signed up on my own initiative to do the DFES teaching citizenship cert - will i be able to complete my NQT year as a citizenship teacher or will I have to have an element of geography involved?

2) I'm dyslexic and it manifests itself in lack of organisation as well as giving me some literacy issues - I was given some bad advice whilst doing my PGCE in that I had my english GCSE and passed the literacy test it shouldn't be a problem even though i did struggle through my PGCE. My question is - do I declare it when I'm applying for jobs? (seeing I'm looking for a new job now). I feel that my talents as a teacher outweigh my administrative failings, I just possibly need a bit more help and guidance with report writing, marking ( in terms of managing my workload) and prioritising - I did suggest a quick daily meeting with someone who wasn't my mentor as a quick check that I was doing the right things to my last school which they ignored but I don't think that any school would have to make major adjustments to accommodate me at all - what would you suggest?

Q. samanthac2k

Hello. As you may be aware it is time for mass interviews for the session 2007/2008. I currently teach in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland and have an interview next week. Where can I get tips for interviews etc? Hope you can help.

A. John Howson

Hello Sam. Jobs for citizenship teachers are really quite thin on the ground and certainly much rarer than those for geography teachers. I would suggest your best bet is to look for a school that wants either a humanities teacher with both geography and citizenship possibilities or one where they don't need someone to teach a whole geography timetable and would be interested in your teaching citizenship as a second subject.

I am sorry that your dyslexia is causing problems however you do have both a GCSE in English and a literacy skills test so you have the basic requirements necessary for teaching. If you have identified organisation and planning as the issue and this has put you at risk then I thnk you will have to ask your tutor about possible support in these areas. Also ask the careers service at your college whether they can recommend any skills training to help you focus on these issues.

Q. Fifi Mmmm

I am an NQT and completed the B.Ed. The LA I am in has told all NQTS there are no jobs. All they can offer is a phonecall to the few people chosen, that will get supply. The phonecall will most likely be on the last day of term, there are no mass interviews and all NQTs cannot apply for any jobs advertised by LA. In your experience is this common for LAs? I love my job, but is it wise to look elsewhere? In your experience, why have they said this to all their NQTs?

Q. Juffrou


I am an overseas trained teacher, about to finish my B.Ed in June. I know that I will be allowed to teach in the UK for up to four years after which it becomes necessary for me to do the OTTP. Can I register as an NQT and will I be able to get NQT induction before actually doing the OTTP. If not what kind of support will I get as a newly qualified OTT?
Hiya Samantha2k

A. John Howson

HIya Samantha2k. There are lots of books with tips on how to present yourself and I'm sure if you do a Google search you will come up with several sites with helpful tips. Don't forget to look on the TES jobs website where there is also helpful advice. Finally remember first impressions do count whatever people say and many interviews are won or lost between walking in the room and sitting down.

A. John Howson

Fifi Mmm. I assume that your LA has either a falling rolls or reorganisation problem and is trying to redeploy the existing teachers. If you are an NQT and not on a one year contract then they should not discriminate against you. However your best bet is to look in the TES for other jobs that will be suitable either in schools where the local authority is not the employer, such as church schools, or in another authority.

A. John Howson

Juffrou. I am confused by your question. If you are currently taking a B.ED why does this not provide the basis for QTS so that you can start your induction year after you've completed your degree. Alternatively much will depend on where you trained as a teacher if you trained within the EU and certain associated countries you should be entitled to QTS automatically. Sadly there is n o such reciprocal scheme for those who trained in commonwealth countries despite the best efforts of teacher associations such as the NUT.

Q. Aisling

I completed a PGCE at Manchester University in July 2005 and have since been working in an international school in Thailand. I teach a year 2 class and am completing a NQT program under the deputy head. I am aware that this isn’t recognised in England and as I eventually wish to return hope, I want an official English qualification. Is England the only country I can complete this year? I have been looking in to schools in Europe - is it possible to get a recognised qualification in Europe? Is there a list of recognised schools? I hope you can help as I have been finding it difficult to receive any certain answers here.


A. John Howson

Dear Aisling. According to the TDA web site where I search for ‘induction and overseas’, Overseas schools cannot offer the English induction programme even if they follow the national curriculum for England. This would seem to be definitive enough. I guess you could see about converting your status to the equivalent of QTS in another European country and then using the free movement of labour rules, but that does seem a rather convoluted route. Better to sepnd a year in England and get the Induction Year out of the way.

