Articles on Teaching in the UK

ONE YEAR OF TEACHING IN THE UK

By Pam Jones - New Zealand

Writing this is quite a challenge as I think firstly that as teachers we don't get the luxury of reflecting in written form about our experiences and especially our practice. We do get bite size moments in the corridor to chat, or in the staff-room, pub or on the way to catching our bus or train home. So, I shall try to put some of my thoughts in order here to benefit others who may be coming this way or who are already beginning the journey of teaching in the UK.

There are some essential things of course that one needs that everyone generally finds lacking which I have mentioned - that is, the opportunity to get together and "share" best and worst experiences and help each other out.

Best experiences for me include finding cheap accommodation with a friend whom I already knew, and I have heard some horror stories from other recruits on this topic which only takes a little imagination.

I loved having a school close to where I lived (30 minutes bus ride max). Trains stop for a number of reasons - strikes, accidents, bomb scares etc and you can find yourself lost in London, squashed on alternative bus transport or taking 2 hours to get to work. One conscientious Aussie biked to work through major peak traffic on a strike day and regretted it! If it happens, chill out, phone ahead to the school so they can find cover for your class and take time to plan an alternative route. I recommend finding a café and having a calming drink before resuming your travel.

Don't be persuaded to take on a job that is 'only an hour or two train journey' from home unless you like late nights and feeling shattered the next morning. With after school planning meetings, staff meetings, parents evening, after-school club responsibilities and the all important socialising with colleagues at the nearest pub it can turn into a L_O_N_G trip home.

Getting the best out of an agency takes time and a "good working relationship" cannot be rushed. Initially we all want things to work out perfectly when we arrive. The following may help.

1. Have two key people you can contact at any time within the agency (and insist on being informed if any of these are replaced due to people leaving).
2. Have your teaching reference number on hand whenever you contact the agency
3. Have a notebook handy to write down who you spoke with, about what and what the outcome was. Keep it handy at all times to refer to when needed.
4. Keep a copy of ALL forms filled in and the date they were sent as it is amazing how things go missing in the post here! This includes police checks, health checks, contracts etc.
5. If you are doing supply teaching, send your time sheet on the day requested or you don't get paid. Check it has been sent through the school office and keep a copy yourself. Refer back to timesheets to check your pay matches up.
6. If you are doing supply teaching, find out if it is absolutely necessary to hand over your passport to the agency and, get a date that it WILL be returned to you by. The worst scenario I heard concerned a friend not getting her passport for 6 weeks and that included holiday time, which means you cannot leave the UK.
7. If you are doing supply teaching, beg, borrow or buy a mobile phone and keep the agency informed of a number change. They will not always try to ring other logical places like at home or school and don't assume they'll contact you in writing, even if it is urgent. Mobile phones range in price and I prefer the "pay as you go" (i.e. talking time) rather than a fixed contract with a phone company.
8. Keep on friendly terms with administrative staff at the school. Acknowledge their work on your behalf with more than praise. They are invaluable when things go wrong!
9. Schools are not open late and are not accessible on weekends. Opening hours are from about 6.30 - 5.30 at the latest with the odd exception. Talk to the caretaker/groundsperson.

The only teaching resource shop I have come across is in North Finchley. Best buy was stickers and a teachers planning book.

Realities of teaching

Keep an open mind!
There are some very serious teacher shortages here in the UK. This is great if you are looking for an opportunity to work in London but teachers need to be aware of the reasons for the shortage. Why are British Qualified teachers not satisfied? Housing is expensive and not always readily available. There are high transport costs, food and living expenses as well as the never ending political tennis match of ideas about what is "right" in education. There are critical social and behavioural issues to deal with in some schools as well as general school politics that force you to reflect on your practice and definitely your principles. There are endless administrative tasks and the practical teaching on a daily basis as well as some very intense examinations for children of a very early age.

These are very "real" issues that need consideration on any teachers' part if they want to enjoy their experience here. I am interested in what a school is willing and able to do to look after teacher health and welfare. You do get tired, stressed, overwork and lose motivation apart from just physical sickness like sore throats etc. Reducing stress is your responsibility, doing something about it when it hits is also up to you. Have a support person in school that can relate to the concept of "doona" days or a mental health day.

Talk about issues in a constructive way by also suggesting ways of reducing or eliminating some of the problems. And if it gets too much, well don't take it too personally, try something else. The children that I have had the privilege to work with will always bring a smile to my face. The schools have been rich in diversity and us overseas teachers are highly sought after. We are regarded highly for our enthusiasm, ingenuity, creativity, organisation, holistic approach, ability to relate to children positively and so on. It may be incredibly different to any experience a child has had before and they may not always respond with as much enthusiasm as you. Be consistent, be persistant and beware!

Come armed with songs, stories, photos, co operative games, a couple of tennis balls, a knowledge of yourself and some rescue remedy for those "off" days.

In closing, it may sound like I am redy to come back home. Not so, I am really loving the experiences here and such a lot to do in and around the city and overseas. Summer holidays and I'm off to Greece and Sweden, Wales and getting into London.

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