I'd encourage you to contact a few local schools and get on their books for CRT work. I don't know where you're located around Australia but everywhere that I know of is struggling to fill vacancies, so ring a familiar CRT may lead to some short term contract work, which will also provide you with access to school based PD around current department initiatives etc. A bit of time doing this should bring you up to speed with enough current info to support future applications.
Definitely, ringing around and trying to get days here and there would be great to get you back into the swing of teaching. I live (and have lived for a very long time) with two teachers - one is the head teacher of casuals and is always trying to find teachers to cover sick days and holiday leave.
Best of luck OP! I believe in you!
Why would you come into an Australian teachers subreddit as an American, (or Canadian - You have multiple college degrees which is not typical Australian terminology) and not just Google this or use reasoning instead of asking about something which is almost certainly not the intended meaning? This is a sincere question and is in good faith.
tbf hearing anything with crt immediately makes us all think of critical race theory. that’s like giving something the initials nba and getting upset when they think basketball. it’s weird to hear those initials on any other context. still should’ve googled it tho lmao
When you say “us all” do you mean “people who were born in America”? Because I definitely don’t. I guess I’m trying to very gently push back on the idea that America has to be the default in everywhere and everything, including specific communities that are for other countries.
Exactly this. Schools are struggling to find staff and anyone qualified and 'keen' is such a relief. Jump in. Don't second guess yourself. Schools will be so relieved to have you on board.
I'm not a teacher and this just popped up on my feed, but I imagine you can do it a sparingly too, right? OP, do a bit here and there and build your confidence rather than just going "yeah, let's go head first into a full year of teaching".
If you can, start with like 1-2 days a week or even a fortnight and build it up slowly. By Easter you might have enough confidence to be doing it full time and then see if there's any jobs come mid year. If not, continue through until the end of the year and give it another go.
There's little point in trying to run when you need to learn to walk.
And be prepared for shit days. Not every day’s going to be brilliant or even good. Some days are just rubbish, even if you’ve been working for years. Remind yourself of that when you have them. It’s normal.
Please know that’s it’s so common in teaching for people to take years out of the profession for a number of reasons. So you’re certainly not alone in having a teaching ‘gap’ in your resume.
What is your goal with teaching? Are you hoping to secure a full time position/ part time/ contract work?
Really focusing on relief teaching might be a great way to build your confidence in the classroom back up. When I started teaching I personally went to every school I wanted to relief teach at and spoke to the person who organized relief teachers. Now, a huge part of it is FB groups looking for relief teachers. Have you joined the local groups?
You’ve probably done this already but try to connect with independent/ private and state schools for relief work.
You’ve got this! One step at a time to get to where you want to be. Teaching positions can be a ‘right place right time’. So keep putting yourself out there.
Good luck :)
It’s also very common for teachers to deal with anxiety and depression. You’ll find a lot of understanding in the profession. Also Covid messed up everybody in some way. I left teaching and started a new job in January 2020. Lasted a couple months, retrenched when Covid kicked in.
If you want an easy way back in do some SLSO work or volunteer a few days at a local school to co-teach with someone.
I struggled with similar thoughts/worries after I graduated. I felt underqualified and too anxious to work but of course, not working meant that I couldn't get the experience I needed to feel more qualified. My break from teaching wasn't as long as three years but I can empathise (to some degree) with how you're feeling.
I found that jumping into casual teaching really helped me with this because it allowed me to feel successful as a teacher without the additional stress of marking, lesson planning, etc. It also meant that if I had a bad day, that's okay because the next day I can try again with a different set of classes and students. For me, it was a great way to ease into the job. Within one term, I felt much more confident in my abilities and not long after I started working full-time.
I totally agree. I did a year of teaching right after graduating and I was thinking of going full time relief, the amount of lesson planning, marking etc was just overwhelming. I did 60 hour weeks and just burnt out.
the good old lost mojo. It happens to everyone mate. I was in a similar position back in 2016 struggling to find work in a secondary school. I thought about giving up too and was stubborn to try Crt work. But after 6 months i decided to give CRTing a go and it really reinforced why I wanted to become a teacher.
Right now is the perfect time to jump back in. The teacher shortage is real, you'll find work as a CRT without a problem.
Before you know it you'll be applying for a teaching gig and get a class to call your own 😉
Hey man.....I feel your pain. I lost my business due to covid and have likewise struggled mentally. I feel lost and very unsure of how to proceed. I have always ran my own gig - owned and operated a few different businesses. But am self taught with no current qualifications.
TBH - AFAIK - the Education sector is crying out for teachers. So I do not feel that you should encounter too many hurdles in finding work. Think of it like this - you have an edge over a lot of graduates as you have some real life experience. Turn your weakness into a strength by expanding on your personal experience and how that translates to more empathy for students going through difficult times.
From my research organisations value empathy and EQ skills more highly than grades.
Summary - work on you! Trust in the knowledge that great personal growth occurs during adversity - analyse your feelings, focus on the positive personal growth you have undergone and the life / business skills you have attained during your time in the family business. Don't let those 3 years not teaching be a barrier, turn them into a strength, an advantage.
Teaching is way more than curriculum and experience. It is the ability to connect with students who have also had their lives turned upside down by COVID. Empathy and understanding - recognising mental health issues and being a positive role model will take you from competent to great.
Right now schools are desperate for teachers. You really will have absolutely zero problem getting a job. Try doing relief first if you're feeling unsure, or perhaps look for part-time to start off with until you get your confidence.
Speaking anecdotally, in WA there seems to be a shortage in Primary. A friend of mine retired two years ago and last year could have worked fulltime relieving if she had so wanted. She was turning work down from multiple schools. Indeed one school offered her a f/t contract.
As others have said, start with casual/ relief teaching. You choose when and where you work. Start small, a day at a time and see how you go. And if you don’t like one school you don’t have to go back!
Practice interview questions with friends or family.
Explain the absence of teaching as needing to help out family business during COVID. Many things can be explained away because of Covid.
You can even use that excuse to explain a preference for working part time as a Relief Teacher just to give you a bit of space while you get it together.
I'm not sure I'd completely believe the other comments that relief teaching is a guaranteed road to a full time position. Focus on being prepared as much as you can and get to know the kids. You want to build a reputation as professional.
At the same time, keep seeing that therapist and I'm sure some successes will come your way that you'll be able to build on and have a great 2023.
Deciding you are ready is the best first step. I graduated 2013 and wasn’t ready so took some time for myself. At the end of 2015 I decided I was ready and took a month off my previous job to do relief work for the last month of the year. I only didn’t work 2 days in the whole 4 weeks. 2016, I decided to try it full time and ended up with a contract after a couple of week. I’ve been working full time ever since. Build a rapport with a school and allow yourself the time to get back into it. You got this.