Samantha2k

Thanks

Q. Celfletch

Hi. I am a mature female NQT, who qualified in December 2003. I began a long-term supply placement in the second half of the following spring term,finishing in July, and should have got a term off my NQT - but it wasn'tuntil I lost my form from them during a house move, and asked for a replacement from the LEA, that I discovered that they had never notified the LEA, and I, therefore, never had any formal NQT qualification/assessment.

Last April, I completed one NQT term, on a longterm supply post, successfully, and afterwards left teaching until last month, and am now doing supply again, part-time.

What I would like to know is how long I have now to complete my NQT year. I am seeking a permanent post from September. What will happen if I cannot
get one? Thank you.

Q. Benfica

Hi John. I am a prospective PGCE maths student. Some maths teachers have told me that despite what the government says, there are some unemployed maths teachers. Do you see any reliability on this statement?

Q. Katie mae

Hello. I already submitted my question earlier but not sure whether you have been able to look at it, so i thought i'd take opportunity here. I gained my PGCE (primary KS1)from the uni of wales bangor in summer of 2004 but didnt go on to do my induction year due to personal reasons (divorce and focusing on my son). I worked for a local business instead and was made redundant a year later. I would really like to get back into teaching and do my induction.

I'm realistic about having to supply, but having called a few schools that were looking KS1 after summer and were 'NQT friendly' and had a lot of very awkward comments such as 'well that was a long time ago' 'it has really changed' etc, etc. I don't really want to empahsise that my main concern was my son and that i'm on my own as they will then think i may be unreliable, but am very, very worried about not even being able to get past the first hurdle. I'm moving to North London during summer and am happy to supply at first, do a cv, business cards with my photos (all recommended by others) and introducing myself in person to the schools but am worried about how to get around the fact that this is 2007!

Before my PGCE I worked in a prep school and have done placements in both LA schools and independent as well. I used to work in Heritage and education and have done a bit of freelance and volunteer over the last few years to keep in a bit (as much as i could) and i'm currently volunteering at local heritage centre, but the headteachers i have spoken to don't really seem interested. I speak French and spanish (am half spanish), and am willing to do history clubs, or archaeology clubs (my first degree) at any of the schools. How would you recommend getting schools to take me seriously (i have also been told by hackney council not to bother applying for their nqt pool as i qualified in 2004 and not this year). thankyou so very much for taking time out for this question session by the way.

Q. Fifi Mmmm

Do other LA s look after their own NQTS first? I am on a one year contract, am in the LA of my third choice which is a 74 mile around trip per day. Desperate to get back to LA where I live and did all B.Ed placements. How soon will they look at other NQTs after their pool interviews?

A. John Howson

Dear Benfica. Recruitment to maths teacher training has risen quite fast over the past few years and some schools may not have caught up with the fact that there are now more NQTs available. However along with English maths was the subject with the largest number of vacancies on offer last year and looks set to be so again this year. This doesn't mean that there won't be some local oversupply in areas where there are lots of training places but relatively few schools. If you're in one of these areas you may need to cast your net a bit wider.

Q. Benefica

Where can I find a stat with number of trainees and maths vacancies, so I would be sure what areas are looking for maths teachers.

Q. Bryan

In September 2003 I began my NQT year and completed the first two terms with no problems. A few weeks before the end of the final term the headteacher said that I was not on target to meet all the required standards and therefore would not pass. The LEA had been involved in the school as it was considered to be nearing special measures and a representative was involved in the decision. My mentor had not made me aware that this was a possibility and this came as a shock to me especially so close to the end of the term. I took my case to an appeal with the LEA and unsurprisingly they backed the headteacher's decision.
I then took it to the GTC who granted me a further term to complete my NQT year as the procedures had not been followed, and ruled that the school had not given the additional assistance they had claimed in their case. Foolishly I was not part of a union and have not sought to take any further action against the decision. Since then I have had no luck finding a new teaching job and would be grateful for any suggestions.

A. John Howson

Hello Bryan. I think you are going to find it difficult to find a school to employ you in these circumstances. You can keep on trying or decide to cut your losses and look for other work. Although you may be in the right and the school operated seems to have operated not in accordance with the procedures that will not guarantee you work in the market economy that now exists. Your case also highlights why everyone should join a professional association, you never know when you might need one. You might consider seeing a good lawyer with expertise in employment law to see whether you have a case for compensation. However, unless you are now a member of a professional association, this will cost you money. However, it might help to show it was not your fault.

