Being a teacher can be fun, challenging, rewarding and exhilarating – and it’s one of the only jobs where you can experience all of these feelings in a single afternoon. No two days are ever the same, and no two schools are indistinguishable either, so it’s important to choose a working environment that suits your needs. When you feel happy at work, it’s a lot easier to allow your passion, love and enthusiasm to come to the forefront. If you’re currently weighing up your options when it comes to where to work, below are just a few important considerations worth keeping in mind.
Location
Most teachers will apply for jobs in and around their local area, but even with relatively small towns, rush hour can quickly prove to be tedious – especially when you’ve been nudging along in first gear for what seems like 3 hours. On the other hand, a school that’s just across the road from your home may not be so perfect. It can be hard to separate your private life from work when you see students and parents every weekend on your walk to your nearest corner shop! It’s all about finding the right balance when choosing your ideal search area.
School size
There can be a major difference between working in a small school and a large one. If you prefer working in an environment that’s incredibly fast-paced with a defined role and a wide mix of children from various backgrounds, it can make sense to choose a large school, perhaps in a city or town centre. It’s generally true that smaller schools are situated in quaint rural villages, so if you prefer a slower pace, whereby you have more time to focus your attention, skill and compassion towards each student, perhaps the picturesque school in your local village is ideal. You may want something in between, but you should also never judge a school by the scenery outside the classroom window. You’ll get more of a gauge for the size you prefer when you visit different schools and speak with the current crop of teachers.
Progression
You may not know exactly where you see yourself in 5 or 10 years time but it’s likely some form of progression is going to be important. When you interview, ask the right questions and the more specific you can be, the better. Find out whether the school you’re applying for is willing to offer opportunities in terms of training, workshops and support. At Simply Education, we specialise in helping teachers find their dream jobs, and believe all teaching staff should receive the option to attend Continuous Professional Development training, Safeguarding training and Behavioural Management workshops.
Reputation
With every school you apply for, it’s recommended you view their most recent Ofsted report as you will quickly identify some of the main strengths and weaknesses, as well as the challenges they face. Do not necessarily go purely by Ofsted’s statements. It’s a good starting point, but it’s also just a snapshot of a school’s performance. It’s also worth reviewing the school’s website to discover comments made by parents and students, whilst the ‘mission statement’ and ‘ethos’ pages can be incredibly useful too.
If you are still feeling unsure as to what type of teaching environment would suit you best, don’t panic – Simply Education can help you. Whether you are looking to experience various settings on a supply basis to discover what you enjoy the most, or you’re seeking a permanent position in a school that suits you perfectly, our dedicated consultants are here to support and advise you throughout the process. Register with us today or check out our latest vacancies to find the ideal role for you.