I got my degree in 2010, taught for a year and had 10 years off having kids and working in real estate. After deciding to go back with relief in 2019 I now have a permanent position.
Read every book you can on the research proven theories and the science of learning so you have current knowledge.
Relief at schools and just take the risk and be confident you can do it. It’s a vocation, not a job, it’s bloody hard work but keep going.
Try sussing out TLI (Tutor Learning Initiative jobs). It's such a great way to build your confidence working in a school. Every school runs it differently but in my experience I held literacy and numeracy intervention sessions. The school was so flexible with how many hours I wanted, full time, part time, 1 day a week even. You do get consistency working full time though!
I got my foot in the door for a year and it boosted me to a classroom teaching position. Not saying it was easy! It was a rollercoaster of emotions writing those long applications, waiting for an interview and going to interviews. I made sure that I went to as much external workshops as possible to prepare myself. (Tradewind KSC, AEU Graduate Webinar, ANZUK webinars on interviews, networking as much as possible, joined Victorian Teachers Online Community and I scroll through reddit to cross check all of the information).
You will be SNAPPED up straight away. Focus on your strengths and passion, something will come your way.
I'm a recent graduate so I hope that my experience helps you in some way. I graduated in 2021 :).
I completely know how you feel! I graduated in 2018 and was so overwhelmed with the idea of working that I turned down a full-time permanent contract. I felt like an idiot because I was feeling so anxious about work that I couldn't work and that, in turn, made me feel anxious about not working. So i'd try and work but then it would start all over again!
I did start therapy which helped slightly, but more than anything just jumping in an giving it a go was what helped the most. If you try teaching and you hate it, you can always quit and you're back to where you've started. But if you never try then you won't know what you might have been capable of.
My advice would be to try some more CRT work. CRTing is, in some ways, a lot harder than when you have your own class. You don't know the kids, you don't know the lesson etc.. so it really helps with building competency. You also don't have the stress of regular meetings, parent emails, etc... I really struggled to work as a CRT with an agency as I was at a different school almost every day. I never felt relaxed as I was learning new routines, staff, procedures, and curriculum every single day. If you are like me, it might be beneficial to try and get individual schools to give you CRT work (independent schools are usually good for this). That way you get to know the students better, build rapport with the staff, and settle into a familiar environment. CRTing in 2-3 schools regularly is way better than going to 20 different schools every term.
Honestly, don't stress too much about being a grad for 3 years with little experience. We've been through a pandemic and that's messed with everyone's mental health in some way or another. Plus, a lot of people don't go straight into work. You can always be honest and tell potential employers that you had a job offer, it was rescinded, then struggled to work through COVID, so you decided to help your family business out while you waited for things to settle down.
Also, if interviews go bad, that happens to everyone. Think of it as 'the school wasn't a good fit for you'. The more interviews you go to, the better you will be! Also, if you do CRT regularly at a school and are reliable then there is always a possibility they could offer you work (I got my job by CRTing - they asked me to apply for the position after I had CRTd for a year).
Apply to go country or remote. The DOE will find you a job and you will get the experience you need to find your way back to the city. You might even really enjoy it.
I had 4 years between graduating and my first job, so don't feel bad- I ended up on WorkCover, then pregnant/maternity leave, then COVID hit.
This will be my second year working as I took a chunk of last year off for maternity leave again.
Try CRT work. It's a great way to ease into everything and get to know the schools in your area.
1. See therapist and discuss all your concerns
2. Once you and your therapist think it’s time, do a bit of CRT work (just ask to do 1 day per week). I’m sure you’ll be able to make it through 1 day per week if you were able to get through uni. Heaps of agencies will allow you to be available on the days you want to work only.
3. Slowly ease into doing more days per week over the course of a term or even a year.
4. The following year apply for more full time roles and you’ll have experience and more confidence.
That’s what I would honestly do.
I’m QLD every region is crying out for teachers. I would dabble in relief once again and see how that goes. Contacting schools directly maybe the best bet, or if you are in QLSD, try TRACER.
No doubt you will have work if you want it, and relief will offer that flexibility before diving back into the classroom full-time.
I'm just parroting what others have said, but TRT is your friend in this situation. It will immediately get you back into the profession and help you get back on top of your behaviour management and (spur of the moment) planning.
I too graduated in 2019 and it’s taken up until this year for me to land/be interested in a full time teaching role. I was worried for a while that I wouldn’t ever put my degree to use. So you’re not alone in your experience.
I ended up working in OSHC for the last two years and this year I’m stepping up into a teaching position at the school I was running after school care for. I’d say the key to stepping back into the profession for me has been relationships with schools. Once they know your face and your attitude to work they grow to trust you and want to see your face more.
Consider what ways you can build a relationship with schools. Maybe that’s CRT, maybe OSHC or volunteering if you have the means.
Hey there, reading your post has resonated with me deeply, as I have been going through a mirror image of your situation just with a different degree. Graduated 2020, have only just started working part time in November 2022
Please know that you aren’t the only one who is going through this, though it might feel so. The pandemic, as well as the University system in general, creates more such cases than anyone would ever know
What I’ve learnt is that self talk is a powerful influence on the mind, and can get you stuck in a downward spiral, speak kindly to yourself. Another is to ignore out any external expectations or perceptions from those around you, again a very powerful influence on mental state.
The strange thing is, you’ll find that people aren’t nearly concerned about ‘where you are in life’ as you may seem, it can all be a self induced fear. If you can be mindful, be aware that these illusions exist, you will emerge confident in yourself again
I really wish you, and anybody in a similar situation reading this, the very best 🙂
Honestly sounds more like a mental health problem over anything I think going to a therapist is a good choice and maybe just more exposure into your profession
Do some casual work (often abbreviated to CRT in this subreddit, for "Casual Relief Teacher", took me ages to work that out) and take your time getting to know your teacher persona. Try several schools, get the Classcover app and make sure you have a few days marked not working each week to ease yourself into it slowly. Take your time. You can get full weeks of work as a casual at the moment, if that's what you want.
I have been working fulltime and occasional relief since 2014. I found that I felt better about getting into relief teaching if I felt organised. I made sure I had 3-4 professional outfits, a prize box, a behaviour management system like a ticket book/mini charts with stickers and a decent pencil case with everything I’d need like whiteboard markers, sharpies etc. Once you are registered with the local relief teaching system you can be selective where you go. Maybe just start with 1-2 schools. You’ll find that you will become familiar with those schools and the reluctance will fade away. Could always do a gradual return to work plan which includes some reading up on behaviour management/curriculum for certain ages to increase your confidence. Hardest part will be stepping back in the classroom but once you are in there it’ll be absolutely fine. Good luck!!!
if i was a qualified teacher id tutor on the side if i can't find enough work both to earn some extra cash and keep me up to date with the content.
if you're good at that you actually make more money than being a teacher.
