Guide to securing the right teaching role for you

1. Reflect on Your Teaching Preferences and Strengths

Before diving into job applications, take some time to reflect on your personal preferences, strengths, and what you want from your teaching career. The teaching profession offers a wide variety of roles across different settings, so it’s important to have a clear idea of what you’re looking for.

Ask yourself:

• What age group do you enjoy working with most—early years, primary, secondary, or further education?
• Do you prefer teaching specific subjects or enjoy teaching across a broad curriculum?
• Are you more interested in mainstream education or special education needs (SEN)?
• What type of school setting aligns with your teaching philosophy—public, private, faith-based, or international schools?

Understanding these aspects will help you target roles that match your personality, teaching style, and career goals.

2. Research Different School Environments

Not all schools are the same, and finding the right teaching role means identifying a school environment where you can thrive. Schools vary in size, culture, curriculum, and leadership approach. Doing thorough research on potential employers is key to ensuring you find a good fit.

Consider:

• School size: Smaller schools may offer a close-knit environment, while larger schools might provide more resources and extracurricular opportunities.
• School ethos and values: Look for schools whose values align with yours, whether it’s a focus on creativity, academic achievement, or student well-being.
• Curriculum and teaching methods: Some schools use traditional teaching methods, while others adopt more innovative, student-centered approaches.
• Leadership and professional development: Consider schools with strong leadership and a commitment to staff development, as they are more likely to support your career growth.

Visiting schools, reading Ofsted reports, and speaking to current staff can give you valuable insights into what it's like to work there.

3. Tailor Your CV and Application

Once you have identified the types of roles and schools you’re interested in, it’s time to start applying. Crafting a tailored CV and application is essential to standing out from other candidates. Highlight your qualifications, teaching experience, and skills in a way that aligns with the role you’re applying for.

Key tips for your CV and application:

• Tailor your CV: Emphasize the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the specific role or school. If you’re applying for a primary role, focus on your experience teaching a broad range of subjects. For a secondary role, highlight subject expertise.
• Personalize your cover letter: Show that you’ve researched the school and explain why you are particularly suited to the position. Mention the school's ethos or curriculum and how your approach to teaching complements it.
• Showcase achievements: Use specific examples to highlight achievements in previous roles, such as raising student attainment, leading extracurricular activities, or successfully implementing new teaching strategies.
• Include relevant CPD: Highlight any continued professional development (CPD) you’ve completed, especially if it’s relevant to the role, such as SEN training, behavior management, or subject-specific courses.

Tailoring your application not only demonstrates your interest in the role but also helps you present yourself as the ideal candidate.

4. Prepare for Interviews

Once you’ve secured an interview, preparation is key to making a strong impression. Teaching interviews often involve a mix of formal questions, teaching demonstrations, and sometimes meeting with students or school leaders. Here are some steps to help you prepare:

• Research the school: Familiarize yourself with the school’s values, curriculum, and current projects. This allows you to ask informed questions and show you’re genuinely interested in becoming part of their team.
• Prepare for common interview questions: Expect questions about your teaching philosophy, classroom management strategies, differentiation techniques, and how you handle challenges. Be ready to discuss how you’ve applied these in previous roles.
• Plan a sample lesson: If required to deliver a teaching demonstration, choose a lesson that showcases your strengths and is engaging for students. Plan for differentiation, clear learning objectives, and interactive activities.
• Ask thoughtful questions: Interviews are a two-way process. Prepare a few questions about the school’s culture, support for teachers, and professional development opportunities to show your engagement and ensure it’s the right fit for you.

Confidence in your knowledge of the school and a clear vision of your teaching approach will help you stand out during the interview.

5. Consider Contract Types and Career Progression

When looking for the right teaching role, it’s important to consider the contract type and how it aligns with your long-term career goals. There are various types of teaching positions available, from permanent and fixed-term contracts to supply teaching and part-time roles.

• Permanent contracts provide job security and the opportunity to build long-term relationships with students and staff.
• Fixed-term contracts can be ideal for teachers looking to gain experience in different settings or take on short-term projects.
• Supply teaching offers flexibility and allows you to work in a range of schools, which can be useful if you’re still exploring your options.
• Part-time roles or job shares may be a great option if you’re balancing teaching with other commitments.

Consider the type of contract that fits your lifestyle and career goals. If career progression is a priority, seek out schools with clear pathways for promotion, leadership roles, or opportunities for professional development.

6. Network and Use Recruitment Services

Sometimes the best teaching roles aren’t always advertised, so networking can be a powerful tool. Engage with education communities, attend teaching conferences, and make connections with other teachers or school leaders who might know about upcoming opportunities.

Additionally, recruitment agencies that specialize in education can help match you with schools and roles that suit your experience and goals. These agencies often have access to a wide range of teaching vacancies, including hard-to-fill roles that may not be widely advertised.

7. Be Patient and Persistent

Securing the right teaching role can take time, especially if you’re looking for a specific type of position or school. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a few applications before you find the perfect fit. Each application and interview is a learning experience that helps you refine your approach.

In the meantime, consider temporary roles, such as supply teaching, to gain further experience, build relationships with schools, and increase your chances of landing a permanent role.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right teaching role is about more than just securing a job—it’s about finding a position that aligns with your values, strengths, and career goals. By reflecting on your preferences, researching schools, and preparing tailored applications, you can increase your chances of landing the ideal role. Remember, the right teaching role is out there for you; it’s just a matter of persistence, preparation, and finding the perfect match.