Changing jobs is one of the most momentous decisions anyone can take, but too many people approach it without giving it sufficient thought.
Now a new book has set out the steps teachers should take to make sure they end up in the right job for them.
Good ideas for good teachers who want good jobs is a practical guide of advice and tips on how teachers should approach getting a new job. Illustrated with case studies and vignettes, it provides a useful resource for every stage of the process, from working out the right time to move to excelling at interview.
Its author, Gerald Haigh, is a former teacher and school leader who has been writing about education throughout his career, and has drawn on both his own experience and the wisdom of other teachers and principals.
Although the guide is packed with real examples which flesh out the advice, I thought it was worth reproducing the main points that set out what steps good teachers take to get good jobs.
Now a new book has set out the steps teachers should take to make sure they end up in the right job for them.
Good ideas for good teachers who want good jobs is a practical guide of advice and tips on how teachers should approach getting a new job. Illustrated with case studies and vignettes, it provides a useful resource for every stage of the process, from working out the right time to move to excelling at interview.
Its author, Gerald Haigh, is a former teacher and school leader who has been writing about education throughout his career, and has drawn on both his own experience and the wisdom of other teachers and principals.
Although the guide is packed with real examples which flesh out the advice, I thought it was worth reproducing the main points that set out what steps good teachers take to get good jobs.
1. Good teachers are flexible visionaries.
Good teachers have a career plan but keep it flexible and will rip it up if necessary. They always have their eye on the next step, and are never afraid to ask about an opportunity.
2. Good teachers move to good jobs for good reasons.
2. Good teachers move to good jobs for good reasons.
Good teachers always have an eye on the jobs market and have an idea about their next job, but without being too prescriptive. They know their capabilities and discuss their career plans with trusted colleagues.
3. Good teachers pay attention to their public profile.
3. Good teachers pay attention to their public profile.
Good teachers accept restrictions on their private life, they are aware of how they might come across in photographs that could be made public and, if they have extreme religious or political opinions, they do not express them online.
4. Good teachers know when it’s time to move on.
4. Good teachers know when it’s time to move on.
Good teachers are aware of others’ progress but don’t copy it, they talk about their job plans but don’t broadcast them, and they temper ambition with realism.
5. Good teachers know when to stay put.
5. Good teachers know when to stay put.
Good teachers stay put for positive, not fearful reasons. They look ahead for any pitfalls, aim to grow in their own careers and use their experience to help colleagues.
6. Good teachers know how the job market works.
6. Good teachers know how the job market works.
Good teachers are prepared to spend a lot of time on their job search. They are focused, but always ready to take a risk, and they have faith: if a job looks appealing, they apply.
7. Good teachers choose prospective jobs well.
7. Good teachers choose prospective jobs well.
Good teachers read the job details dispassionately and critically. They consider the broader implications of taking a job, and they consult with colleagues – but the decision is always theirs.
8. Good teachers do good groundwork for their applications.
8. Good teachers do good groundwork for their applications.
Good teachers find out everything they can about the job, they are not swayed by sentiment, they are courteous in dealing with school leaders and they understand the importance of references.
9. Good teachers make good school visitors.
9. Good teachers make good school visitors.
Good teachers know people want their school to impress. They are honest about what they see, they seek out opportunities to talk to students and they take note of how students react to a visitor.
10. Good teachers make good job applications.
10. Good teachers make good job applications.
Good teachers make time and space to complete application forms properly. They create as many drafts as they need until they have one they’re happy with and they keep their focus on the specific job and why it is right for them. Once they have completed their application, they read it through before submitting it.
11. Good teachers understand how interviews work.
11. Good teachers understand how interviews work.
Good teachers know that it is in the interview where the final decision is made. They know interviews are likely to be formal and well-prepared, and that the panel may include ‘lay’ people with a non-teaching background.
12. Good teachers prepare well for interviews.
12. Good teachers prepare well for interviews.
Good teachers set aside time to think about the interview. They have a mock interview with an experienced colleague, and they video it.
13. Good teachers are ready for interview day.
13. Good teachers are ready for interview day.
Good teachers arrive punctually, they look smart and are courteous and pleasant. They are interested in the students’ work and they are quiet but ready with relevant questions. They use the time to decide whether the school is right for them.
14. Good teachers are good at interviews.
14. Good teachers are good at interviews.
Good teachers make eye contact and can smile and look serious. They look at each member of the panel, and are unafraid to pause before answering. They avoid repeating the same phrase several times.
15. Good teachers teach a good – or better – demonstration lesson.
15. Good teachers teach a good – or better – demonstration lesson.
Good teachers have the attitude that they are the teacher and they are going to teach. They give clear instructions, they praise those who quickly grasp what they are being asked to do, and they are alert for signs of disengagement.
16. Good teachers give good presentation.
16. Good teachers give good presentation.
Good teachers know it is more about them than the content. They use technology sparingly, make eye contact, and keep in touch with the job description.
17. Good teachers know how to handle the post-interview process.
17. Good teachers know how to handle the post-interview process.
Good teachers withdraw if the job is not for them. They ask to visit the school again if they are offered the job, and ask for feedback if they are not. They know that even if they didn’t get the job, making a good impression on the principal could still pay dividends in the future.
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