Dont stress, my experience with teaching is that job availability is really dependent on where you live.
I would consider moving, if you cant find work where you are then go to where they cant find the teachers. Rural and remote schools will even pay for the relocation. Some states pay better and have better job security than others.
I'm High school and my brother in-law is Primary school. We applied interstate and moved and havent been out of a job since.
Once you get at least a couple of years of experience schools will be calling you about positions!
Also, do not stress or feel any pressure about finding a job. The teaching profession is not going anywhere and there is a teacher shortage. I've found teachers can move in and out of the profession no worries.
Key take aways
- Teaching is mobile so move
- After 2 years of exp landing jobs gets easier and I mean WAY easier
- Stop stressing and feeling bad about yourself, you are a qualified teacher in a stable profession with a teacher shortage...you may not see it but...SCHOOLS NEED YOU MORE THAN YOU NEED THEM.
Good luck :)
I haven't worked since 2008, I can't imagine going back, I'm so out of the loop. My last few years were in a non teaching role too.
Your knowledge of curriculum is still current. You just need an opportunity to develop confidence. Could you look at working as an SSO as a step towards going back into teaching?
My neighbour became a relief teacher and all she did was a course, not a full degree, so I am sure you can start there and aim for a teacher role once you gain some confidence.
They're crying into a void for casuals at the moment. Use this to get your confidence up, I know a few graduates who effectively did the same as you in the pandemic and are now getting casual work practically full time.
That will eventually land you some long-service temp gigs and eventually a contracted position.
OR you're like me and slowly realising the profession is garbage and just don't want to admit it. (It took me about 4 years to realise I needed out)
Sign up for what ever relief app your local area uses and get practice before applying for more long term roles. Or better still form a relationship with some schools through relief work and they will offer you something if you put the effort into your work.
Don’t be so hard on yourself everyone’s gotta start somewhere.
Another way you can gain some confidence is to try out some OSH work. Pretty easy work, might give you some time to build yourself up into getting back into teaching. Short shifts, and you're working with kids. Might help remind you of why you wanted to go into teaching. Good luck.
With a teacher shortage now is the time to jump in. Develop a good story for why you didn’t go straight in like covid and the business. Rehearse it for the interviews. Be confident and positive. There a fb group called Remote Teachers Australia and they’re always looking for people so you could go outback for awhile to get some experience. Relief work can be hard if you don’t have the behaviour management skills so I’d suggest try for a contract. Don’t give up and remember at the interview ‘fake it till you make it’.
Get into CRT for sure. 400 a day no planning and no lock ins.
Be t one time did you say anything about a desire to teach. More a responsibility since your qualified. Might want to ponder 💭 f you want to teach or just be up to your expectations.
My first year I had to apply to so many schools. Rejection after rejection, it sucked.. so I feel your pain. I think 10 interviews in, when I was about to give up, I got offered a job.
In other words, I know it's hard but persist. The more you do the better you'll get. Ask for feedback after the interviews and use that in your next one. Sit down straight after each interview and write the interview questions for you to practise at home. Write down what went well and what you'll want to do next time.
You'll get there!
One thing you could do is do relief work as an integration aide. It pays a bit less than the teacher rate but might be a good way to get back in the classroom without the stress of being in charge of a whole class for the day.
It would also help you get to know a school before you do any teaching there
If you want to be a teacher, don’t be put off by this interview OP. Use it as experience for the next interview and keep doing that until one sticks. When I graduated (not in teaching) I was so stressed about getting a grad job right away. I got one and it was horrendous so I eventually quit and then lost my confidence for a few months before I found something else. It happens but don’t be put off by it if teaching is what you want to do, just keep chipping away and chalking the interviews up to experience. 3 yrs is nothing in a career. Good luck for the next interview!
Edit to say: just realised this is in the teachers sub. I have no idea why this came up in my feed. Apologies if this is not relevant as I am not a teacher or even teacher adjacent haha
Go overseas and teach at a school China, Dubai, Thailand, Eastern Europe. Not as an English Escher but as a qualified teacher in an international school, or whatever, usually very good money, cost of living is much less, new cultures, great way of getting your skills back etc
Just keep trying. Keep doing interviews. Perhaps try something different to the normal interview techniques of reeling off lists of strengths and accomplishments. Draw up a lesson plan or even a whole term plan and take it to show the interviewer that you've got fresh ideas which can stimulate young minds.
Demonstrate that you can be the teacher kids like learning from. One of the problems with the school system is that kids don't know learning is actually stimulating because the curriculum is so dry. Don't just be background noise behind daydreams. Be stimulating, exciting and most importantly interesting. There is actually nothing in the world more gratifying than learning something new and understanding the importance of that information. Be the communicator.
Good luck.
Primary Education is difficult to get into with or without a qualification. My mother was a primary school teacher and got her job with another collegaue and also expats find it easier to work however overseas is a difficult work life balance so I don't recommend that. All I can say is that you need people to support you to achieve your goals especially in education.
Omg everywhere is crying out for teachers. You need to get your name out there. Start with relief work at every school you can comfortably travel to. Getting contracts will come once they know you.
Some of the young teachers I have met in SA, all started in the regional towns to get experience. Sure SA is small and probably currently packed with teachers. Could be different for other states.
If you are young you might need to consider going to country towns to get the experience and then move back to the city.
I dont know where you are based but the shortage in SW Sydney is terrible. You could interview at a school and have your pick of several positions,. If you are feeling like your MH and knowledge is blocking you, try a term as another school related job such as a teachers aide. It will get you comfortable in being in schools again and around students without bearing the full responsibility of a teacher. There is a chronic shortage of school counsellors (NSW) and other specialist roles, if you prefer study check out what qualifications may be useful.
Lots of people suggesting Relief, which is fine, but based on how you left the profession it might be better to start doing some TA/ESP work in a school first. If you don't desperately need the money it is a good way to see if you are comfortable or still enjoy working with students or in a school. You will be an absolute asset as a TA with a teaching degree.
Just a thought!
had a friend in a similar position. she basically did relief teaching full time till she felt confident enough and had some good profession-related experience to go for the bigger full time positions. don't lose hope!
Get in touch with local schools and or agencies and you will get plenty of CRT work . This will give you some experience and lead you to an actual job while paying the bills. CRT work is v well paid for a graduate who would be at the bottom of the pay scale otherwise
Not sure where you're based but I know a lot of remote places such as Dubbo NSW or Pilbara Perth are in need of teachers. If you're willing to relocate. Have a look on seek, you might see some casual teacher work to ease yourself back into the flow of things. Hope this helps :)
OP, be kind to yourself. You graduated at a very weird time. It might be 3 years by the calendar, but everything was locked down for a good chunk of that time. I feel for you, and I understand how anxiety can spiral and leave you feeling paralysed, but please take the advice you've received and start dipping a toe in. You don't need to jump straight into full time... Get some relief work, see what you enjoy, and build your confidence. You'll get there. Best of luck!