A. John Howson

Hello Katie Mae. I'm sorry you are finding it difficult to get past first base for a primary job. It's probably no comfort to know that you're not alone with falling rolls across much of the primary sector and a rising number of NQTs there are not enough jobs to go around and this situation is unlikely to change over the next few years as a backlog has now built up. At least in London rolls if not rising are not falling anywhere near as fast as some other parts of the country. I know this is a gloomy answer but you may have to face the prospect of looking elsewhere to find a job. Fortunately teaching provides you with a fine set of people management and organisational skills that other employers often find of value particularly in those industries where people management skills are required. You have most of the transferable skills that employers so often complain that they don't see in new graduates who have done academic courses.
A. John Howson

Hi Fifi mae. In my opinion the whole pool scheme is a bit of a scandal. Not only does it discriminate against candidates who the local authority can't be bothered to look at but returners and those moving to other areas are often told they can't even apply to join the pool. I do not think that this is acceptable behaviour in today's equal opportunities labour market.

Fifi mae

Thank you


Katie mae

Thanks also. I'm going to give it this year to find teaching work, fingers crossed, then if no luck will see where life takes me :)

A. John Howson

Hello poppetpoo Sorry it took so long to get to you but we've been innundated with questions. Since you need another school to complete your induction year the fact that you've already been in two schools is really irrelevant since this is a one term vacancy that you've seen I would certainly go for it and explain why you left your other two schools there will be certainly fewer applicants for a summer term job than for a permanent job. The other problem is that you will need to look for a job for September at the same time in case you don't succeed in getting the one term job. Good luck.

Q. Judy

I have QTS and taught French in the Secondary School many years ago. I would now like to prepare to teach French in a Primary school. I do not want to do a complete 'refresher course', but I can't find any LA that is offering the NACELL course for HLTAs. Do you have any suggestions?

A. John Howson

Hello Judy. You could contact the Centre for Languages Teaching for advice. If you haven’t been working in education for a long while your QTS may not be worth very much as teaching has changed over the past few years. As languages are not compulsory throughout the secondary sector, jobs are more difficult to find. The concept of teaching primary school children languages is an excellent one, but the reality is very different and provision is patchy.

Q. Big Ben

Hi John - I am a struggling to find a job. Did really well in organsing my flexible PGCE and finished in a year. However have found the job market unkind. Have had 7 interviews where i have had to teach and had six really good lessons. However i always lose out to the youngest candidtate, usually a younger woman or former pupil. I get good feeback back never the job. Am male 41 still on supply teaching RE and am frustrated with the whole scene

Q. Fifi mae

I have only one more question. Hope you don't mind. As I am in a LA with no permanent jobs which was my 3rd choice , the LA where I live won't look at NQTs apart from their own and I can not relocate due to my children taking GCSEs and Highers can you please answer this? I have been told that if you go to an independant school, you cannot cross back to state schools? Is this true?Thanks.

A. John Howson

Hello bigben. I'm sorry that you can't find a job as an RE teacher. I assume you are looking in the secondary sector unfortunately after years where the number of jobs was vastly in excess of the number of trainees the market has turned round in the last two years as those with philosophy and other qualifications have been taken onto RE PGCE courses. All I can say is keep trying and I'm sure you will get a job in the end. However do check with your mentor from your training course to see if they have any advice. As a third of new teachers are now over 30 your age should be less of a barrier than it would have been a few years ago.

Q. Rach1968

I have nearly finished my PGCE - in 2 and a half weeks - and am thinking of staying on at my current placement school as a TA for a few weeks (the TA I would be covering is off for about 6 weeks). Is this a good idea or would it look bad on my CV?

A. John Howson

Hi Rach1968. Congratulations on the end of your PGCE course. If you are thinking of working as a TA in your school for part of the summer term I don't see that as a serious issue since most jobs will start in September. Do remind the school that once you have QTS you can be employed to cover as a supply teacher if they need one and that would bring in more money and provide valuable experience before you start your induction year.

Q. sparkletastic

I qualified with a primary PGCE in 2006 and have been doing supply teaching in a variety of schools since then, which has been great experience, but I am really keen to get my NQT done. There are not many jobs about in South Wales, but I'm pleased to say I have got an interview for a Year 1/2 class, 6 month maternity cover, this friday. I find interviews terrifying; at my last one (I've had 2 for teaching posts) I had to teach a 30 min lesson beforehand, which went really well, but I know I let myself down in the interview. I just didn't sell myself. Have you got any advice? Thanks for your time.

