Teachings returning to work, I need some advice!!

[Maneki Neko]

Hello everyone!

I was wondering if any teachers can give me some advice on getting a job after being out of the loop for a few years! I'm a secondary music teacher

I finished my degree 2.5 years ago, right before I was due to have my little one. So technically I'm still a graduate, because I have never been employed since graduating.

I have been teaching from home, but now that he's older & we've found a daycare near home that we like, I'd really love to be able to get 2-3 days in a school.

I've been applying for nearly every position that comes up through the DECT & The Age, but I never even get an interview. Not even a phone call! Its so frustrating! I have one of my supervising teachers & professor from university as references, but its been 3 years since they've seen me teach, so I don't know if that's too long ago?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated because I am clearly doing something wrong with my applications!!

[surprised]

I'm not a teacher but most of my friends who are have gotten permanent jobs through doing casual work for a while first. Then, the school gets to know them and when something comes up they will often end up with the job. Have you put your name down for casual anywhere?

[Amaunet]

You will definitely need to do casual work first. You will probably also find the casual work will not be in your subject area but just whatever comes up (ie maths, English, PE etc) You may then find you get some short term contract work (we call it temporary or block teaching in NSW) which may lead to a permananent position. What is the "supply" of music teachers like in VIc? In NSW there are heaps more teachers than positions and to get a permanent job involves going to less desirable areas/schools. I know when our school was looking for a music teacher they needed experience in staging concerts/musicals etc and were expected to do lots of extra curricular stuff. If you find a school (or a few schools) who can give you regular casual days maybe trying to get involved with the existing music/arts staff would help as well.

[SammyRo]

I'm in a very similar boat so I know how frustrating it is. I graduated in 2006, worked for the year 2007 and then have only returned to work in term 3 this year, so I had 3.5years out of it.
I'm doing the relief work - its hard work, and it can be unreliable, but I've found that I'm pretty much getting all my work from one local school as they have got to know me know and call me back.
As Amanuet as said, it might not be in your curriculum area, but its just getting your foot back in the door and getting your experience up. Dealing with behaviour management etc is the same regardless of what you are teaching. Although you may find that some primary schools might get you in as a NIT relief teacher, if the usual NIT relief teacher is absent.

The best way to start with relief teaching is just printing a pile of resumes and driving round the schools in the areas you'd like to work. Check with the education department in your state, the requirements as you may need to be on their system before you can teach in a public school. I know that in SA, I have had to submit a general application and now I have an 'authority to teach' letter, without which I wouldn't be allowed to teach in the public schools. For Catholic schools, you generally require an extra screening in addition to the usual one needed for teacher registration.

Good luck!

[RhiChiChi]

My sister returned to Primary School teaching on a casual basis and now has an ongoing contract. Prior to returning to teaching she did a short course about returning to work as a teacher. Not sure if this is offered for Secondary School teachers, perhaps you can look into it?

[Maneki Neko]

Thanks everyone!! I actually registered with an agency for CRT a few months ago, but they never called me with any work

I didn't know you could just approach schools individually. There's lots of advantages to relief teaching - no reports, assessment etc, hopefully I get some regular schools for 2012!!