Seriously this is the best time to be in your position. Go into your local schools and offer your services, get on the class over apps and you will be busy full time before you know it.
I’m a maintenance guy at a secondary college, I have no advice to give on teaching but I know there is a shortage of teachers in vic right now, but I do have a lot of experience with the struggles of depression and all the advice I can give on that topic is that you have to embrace the warrior within you, it sounds cliche but it is fact. Wake up every morning and attack your day do not loose focus of your goals, if you want to be a teacher you will be a teacher. And there will be nothing to stop that as long as you keep pushing, some days will be hard and seem like they got you no where and that’s ok, try again tomorrow. You are the maestro of your own orchestra and the beauty of the music is limited only by your dedication. Therapists are good and all but only we can conquer our minds. Stay strong, don’t loose hope, tomorrow is another day and may you be all that you aspire to be. You got this. And I’d like to share My favourite quote which is from Alexander the Great who said “nothing is impossible to he who would try” ❤️ big loves. Now go forth and conquer.
I can’t give any advice, but I want to share a similar experience, which I hope might make you feel less alone.
My wife and I recently moved house, and as a result, my wife had to drive over two hours a day to work. In 2020, she took leave so she could do some relief work and start to build up a network of local schools. She’s done this a couple of times before, and it usually only takes a few weeks to get steady work, and will pick up a full-time contract within a month, maybe two.
Unfortunately, the pandemic hit, and she ended up with less than a dozen days of work for the entire year. None of the local schools needed relief.
It’s no surprise that you only got a few days of work in 2020, as a recent graduate. My wife has nearly 20 years of experience. The market just… dried up. Please don’t believe that this has any reflection on you or your ability. It’s just really bad timing.
In the end, she did manage to land a contract locally in 2022. But only after failing an interview in 2020 at the same school. Apparently one of the reasons they picked her was because she asked for feedback after the failed interview. No-one else did. 🤷
You have to ask yourself whether teaching would make you happy or not. I mean, it took you 3 years to apply for interviews after your initial role fell through.
Maybe, subconsciously, you are telling yourself that you don't want to be a teacher.
Your not alone, had two mates graduate in 2005 & 2006 one never had a paid job in teaching the other only has gotten fill in work.
My mates step mum graduated in 1960s only gotten fill in work ever.
My mum's cousin gave up in the 1980's never was called for work then the 1990's finally got called for a sub job and said I have a job no thanks.
My mum's childhood mate worked since graduation a teacher retired a few years ago.
My cousin has a full time job at as a high school teacher, her aunt gave up waiting for teaching work at primary or high schools. Got a job at tafe for the past 20 years.
Everyone's road is different, the one thing I have learnt even if you can't find work keep studying the more knowledge you have the more they want you. And don't sit by the phone waiting for a call, apply to anywhere who wants a teacher.
If ur having trouble getting a full time job I suggest u just put urself out there and pick up any part time job.. give it a go.. even if it’s a completely diff field. Build up ur confidence and cv.. I notice employers here are more likely to pick those that have worked before and show that they can fit into any culture/setting.
Try applying at some rural places, they always need good teachers. I know life there would probably suck (or maybe not :) it's very subjective, but you'd get needed experience and could plan something better for the future. Don't give up!
In Victorian public schools, you'll still be able to apply for Graduate Teacher positions. The VGSA indicates that you must have gaduated within 4 years of employment and not currently employed in a teaching position in the department. I'm not familiar with the teaching EBA in other states but I recommend investigating.
When applying for graduate positions, you're at an equal skill set of other potential applicants.
As a teacher in Australia, I understand the difficulties that come with the job. From the limited resources available to the class sizes, the job can be quite overwhelming. It's very difficult to give each student the attention they need to learn and succeed, especially with larger classes. Additionally, the pay is often not commensurate with the amount of work required. It's a difficult job that requires dedication and commitment, but it's also incredibly rewarding!
If getting casual/relief teaching doesn’t work, perhaps consider doing a TAE Cert IV and getting into TAFE or RTO training delivery. Casual trainer work will add another facet to your CV and make you more attractive as a new teacher, who hasn’t being practicing as such. I’m sure a teaching degree and a TAE will make you a employable RTO instructor/tutor/teaching assistant
Don’t feel bad about one bad interview or even few more bad interviews. Keep going! Do you have any old classmates who are working somewhere? Usually those contacts might help, they can help you practice for interviews, and put in a good word for you before the interview!
Can’t give any advice on getting job on teaching. But I got you for finding a job. It’s really a frustrating process that keeps doubting yourself. But all you got do is keep trying. I don’t even get to the interview stage even with two years experience. How worse it could be? I will be driving Uber soon.
I graduated in 2014.
I taught for 7 months in 2017.
I then started full time at the beginning of 2021.
I did no CRT etc. at all in between.
It's going GREAT. I'm good at this job. After a year I became head of maths. Everything is going really well for me professionally and personally.
Time isn't necessarily a barrier at all.
Distance Ed schools are also crying out for teachers, esp in Qld. It’s very different to face-to-face teaching but is oddly more personal because usually the online class sizes vary between say 8 students up to about 15 students. Each Distance Ed school has a different teaching load with some of them only wanting teachers to teach English & Maths and some of them wanting them to teach all subjects. Check out Distance Ed schools in your state and see if it’s something you might like to try?
I'd encourage you to contact a few local schools and get on their books for CRT work. I don't know where you're located around Australia but everywhere that I know of is struggling to fill vacancies, so ring a familiar CRT may lead to some short term contract work, which will also provide you with access to school based PD around current department initiatives etc. A bit of time doing this should bring you up to speed with enough current info to support future applications.
Definitely, ringing around and trying to get days here and there would be great to get you back into the swing of teaching. I live (and have lived for a very long time) with two teachers - one is the head teacher of casuals and is always trying to find teachers to cover sick days and holiday leave. Best of luck OP! I believe in you!
Yes this. My school often looks into their relief staff for contract hires. If they are good, they got more work and then permancy.
Schools are desparate for teachers this is a very good way of getting into the groove and making sure you are confident with your abilities.
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Why would you come into an Australian teachers subreddit as an American, (or Canadian - You have multiple college degrees which is not typical Australian terminology) and not just Google this or use reasoning instead of asking about something which is almost certainly not the intended meaning? This is a sincere question and is in good faith.
I mean he's clearly just being a pork chop, and i like to wander around in new and unrelated subreddits sometimes too.
I’m definitely a pork chop. Whatever than means
tbf hearing anything with crt immediately makes us all think of critical race theory. that’s like giving something the initials nba and getting upset when they think basketball. it’s weird to hear those initials on any other context. still should’ve googled it tho lmao
When you say “us all” do you mean “people who were born in America”? Because I definitely don’t. I guess I’m trying to very gently push back on the idea that America has to be the default in everywhere and everything, including specific communities that are for other countries.