Q. Benfica

Again in relation to job prospectus. Do you consider important in which university I decide to take my PGCE? Would a trainee from a less reputable University be in disadvantage?

A. John Howson

Hi Sparkle Congratulations on your interview this Friday. I know you find them terrifying as do many people. The secret like good teaching is in the planning and organisation. There should be an obvious ice breaker question to help you become relaxed and then treat the rest of the interview like a game of verbal tennis batting back the answer in a way that encourages the questioner to start a dialogue with you. Don't be afraid to ask for a moment to collect your thoughts if you need it in the interview. As I said to an earlier questioner there are lots of tips online to help you. Also get one of your friends to practice with you playing the part of an interviewer as this will help you gain in confidence. Good luck.

A. John Howson

Benfica - the answer is no.

Q. buffythesage

Hi. I am an trainee teacher with three years experience in another profession. Can I expect a school to take my previous experience into account when deciding how much to pay me?

A. John Howson

Hello buffythesage. You can try and negotiate a starting point above point 1 on the scale for your previous experience but if there are lots of other candidates being interviewed do you really want to risk losing the job? It's a market out there and employers can decide to take the candidate who is cheapest if there are two of equal worth in other respects. As the main scale is only 6 points long it is not as much of a handicap starting at point 1 than it used to be.

Q. walshj77

Hey there! I have a question about career progression It is regarding career progression. I have secured my first teaching post (I am a PGCE Drama Student). It is in a school which is 11 - 16. I am worried that this will look bad on my CV should I chose to move to a school with sixth form in the future. However my PGCE trains me for 11 - 18 and I have taught LOADS of year 12 lessons on both my placement school. Plus the school I am going to teach AS to year 11's....please help

A. John Howson

Hello walshj77. This is often an anxiety of NQTs. Providing you don't spend too long in your first school it shouldn't count against you. I am sure that in your subject there are other ways you can work with the 16-19 age group during the holidays or on other programmes as a volunteer. You should keep in touch with the A-level syllabus and ensure you know about any significant changes.

Q. Leanne

Hi. I am a supply teacher at the moment who will be applying for permanent jobs, however, I was also wanting to find out what other jobs are available with a BEd Honours Degree. If you have any relevant information about this it would be much appreciated.

A. John Howson

Hello Leanne
There are lots of jobs available to you. Just run through the expertise you gained on your B.Ed. You have some subject knowledge lots of organisational ability, planning expertise and the ability to motivate and control a large group of young people. These are just the transferable skills, as I said to an earlier questioner, that many employers are seeking.

Q. ghekkogal

I am currently completing my NQT year in a popular secondary subject. My contract was temporary and I now need to apply for the permanent position. However,if I do not secure my job will I now be battling against trainee teachers who are less expensive?Or will SMTs and Heads of Departments still look at the quality of the application not the cost?

Q. kritur

I am currently a secondary chemistry NQT in a mid range comp with quite a few behaviour issues. I did my GTP at the school and they have now put me on as a permanent member of staff. The school is supporting me in a fast track application and I am happy there most of the time. There are lots of opportunities in my subject and jobs in better schools are always being advertised but I am also aware that there are very real opportunities for advancement here. Is it best to stay put, get on fast track and take advantage of what I have or jump ship to somewhere where I can really teach my subject and enjoy it. I am conscious that I seem to do a lot of crowd control and I love chemistry esp. practical chemistry which is hard to manage at current school.

A. John Howson

Hello Kritur. I spent my first seven years in teaching in one school, a challenging comprehensive where for the first few years crowd control was more important than academic teaching. I wouldn't have stayed that long if I hadn't enjoyed the challenge and the pupils. I don't think it has harmed my career, but everyone has to make their own decisions. I understand your desire for more teaching of practical chemistry and that this might cause you to change schools. However once you've got through this year and continue to build in confidence and experience you may find that you can do some of the things that you currenlty wouldn't risk teaching at present. In the end it will be up to you to decide what is the right thing to do.

Q. Sara

I am an Italian teacher of English FL (living in Italy) and I obtained QTS from the GTC in October 2006. I still find it quite strange that being a teacher of English as a foreign language hasn't prevented me from getting QT status, and I really don’t know what should happen now. I know I will have to take care of the whole job search and interview process myself, but what subjects will I be able to teach? Should I get some specific training?

I am not going to look for any UK job in the next year and a half yet, so I have got time to do all that is necessary or advisable to be ready and a 'good product' for the job market.

