It’s time you saved some time

Filling out applications is time consuming and tough enough as it is! So with you in mind we’ve created an easy system to use that will save you time… super helpful especially at the end of a tiring full day of teaching.

• Register and log into your Account area.
• Fill out your basic career details and upload your latest CV.
• When you apply for a role your Application will automatically be pre-populated with your personal information and CV you saved in your Account area.
• This means you won’t have to spend time re-typing your basic personal information every time you apply for a job – ace!
• Instead you can spend valuable time focusing on what really-matters. Which is a stand out Covering Letter to catch the attention of your prospective employer.
• The Covering Letter form is mobile optimised so you can apply from a mobile on the move easily.
• When you’ve completed your Covering Letter hit submit to send your application directly to the relevant person in the school
• You can edit your details in your Account area whenever you want.

We’ve all been here before

Here’s some advice for when you’re preparing for your next interview:

1. The first 30 seconds count – make clear eye contact, firm handshake
2. Do your homework on the Employer – don’t assume you know them
3. Think before you speak – say less don’t waffle. No ‘umming’.
4. What can you offer them? – they want to know what you’ll bring to the table
5. Be and remain positive – they’ll remember you for this
6. Body language counts – stand straight, practice in the mirror
7. Prepare for unexpected questions – then you can answer with confidence
8. Make them like you – be friendly and show interest in them
9. Ask enough questions – don’t leave unsure
10. Remember your manners – plenty of please and thank you’s
11. Leave your contact details – take important contact details with you

Get off to a good start with good classroom and behaviour management

Here are our strategies for managing pupil behaviour:

1. Set clear rules and boundaries from day one and stick to them. Write your rules where pupils can see them.
2. Be consistent and always follow up on consequences.
3. Understand your school’s discipline policies. You don’t want your pupils to know them better than you.
4. Use a seating plan to help you remember names. Try telling pupils where to sit rather than letting them choose.
5. Own the classroom. Don’t just sit or stand behind your desk. Walk around the room with confidence (fake it if you have to). Welcome pupils at the door to signal that they are entering your space.
6. Have strategies for getting pupils to be quiet that don’t involve shouting. When you shout, tensions rise resulting in further bad behaviour.
7. Be organised. It only takes a moment’s distraction for bad behaviour to emerge so keep all the equipment and materials you might need to hand.
8. Make your lessons engaging. It sounds obvious but if your pupils are interested they won’t get chance to misbehave.
9. Talk to the teacher who had your class last year so that you can learn about the different personalities in the group before teaching them for the first time.
10. Predict bad behaviour before it happens. Are there particular times of day when pupils are more likely to misbehave? Anticipating problems means you can head off bad behaviour before it arises.

Don’t burn out

Here are our strategies for creating a good work-life balance as a teacher:

1. Set personal boundaries and stick to them. This will be different for every teacher but could include never working on a Saturday or setting aside a limited number of hours for marking.
2. Be ruthless about non-essentials. Naturally, you’ll want to appear keen during your first year but the priority should be having the energy to teach, not volunteering for extra-curricular activities.
3. Don’t respond to emails in your own time. Unless there’s a real emergency, most emails can wait. Replying instantly sets expectations that you’re always contactable.
4. Eat well, exercise and make time for friends and family. Staying healthy will give you the energy you need to make it through the year.
5. Take a look online for efficient marking strategies. Remember, Ofsted has clarified that it doesn’t expect to see books full of written feedback so you have the freedom to mark in the way that suits you and your pupils best.

You are not alone, help is at hand

Here are our tips on finding support with a Mentor:

1. Hopefully you have been appointed a good mentor. If so, draw on their knowledge and expertise as much as possible. If your mentor is not so forthcoming, look to other experienced teachers for help.
2. Mentors are busy so don’t be afraid to chase them to schedule regular catch ups.
3. Don’t let one bad day dent your confidence. Wait until the end of the year to assess the highs and lows. Remember to talk to other NQTs (either at your school or online) to share tips and strategies.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re struggling. Every teacher has experienced the stresses of the first year and you shouldn’t be judged for asking for help.
5. Don’t worry about making mistakes. This is how you learn. And every mistake gives you the chance to become a better teacher in the future.
6. Find out what resources and training is available for your continuing professional development. If your school isn’t proactive in suggesting opportunities, do your own research and ask if you can go on courses.
7. Continue to build on your skills – both as a teacher and in your subject. Be a life-long learner.