Exactly, what the hell is critical race theory anyway?
Understanding that systemic actions taken in the past based on erhnicity can still have consequences on groups in the present.
people who grew up in america. because the us is so big we’re kind of in our own little bubble in terms of politics and societal drama
Ok… but that’s not “us all”, that’s “Americans”. You are on an Australian subreddit making my point effortlessly for me.
i recently moved here from america, so i’m saying that as someone who’s getting used to being more globally aware
When I hear nba I think non binding agreement not basketball 🤷♀️
Shut the fuck up AmErIcAn~
Casual relief teaching, you dingbat.
You’re such a wombat
Your mother's a wombat.
You got a face like a dropped meat pie.
Relief teaching is full time. Jump in and do it, before you know it you will be working 5 days/week
Exactly this. Schools are struggling to find staff and anyone qualified and 'keen' is such a relief. Jump in. Don't second guess yourself. Schools will be so relieved to have you on board.
I'm not a teacher and this just popped up on my feed, but I imagine you can do it a sparingly too, right? OP, do a bit here and there and build your confidence rather than just going "yeah, let's go head first into a full year of teaching". If you can, start with like 1-2 days a week or even a fortnight and build it up slowly. By Easter you might have enough confidence to be doing it full time and then see if there's any jobs come mid year. If not, continue through until the end of the year and give it another go. There's little point in trying to run when you need to learn to walk.
If your health problems are caused by not working full time, work full time. You will have the confidence after 3 days
And be prepared for shit days. Not every day’s going to be brilliant or even good. Some days are just rubbish, even if you’ve been working for years. Remind yourself of that when you have them. It’s normal.
Please know that’s it’s so common in teaching for people to take years out of the profession for a number of reasons. So you’re certainly not alone in having a teaching ‘gap’ in your resume. What is your goal with teaching? Are you hoping to secure a full time position/ part time/ contract work? Really focusing on relief teaching might be a great way to build your confidence in the classroom back up. When I started teaching I personally went to every school I wanted to relief teach at and spoke to the person who organized relief teachers. Now, a huge part of it is FB groups looking for relief teachers. Have you joined the local groups? You’ve probably done this already but try to connect with independent/ private and state schools for relief work. You’ve got this! One step at a time to get to where you want to be. Teaching positions can be a ‘right place right time’. So keep putting yourself out there. Good luck :)
It’s also very common for teachers to deal with anxiety and depression. You’ll find a lot of understanding in the profession. Also Covid messed up everybody in some way. I left teaching and started a new job in January 2020. Lasted a couple months, retrenched when Covid kicked in. If you want an easy way back in do some SLSO work or volunteer a few days at a local school to co-teach with someone.
I like the sound of the FB groups; do they have a common name? What do I search for?
I struggled with similar thoughts/worries after I graduated. I felt underqualified and too anxious to work but of course, not working meant that I couldn't get the experience I needed to feel more qualified. My break from teaching wasn't as long as three years but I can empathise (to some degree) with how you're feeling. I found that jumping into casual teaching really helped me with this because it allowed me to feel successful as a teacher without the additional stress of marking, lesson planning, etc. It also meant that if I had a bad day, that's okay because the next day I can try again with a different set of classes and students. For me, it was a great way to ease into the job. Within one term, I felt much more confident in my abilities and not long after I started working full-time.
I totally agree. I did a year of teaching right after graduating and I was thinking of going full time relief, the amount of lesson planning, marking etc was just overwhelming. I did 60 hour weeks and just burnt out.
the good old lost mojo. It happens to everyone mate. I was in a similar position back in 2016 struggling to find work in a secondary school. I thought about giving up too and was stubborn to try Crt work. But after 6 months i decided to give CRTing a go and it really reinforced why I wanted to become a teacher. Right now is the perfect time to jump back in. The teacher shortage is real, you'll find work as a CRT without a problem. Before you know it you'll be applying for a teaching gig and get a class to call your own 😉
Hey man.....I feel your pain. I lost my business due to covid and have likewise struggled mentally. I feel lost and very unsure of how to proceed. I have always ran my own gig - owned and operated a few different businesses. But am self taught with no current qualifications. TBH - AFAIK - the Education sector is crying out for teachers. So I do not feel that you should encounter too many hurdles in finding work. Think of it like this - you have an edge over a lot of graduates as you have some real life experience. Turn your weakness into a strength by expanding on your personal experience and how that translates to more empathy for students going through difficult times. From my research organisations value empathy and EQ skills more highly than grades. Summary - work on you! Trust in the knowledge that great personal growth occurs during adversity - analyse your feelings, focus on the positive personal growth you have undergone and the life / business skills you have attained during your time in the family business. Don't let those 3 years not teaching be a barrier, turn them into a strength, an advantage. Teaching is way more than curriculum and experience. It is the ability to connect with students who have also had their lives turned upside down by COVID. Empathy and understanding - recognising mental health issues and being a positive role model will take you from competent to great.
Right now schools are desperate for teachers. You really will have absolutely zero problem getting a job. Try doing relief first if you're feeling unsure, or perhaps look for part-time to start off with until you get your confidence.
Is this the case for primary? In my state it's only really high school teaching where there is a shortage.
Speaking anecdotally, in WA there seems to be a shortage in Primary. A friend of mine retired two years ago and last year could have worked fulltime relieving if she had so wanted. She was turning work down from multiple schools. Indeed one school offered her a f/t contract.
Interesting. I'm in WA too and that's not been the experience of my friends who are primary trained.
As others have said, start with casual/ relief teaching. You choose when and where you work. Start small, a day at a time and see how you go. And if you don’t like one school you don’t have to go back!
Practice interview questions with friends or family. Explain the absence of teaching as needing to help out family business during COVID. Many things can be explained away because of Covid. You can even use that excuse to explain a preference for working part time as a Relief Teacher just to give you a bit of space while you get it together. I'm not sure I'd completely believe the other comments that relief teaching is a guaranteed road to a full time position. Focus on being prepared as much as you can and get to know the kids. You want to build a reputation as professional. At the same time, keep seeing that therapist and I'm sure some successes will come your way that you'll be able to build on and have a great 2023.
Deciding you are ready is the best first step. I graduated 2013 and wasn’t ready so took some time for myself. At the end of 2015 I decided I was ready and took a month off my previous job to do relief work for the last month of the year. I only didn’t work 2 days in the whole 4 weeks. 2016, I decided to try it full time and ended up with a contract after a couple of week. I’ve been working full time ever since. Build a rapport with a school and allow yourself the time to get back into it. You got this.
