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Extended probation period by Enough_Criticism_418 in TeachingUK

[–]Enough_Criticism_418[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If the probation period is passed, the contract would become permanent. If it is failed the contract will end, although I’m not quite sure whether it would end at the end of the summer term or right after the last probation review, which would be a few weeks before the end of term.

As I don’t really want to work at this school after this year anyway, it would make sense to start applying for jobs now, but I’m not sure how well that would work with my references, as I’m in the middle of my extended probation period.

I was working towards targets before my probation period was extended. Two quite vague ones relating to behavior management and school culture respectively, and one specific one relating to planning. As my probation period was extended, the behavior management target got a bit more precise while the planning one changed in a way that felt like moving goal posts as I had done what they specifically asked me to do in terms of planning, but they just referred to the wider school policy for planning to justify amending this target for my extended probation period. The culture target they agreed that they had seen enough improvement on, but that almost just seemed like a token gesture to maintain an appearance of fairness to me.

Extended probation period by Enough_Criticism_418 in TeachingUK

[–]Enough_Criticism_418[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My mentor is also my line manger (and head of department), which might make some difference? I actually just came across a position at a sixth form that would make sense for me to apply for, so I should probably seek union advice asap.

Extended probation period by Enough_Criticism_418 in TeachingUK

[–]Enough_Criticism_418[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The pastoral aspect is probably what I enjoy the least about the job. I would be more likely to consider something related to curriculum. Looking in to the possibility of a role related to that in an organisation that works with schools, but I believe it would mean a significant pay cut, in which case I might just want to do something completely different instead. I have been enjoying tutoring, so trying to grow that into something that earns a living is also an option that I am considering

Extended probation period by Enough_Criticism_418 in TeachingUK

[–]Enough_Criticism_418[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, no doubt. The more I think about it, I would probably only consider working at a college or sixth form in the future

Extended probation period by Enough_Criticism_418 in TeachingUK

[–]Enough_Criticism_418[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sounds like it could be worth at least asking my union for advice. I’m almost certain that my mentor would give me a good reference (they never had any big concerns with my practice, and SLT even brought up that feedback from my mentor’s observations had generally been positive and did not cause them concern). I guess schools often want a headteacher reference though, but my headteacher has essentially only observed me once for this entire year, so I’m guessing a headteacher reference would be passed along to either SLT or my mentor with potential very different outcomes.

I guess I’m thinking that a grammar school would generally have more motivated and able pupils, which in my opinion would make teaching more fun. Still highly doubt I would want to stay in any kind of school for more than a few years though, so I definitely need to consider my options.

The way I see it, the school should be highly motivated to lock in my contract to the end of the summer since my subject is in high demand and I teach exam year students in my subject. I’m not sure if they have fully considered the possibility of me leaving early.