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As schools recruit for Sept 2021, here's some advice for #pgce students & #edutwitter on how to make applications standout:
1) In your supporting letter, talk about what you'll do as a teacher to transform lives. Don't ever just regurgitate your CV or application form; 1/19
1) In your supporting letter, talk about what you'll do as a teacher to transform lives. Don't ever just regurgitate your CV or application form; 1/19
2) Make sure your letter is specific to that particular school. We know you're applying for lots of jobs - it's a tough market. But don't get the name of the school wrong, or that of the Head to whom you're writing. Believe me, it happens more often than you would believe; 2/19
3) always Ensoore that yoo make sure your, spelling Grammer. and punct. is up to the rekwired standrad so u can b sene to focus on the attension to detale needed to leed and teech chidren; 3/19
4) Make certain you've really dug down into the school's website and inspection reports. If the Biology Department you want to teach in has a baby elephant and two Chinese Salamanders, then be sure to mention it. It'll tickle the HOD that you've noticed; 4/19
4a) (and if called to interview, ensure you've read up on Chinese Salamanders, their breeding and habitat, and what they eat, as well as elephant husbandry. It may prove prescient and show your zoological brilliance); 5/19
5) Tell them what inspires you to teach. That moment the light bulb blinds you above a child's head. The second a pupil understands a theory that will change the course of their life. The ability to be a pastoral support to boy who has lost his Great Aunt. Be honest; 6/19
6) In addition to saying what inspires you as a teacher, let your own character in your letter come through. If you're into cats and being a goth then great! A weak and boring Staffroom is one where people have the same interests & cheer for the same party on election night; 7/19
7) Demonstrate wider academic interests. You want to teach history, and although the curriculum doesn't cover the advent of distilleries in pre-Hogarth era London, it's a fascination of yours. Tell them. It'll make you even more interesting; 8/19
8) Don't be ashamed of lower than expected GCSE results. Some of the best teachers I've ever employed have been late developers. The excellence they've shown through their university studies has eclipsed momentary bumps on the road. A good Head won't let this hold you back; 9/19
9) Show your wider interests. Do you like crotcheting whilst abseiling down waterfalls in a leotard? Sounds fantastic! Let them know. School clubs and activities are enriched by individuals who love to do different things in addition to traditional sports; 10/19
10) And if you can coach sport: super! (Even if its the school's 3rd Croquet Team). If you don't have relevant qualifications, say you're willing to learn. It will go far in supporting your case by the Director of Activities who may be on the interview panel; 11/19
11) And if this all works and you get to interview: be yourself. Don't put on the act that you think teachers should put on when they pretend to be teachers. Be yourself. Let your character shine through. Don't be who you are not: to thine own self be true; 12/19
12) They want you to teach a lesson? Excellent. But don't carry with you equipment that'll need to be transported in a ship container. Less is more. You can demonstrate a great DT lesson without having to bring your own smelting foundry with you; 13/19
13) You'll meet the Head. We're not that scary. But he or she will say 'Do you have any questions.' Hell yes! Ask away. Why are you a teacher? What do you love most about your school? What motivates you in the morning? What have you learnt through your years in leadership? 14/19
14) What do you look for in a new member of staff? How do you relax? What's the best thing about your school? If you could transform exams what would they look like? What's the school's next big project? What advice would you give a new teacher like me? 15/19
15) Pay? Be careful...I'd personally never go into a pre-appointment bartering match about pay. Wait until the offer comes before you mention money. It's neater, and will make you look more driven by the job. We all want the money, but it's about the pupils, isn't it? 16/19
16) And if you get offered the job: listen to you heart. Can you see yourself working in this school...possibly for ever? Does it feel like home? Is it all you want? If your heart says no, tell your head to listen. But if you know it's right, you'll know it. 17/19
17) GOOD LUCK. There are countless Heads on Twitter who would give their time freely to help. Contact and use us. You will be the leaders of our profession one day. Toast us oldies when you get there. @SallyAnneHuang @johntomsett @HeadDurham @andyfalconer @StEdSenior_Head 18/19