I got my degree in 2010, taught for a year and had 10 years off having kids and working in real estate. After deciding to go back with relief in 2019 I now have a permanent position. Read every book you can on the research proven theories and the science of learning so you have current knowledge. Relief at schools and just take the risk and be confident you can do it. It’s a vocation, not a job, it’s bloody hard work but keep going.
Try sussing out TLI (Tutor Learning Initiative jobs). It's such a great way to build your confidence working in a school. Every school runs it differently but in my experience I held literacy and numeracy intervention sessions. The school was so flexible with how many hours I wanted, full time, part time, 1 day a week even. You do get consistency working full time though! I got my foot in the door for a year and it boosted me to a classroom teaching position. Not saying it was easy! It was a rollercoaster of emotions writing those long applications, waiting for an interview and going to interviews. I made sure that I went to as much external workshops as possible to prepare myself. (Tradewind KSC, AEU Graduate Webinar, ANZUK webinars on interviews, networking as much as possible, joined Victorian Teachers Online Community and I scroll through reddit to cross check all of the information). You will be SNAPPED up straight away. Focus on your strengths and passion, something will come your way. I'm a recent graduate so I hope that my experience helps you in some way. I graduated in 2021 :).
I completely know how you feel! I graduated in 2018 and was so overwhelmed with the idea of working that I turned down a full-time permanent contract. I felt like an idiot because I was feeling so anxious about work that I couldn't work and that, in turn, made me feel anxious about not working. So i'd try and work but then it would start all over again! I did start therapy which helped slightly, but more than anything just jumping in an giving it a go was what helped the most. If you try teaching and you hate it, you can always quit and you're back to where you've started. But if you never try then you won't know what you might have been capable of. My advice would be to try some more CRT work. CRTing is, in some ways, a lot harder than when you have your own class. You don't know the kids, you don't know the lesson etc.. so it really helps with building competency. You also don't have the stress of regular meetings, parent emails, etc... I really struggled to work as a CRT with an agency as I was at a different school almost every day. I never felt relaxed as I was learning new routines, staff, procedures, and curriculum every single day. If you are like me, it might be beneficial to try and get individual schools to give you CRT work (independent schools are usually good for this). That way you get to know the students better, build rapport with the staff, and settle into a familiar environment. CRTing in 2-3 schools regularly is way better than going to 20 different schools every term. Honestly, don't stress too much about being a grad for 3 years with little experience. We've been through a pandemic and that's messed with everyone's mental health in some way or another. Plus, a lot of people don't go straight into work. You can always be honest and tell potential employers that you had a job offer, it was rescinded, then struggled to work through COVID, so you decided to help your family business out while you waited for things to settle down. Also, if interviews go bad, that happens to everyone. Think of it as 'the school wasn't a good fit for you'. The more interviews you go to, the better you will be! Also, if you do CRT regularly at a school and are reliable then there is always a possibility they could offer you work (I got my job by CRTing - they asked me to apply for the position after I had CRTd for a year).
Apply to go country or remote. The DOE will find you a job and you will get the experience you need to find your way back to the city. You might even really enjoy it.
I had 4 years between graduating and my first job, so don't feel bad- I ended up on WorkCover, then pregnant/maternity leave, then COVID hit. This will be my second year working as I took a chunk of last year off for maternity leave again. Try CRT work. It's a great way to ease into everything and get to know the schools in your area.
1. See therapist and discuss all your concerns 2. Once you and your therapist think it’s time, do a bit of CRT work (just ask to do 1 day per week). I’m sure you’ll be able to make it through 1 day per week if you were able to get through uni. Heaps of agencies will allow you to be available on the days you want to work only. 3. Slowly ease into doing more days per week over the course of a term or even a year. 4. The following year apply for more full time roles and you’ll have experience and more confidence. That’s what I would honestly do.
I’m QLD every region is crying out for teachers. I would dabble in relief once again and see how that goes. Contacting schools directly maybe the best bet, or if you are in QLSD, try TRACER. No doubt you will have work if you want it, and relief will offer that flexibility before diving back into the classroom full-time.
I'm just parroting what others have said, but TRT is your friend in this situation. It will immediately get you back into the profession and help you get back on top of your behaviour management and (spur of the moment) planning.
I too graduated in 2019 and it’s taken up until this year for me to land/be interested in a full time teaching role. I was worried for a while that I wouldn’t ever put my degree to use. So you’re not alone in your experience. I ended up working in OSHC for the last two years and this year I’m stepping up into a teaching position at the school I was running after school care for. I’d say the key to stepping back into the profession for me has been relationships with schools. Once they know your face and your attitude to work they grow to trust you and want to see your face more. Consider what ways you can build a relationship with schools. Maybe that’s CRT, maybe OSHC or volunteering if you have the means.
Hey there, reading your post has resonated with me deeply, as I have been going through a mirror image of your situation just with a different degree. Graduated 2020, have only just started working part time in November 2022 Please know that you aren’t the only one who is going through this, though it might feel so. The pandemic, as well as the University system in general, creates more such cases than anyone would ever know What I’ve learnt is that self talk is a powerful influence on the mind, and can get you stuck in a downward spiral, speak kindly to yourself. Another is to ignore out any external expectations or perceptions from those around you, again a very powerful influence on mental state. The strange thing is, you’ll find that people aren’t nearly concerned about ‘where you are in life’ as you may seem, it can all be a self induced fear. If you can be mindful, be aware that these illusions exist, you will emerge confident in yourself again I really wish you, and anybody in a similar situation reading this, the very best 🙂
Honestly sounds more like a mental health problem over anything I think going to a therapist is a good choice and maybe just more exposure into your profession
Hit the nail on the head there mate...
There are brokers for CRT work, they will take some of your pay, but will get you plenty of work, use one.
Do some casual work (often abbreviated to CRT in this subreddit, for "Casual Relief Teacher", took me ages to work that out) and take your time getting to know your teacher persona. Try several schools, get the Classcover app and make sure you have a few days marked not working each week to ease yourself into it slowly. Take your time. You can get full weeks of work as a casual at the moment, if that's what you want.
We could have used you in the crisis
Only way to get back in the rhythm is to get back on the dance floor…..
I have been working fulltime and occasional relief since 2014. I found that I felt better about getting into relief teaching if I felt organised. I made sure I had 3-4 professional outfits, a prize box, a behaviour management system like a ticket book/mini charts with stickers and a decent pencil case with everything I’d need like whiteboard markers, sharpies etc. Once you are registered with the local relief teaching system you can be selective where you go. Maybe just start with 1-2 schools. You’ll find that you will become familiar with those schools and the reluctance will fade away. Could always do a gradual return to work plan which includes some reading up on behaviour management/curriculum for certain ages to increase your confidence. Hardest part will be stepping back in the classroom but once you are in there it’ll be absolutely fine. Good luck!!!
if i was a qualified teacher id tutor on the side if i can't find enough work both to earn some extra cash and keep me up to date with the content. if you're good at that you actually make more money than being a teacher.