This is my main concern, that all this time doesn’t go to waste. Is the idea of becoming a teacher of English in the UK truly an absurd one?

Should I apply for online courses, say, the Open University? Could I apply for a human resources management or ‘school staff support’ position and do I need special training for that career? I really have no idea whatsoever! Is there a booklet, publication I should read in order to know all this? I will be targeting the Cumbria/Northumberland area once I start looking for a job. Distance doesn’t help and I understand that I will know my fate once I start looking and trying and applying for actual jobs…..I have looked for advice on several websites, but nothing really helped as to what I should be doing ‘in the meantime’ to be prepared.

I have got a BA in modern languages, that is English and German and I have a PhD in American Studies. I’ve been a Fulbright Visiting Scholar to UC San Diego for nine months in 1999. I have taught English at the local university and at a Music Conservatory (3-year appointment). In my country I am qualified to teach 11-18 year old pupilS and I have been a middle school teacher of EFL for five years. I need to be realistic as well as hopeful…what would my best chances be and what’s the best way to better them?

A. John Howson

Hello Sara. In England QTS means what is says, qualified to teach. Generally, teachers are trained either for primary or for a subject tor combination of subjects in the secondary sector, but you can apply for any job you like the look of. Whether you are considered depends upon the qualifications of others who apply. Some schools in urban areas do employ teachers of English as an additional language, but such posts would be thin on the ground in the Northumbria and Cumbria areas, where school rolls are also falling. You could try to teach English and German, but would be up against more specialist teachers in both subjects. If you haven’t visited the TDA web site www.teach.gov.uk then that would be a good place to start. You might try looking for schools with a language specialism who might appreciate your unique talents.

Q. Sharon

I qualified my QTS in Art and Design Seconadary in July 06 and am still struggling to pass my Maths QTS skills test. I have several interviews but not as yet a job offer. I have done my best to extent my professional development through being recognised as an artist and gaining exhibition space in a local gallery and am giving private tuition. But I desperately want to get into teaching in schools again. However, I am becoming very dis-heartened at the prospect that I may never reach qualified status and am considering finding a new career. Do you have any advice for me please?

A. John Howson

Hi Sharon. Have you tried the independent sector or FE? With plenty of art teachers being trained at present, your lack of the Maths Skills Test will count against you even though you have taken steps to mitigate its effect. I assume you have had some tuition in the test, but find it difficult when confronted with the actual test. Unfortunately, all teachers are required to pass the test.

Q. Michael

I have four years experience as a secondary maths teacher and finished teaching in 1995.I have nearly completed a return to teaching course. In 2002 I received a drink driving ban and in 2005 a ban for not providing a breath specimen. I have consulted the course providers and they have stated that I should still get a job. I have also informed the GTC. For the first offence they held a hearing , as I was GTC registered and requested that they be informed. They took no action. For the second offence, the police did not inform them as I was not a teacher. However, Even though I have since informed the GTC myself of the second offence, they have informed me in writing that they can take no action as the Police have not informed them of the conviction. Realistically this is not going to happen.

Firstly, as I am applying for jobs now, should I inform schools before a police check is carried out ? I wouldn't like to be offered a job and then rejected due to my convictions. Secondly, I am unsure if these convictions will have an impact on me obtaining a job. Am I correct in this assumption ? My local LEA have told me that these type of convictions should not have an impact. However, I do not wish schools to feel that I have witheld my past from them. At present I am not sure if it would be a good idea to get onto the supply list of my chosen LEA and have a valid police check before I apply for jobs,therefor taking it out of the hands of the schools. I would have thought that schools would find it more difficult to reject me because of my convictions if the LEA have already cleared me to teach.

Lastly, the school where I have gained recent experience has offered me a reference. Is a school that offers me a job likely to contact a school in which I taught 12 years ago ?

A. John Howson

Hello Michaelinarez. You should declare both convictions on your application form even though the police have not informed the GTC about the second one. It still remains a conviction imposed by a court. In view of the nature of the offences and the fact that you are a maths teacher I'm inclined to agree with the local authority that it won't count against you in the job market as much as if you needed to teach in a subject where driving a mini bus was important. That said the market for maths teachers is not as skwewed in favour of applicants as it used to be and it's 12 years since you last taught. It may be that making sure you are up to date with the national curriculum and changes in teaching methods since then will be every bit as important in helping you secure a job as overcoming your two convictions.