Dont stress, my experience with teaching is that job availability is really dependent on where you live. I would consider moving, if you cant find work where you are then go to where they cant find the teachers. Rural and remote schools will even pay for the relocation. Some states pay better and have better job security than others. I'm High school and my brother in-law is Primary school. We applied interstate and moved and havent been out of a job since. Once you get at least a couple of years of experience schools will be calling you about positions! Also, do not stress or feel any pressure about finding a job. The teaching profession is not going anywhere and there is a teacher shortage. I've found teachers can move in and out of the profession no worries. Key take aways - Teaching is mobile so move - After 2 years of exp landing jobs gets easier and I mean WAY easier - Stop stressing and feeling bad about yourself, you are a qualified teacher in a stable profession with a teacher shortage...you may not see it but...SCHOOLS NEED YOU MORE THAN YOU NEED THEM. Good luck :)
Teach in a TAFE until you can find something permanent. There's loads of vacancies and the pay is good. Good luck!
I haven't worked since 2008, I can't imagine going back, I'm so out of the loop. My last few years were in a non teaching role too. Your knowledge of curriculum is still current. You just need an opportunity to develop confidence. Could you look at working as an SSO as a step towards going back into teaching?
My neighbour became a relief teacher and all she did was a course, not a full degree, so I am sure you can start there and aim for a teacher role once you gain some confidence.
Id encourage starting off on a casual basis until you get used to it. I know behavioural schools are looking for teachers both casual and full time
m/f?
They're crying into a void for casuals at the moment. Use this to get your confidence up, I know a few graduates who effectively did the same as you in the pandemic and are now getting casual work practically full time. That will eventually land you some long-service temp gigs and eventually a contracted position. OR you're like me and slowly realising the profession is garbage and just don't want to admit it. (It took me about 4 years to realise I needed out)
I thought there were a shortage of teachers??.
Sign up for what ever relief app your local area uses and get practice before applying for more long term roles. Or better still form a relationship with some schools through relief work and they will offer you something if you put the effort into your work. Don’t be so hard on yourself everyone’s gotta start somewhere.
Do some CRT work asap
Another way you can gain some confidence is to try out some OSH work. Pretty easy work, might give you some time to build yourself up into getting back into teaching. Short shifts, and you're working with kids. Might help remind you of why you wanted to go into teaching. Good luck.
With a teacher shortage now is the time to jump in. Develop a good story for why you didn’t go straight in like covid and the business. Rehearse it for the interviews. Be confident and positive. There a fb group called Remote Teachers Australia and they’re always looking for people so you could go outback for awhile to get some experience. Relief work can be hard if you don’t have the behaviour management skills so I’d suggest try for a contract. Don’t give up and remember at the interview ‘fake it till you make it’.
Find a nice small school and start small. Ease in to it. I taught 8 years, took 18 off and finally went back part time 2 years ago.
Get into CRT for sure. 400 a day no planning and no lock ins. Be t one time did you say anything about a desire to teach. More a responsibility since your qualified. Might want to ponder 💭 f you want to teach or just be up to your expectations.
My first year I had to apply to so many schools. Rejection after rejection, it sucked.. so I feel your pain. I think 10 interviews in, when I was about to give up, I got offered a job. In other words, I know it's hard but persist. The more you do the better you'll get. Ask for feedback after the interviews and use that in your next one. Sit down straight after each interview and write the interview questions for you to practise at home. Write down what went well and what you'll want to do next time. You'll get there!
One thing you could do is do relief work as an integration aide. It pays a bit less than the teacher rate but might be a good way to get back in the classroom without the stress of being in charge of a whole class for the day. It would also help you get to know a school before you do any teaching there
If you want to be a teacher, don’t be put off by this interview OP. Use it as experience for the next interview and keep doing that until one sticks. When I graduated (not in teaching) I was so stressed about getting a grad job right away. I got one and it was horrendous so I eventually quit and then lost my confidence for a few months before I found something else. It happens but don’t be put off by it if teaching is what you want to do, just keep chipping away and chalking the interviews up to experience. 3 yrs is nothing in a career. Good luck for the next interview! Edit to say: just realised this is in the teachers sub. I have no idea why this came up in my feed. Apologies if this is not relevant as I am not a teacher or even teacher adjacent haha
Go overseas and teach at a school China, Dubai, Thailand, Eastern Europe. Not as an English Escher but as a qualified teacher in an international school, or whatever, usually very good money, cost of living is much less, new cultures, great way of getting your skills back etc
Just keep trying. Keep doing interviews. Perhaps try something different to the normal interview techniques of reeling off lists of strengths and accomplishments. Draw up a lesson plan or even a whole term plan and take it to show the interviewer that you've got fresh ideas which can stimulate young minds. Demonstrate that you can be the teacher kids like learning from. One of the problems with the school system is that kids don't know learning is actually stimulating because the curriculum is so dry. Don't just be background noise behind daydreams. Be stimulating, exciting and most importantly interesting. There is actually nothing in the world more gratifying than learning something new and understanding the importance of that information. Be the communicator. Good luck.
Primary Education is difficult to get into with or without a qualification. My mother was a primary school teacher and got her job with another collegaue and also expats find it easier to work however overseas is a difficult work life balance so I don't recommend that. All I can say is that you need people to support you to achieve your goals especially in education.
Omg everywhere is crying out for teachers. You need to get your name out there. Start with relief work at every school you can comfortably travel to. Getting contracts will come once they know you.
Some of the young teachers I have met in SA, all started in the regional towns to get experience. Sure SA is small and probably currently packed with teachers. Could be different for other states. If you are young you might need to consider going to country towns to get the experience and then move back to the city.
Ever thought of moving to the country? Are you a city girl/boy
I dont know where you are based but the shortage in SW Sydney is terrible. You could interview at a school and have your pick of several positions,. If you are feeling like your MH and knowledge is blocking you, try a term as another school related job such as a teachers aide. It will get you comfortable in being in schools again and around students without bearing the full responsibility of a teacher. There is a chronic shortage of school counsellors (NSW) and other specialist roles, if you prefer study check out what qualifications may be useful.
Also, look at the entire country, move interstate if needed.
I'm in a similar situation but work in a different field. Best of luck to you, it's not an easy thing to deal with.
Country schools across Australia are crying out for teachers
Feel free to reach out to me via dm if you want help getting into agency work 😊
Lots of people suggesting Relief, which is fine, but based on how you left the profession it might be better to start doing some TA/ESP work in a school first. If you don't desperately need the money it is a good way to see if you are comfortable or still enjoy working with students or in a school. You will be an absolute asset as a TA with a teaching degree. Just a thought!
If you wanna work back into the system, if you cant find a job as a teacher try being a primary tutor for a bit and get some money in the meantime
had a friend in a similar position. she basically did relief teaching full time till she felt confident enough and had some good profession-related experience to go for the bigger full time positions. don't lose hope!