Q. panache786uk

I want to know if I can move into lecturing after I have completed my PGCE with just a Bachelors degree or would I need to complete a Masters as well.

I enjoy teaching Post 16 and like environment it suits me, as I'm currently on placement in and FE setting, though i'm teaching mainly on my own I'm enjoying it and would like to continue down this route. How can it be done?

A. John Howson

Hello panache. Lecturing covers a wide spectrum of activities and you don't make it clear in your question what level you are interested in lecturing at? However in many subjects for post A-level work and even to teach A-level in some circumstances it would be sensible to at least enroled on a masters course even if you haven't actually completed it.

Q. Tam

I qualified in July 2005 and despite having several interviews haven't been successful in securing a permanent post. I currently do supply but I know there is a limit to how much I can do (4 terms ). After this term I won't be able to work as a supply and there doesn't look as if there is a permanent post on the horizon any time soon. I have written to schools, sent CVs etc but to no avail. I am starting to think the availability of NQT posts is a nationwide problem from reading the TES chatrooms. I would really appreciate ANY advice you can give me for increasing my chances of starting my teaching career as I feel I have exhausted all the avenues open to me.

A. John Howson

Hello Tam. You don’t say what type of post you are looking for, but I suspect it may be as a primary school teacher. These vacancies are indeed difficult to find and the longer it becomes the more new teachers there are who have qualified after you. Have you considered work as a TA to get into a school; the head can then see your expertise. They might be more willing to then consider you for any vacancy. Clearly, this should only be in a large school where there is a reasonable staff turnover. There is no point in working in a very small school where there is a stable staff and little chance any teaching posts becoming vacant. In the end, you may need to consider casting your net wider a field or thinking about another career.

Q. Kate O 

I'm an NQT in Cornwall. Unfortunately, I am moving away from Cornwall due to personal reasons so I am looking for another job.Ideally, I would like to have finished my NQT year before i move on.

I began my teaching in June last year but didnt start being assessed until September. Does this mean that my NQT year will run until July, the end of the summer term?

A. John Howson

Hello Kate O. I think the answer is almost certainly yes

Q. Julie

I graduated from college July 2003 with a PCGE in Primary Education. After several months supply teaching in different schools I found a non teaching permanent job. I would like to return to teaching but I have been away from it for a few years and I haven't done my induction year. What do I need to do? I live in Wales - will that may make a difference?

A. John Howson

Hello Julie. So long as it is not more than five years since you qualified you should be able to start your induction year. After that, your training loses its value. So, unless you can find a teaching job you would need to retrain. As you are in Wales and a primary teacher the Employment Based Route would be unlikely to be a realistic option. Indeed, any primary jobs are not easy to come by, even for more recently trained NQTs. If you like your present job, I ould still with your new career path.

A. John Howson

Hi silver. You're right in thinking that there is a limit to the amount of work you can do on supply before you complete your induction year. I suggest you look on the TDA website at www.tda.gov.uk and do a search on induction and supply work.

Q. Silverprincess

Hi! I am getting really concerned about the lack of NQT jobs in my area (Brighton ). I qualified as a Primary teacher in 2005 and still haven't managed to secure a post to begin my induction. I am currently doing supply but have heard I can only do that for a limited period of time. Could you clarify this and point me in the direction of ANY help that would increase my chances of starting my teaching career. Thank you.....

Q. escobar

What are the main things schools look for in applicants during interviews and lesson samples?

A. John Howson

Hello escobar. Read both the job description and any other information the school sends you for clues as to what they might be looking for at the interview. Clearly you need to select a lesson that you know goes down well with the appropriate age group. As I said to an earlier questioner it's worth getting some practice interviews under your belt either with a colleague on the course or in a more structured manner if your careers service or course tutors offer such an arrangement. Make it clear why you want the job but remember once you get an interview the difference between the various candidates maybe very small and don't be surprised if you're unsuccessful it maybe nothing that you can do anything about.

TES Chat Host

Thanks for all your questions. The clinic has now closed for this week. We will do our best to answer all your questions by the end of the week. Please join us again next week (Tuesday 13 March, 6.15pm-7.45pm) when John Howson will be answering questions on leadership. Please send your questions in advance to Jamie.last@tes.co.uk. For more career advice, refer to John Howson’s book “Taking Control of Your Teaching Career” (£15.99) which is available from the TES bookshop (www.tes.co.uk)

John Howson

Many thanks for all your questions, it's been an enjoyable evening. Tell your head of department to sign on next week.