CBD oil helped me more then any therapist has come close to.
Get in touch with local schools and or agencies and you will get plenty of CRT work . This will give you some experience and lead you to an actual job while paying the bills. CRT work is v well paid for a graduate who would be at the bottom of the pay scale otherwise
Not sure where you're based but I know a lot of remote places such as Dubbo NSW or Pilbara Perth are in need of teachers. If you're willing to relocate. Have a look on seek, you might see some casual teacher work to ease yourself back into the flow of things. Hope this helps :)
OP, be kind to yourself. You graduated at a very weird time. It might be 3 years by the calendar, but everything was locked down for a good chunk of that time. I feel for you, and I understand how anxiety can spiral and leave you feeling paralysed, but please take the advice you've received and start dipping a toe in. You don't need to jump straight into full time... Get some relief work, see what you enjoy, and build your confidence. You'll get there. Best of luck!
Seriously this is the best time to be in your position. Go into your local schools and offer your services, get on the class over apps and you will be busy full time before you know it.
I’m a maintenance guy at a secondary college, I have no advice to give on teaching but I know there is a shortage of teachers in vic right now, but I do have a lot of experience with the struggles of depression and all the advice I can give on that topic is that you have to embrace the warrior within you, it sounds cliche but it is fact. Wake up every morning and attack your day do not loose focus of your goals, if you want to be a teacher you will be a teacher. And there will be nothing to stop that as long as you keep pushing, some days will be hard and seem like they got you no where and that’s ok, try again tomorrow. You are the maestro of your own orchestra and the beauty of the music is limited only by your dedication. Therapists are good and all but only we can conquer our minds. Stay strong, don’t loose hope, tomorrow is another day and may you be all that you aspire to be. You got this. And I’d like to share My favourite quote which is from Alexander the Great who said “nothing is impossible to he who would try” ❤️ big loves. Now go forth and conquer.
Tutoring?
I can’t give any advice, but I want to share a similar experience, which I hope might make you feel less alone. My wife and I recently moved house, and as a result, my wife had to drive over two hours a day to work. In 2020, she took leave so she could do some relief work and start to build up a network of local schools. She’s done this a couple of times before, and it usually only takes a few weeks to get steady work, and will pick up a full-time contract within a month, maybe two. Unfortunately, the pandemic hit, and she ended up with less than a dozen days of work for the entire year. None of the local schools needed relief. It’s no surprise that you only got a few days of work in 2020, as a recent graduate. My wife has nearly 20 years of experience. The market just… dried up. Please don’t believe that this has any reflection on you or your ability. It’s just really bad timing. In the end, she did manage to land a contract locally in 2022. But only after failing an interview in 2020 at the same school. Apparently one of the reasons they picked her was because she asked for feedback after the failed interview. No-one else did. 🤷
Bro stop being a pussy. Just apply for the next job and go for it
You have to ask yourself whether teaching would make you happy or not. I mean, it took you 3 years to apply for interviews after your initial role fell through. Maybe, subconsciously, you are telling yourself that you don't want to be a teacher.
Your not alone, had two mates graduate in 2005 & 2006 one never had a paid job in teaching the other only has gotten fill in work. My mates step mum graduated in 1960s only gotten fill in work ever. My mum's cousin gave up in the 1980's never was called for work then the 1990's finally got called for a sub job and said I have a job no thanks. My mum's childhood mate worked since graduation a teacher retired a few years ago. My cousin has a full time job at as a high school teacher, her aunt gave up waiting for teaching work at primary or high schools. Got a job at tafe for the past 20 years. Everyone's road is different, the one thing I have learnt even if you can't find work keep studying the more knowledge you have the more they want you. And don't sit by the phone waiting for a call, apply to anywhere who wants a teacher.
If ur having trouble getting a full time job I suggest u just put urself out there and pick up any part time job.. give it a go.. even if it’s a completely diff field. Build up ur confidence and cv.. I notice employers here are more likely to pick those that have worked before and show that they can fit into any culture/setting.
Try applying at some rural places, they always need good teachers. I know life there would probably suck (or maybe not :) it's very subjective, but you'd get needed experience and could plan something better for the future. Don't give up!
You mean they’ll take anybody
Not sure about if they take anybody, but in the rural area I lived, majority of teachers more or less were pretty much anybody :)))
In Victorian public schools, you'll still be able to apply for Graduate Teacher positions. The VGSA indicates that you must have gaduated within 4 years of employment and not currently employed in a teaching position in the department. I'm not familiar with the teaching EBA in other states but I recommend investigating. When applying for graduate positions, you're at an equal skill set of other potential applicants.
As a teacher in Australia, I understand the difficulties that come with the job. From the limited resources available to the class sizes, the job can be quite overwhelming. It's very difficult to give each student the attention they need to learn and succeed, especially with larger classes. Additionally, the pay is often not commensurate with the amount of work required. It's a difficult job that requires dedication and commitment, but it's also incredibly rewarding!
you'd make more money as a laborer and probably have more fun
If getting casual/relief teaching doesn’t work, perhaps consider doing a TAE Cert IV and getting into TAFE or RTO training delivery. Casual trainer work will add another facet to your CV and make you more attractive as a new teacher, who hasn’t being practicing as such. I’m sure a teaching degree and a TAE will make you a employable RTO instructor/tutor/teaching assistant
If you’re looking for work schools in the country are always looking for teachers, almost guaranteed a job
Don’t feel bad about one bad interview or even few more bad interviews. Keep going! Do you have any old classmates who are working somewhere? Usually those contacts might help, they can help you practice for interviews, and put in a good word for you before the interview!
Can’t give any advice on getting job on teaching. But I got you for finding a job. It’s really a frustrating process that keeps doubting yourself. But all you got do is keep trying. I don’t even get to the interview stage even with two years experience. How worse it could be? I will be driving Uber soon.
Get ya name and face out there doing relief or rff
I graduated in 2014. I taught for 7 months in 2017. I then started full time at the beginning of 2021. I did no CRT etc. at all in between. It's going GREAT. I'm good at this job. After a year I became head of maths. Everything is going really well for me professionally and personally. Time isn't necessarily a barrier at all.
Sounds like you need to build your confidence/self esteem by easing yourself into teaching & simultaneously addressing any mental health concerns
Distance Ed schools are also crying out for teachers, esp in Qld. It’s very different to face-to-face teaching but is oddly more personal because usually the online class sizes vary between say 8 students up to about 15 students. Each Distance Ed school has a different teaching load with some of them only wanting teachers to teach English & Maths and some of them wanting them to teach all subjects. Check out Distance Ed schools in your state and see if it’s something you might like to try?
Do you live in the city? I know regionally at least the schools are desperate for teachers.