Finding your first teaching role
Whether you've already qualified as a teacher, or are starting initial teacher training, you might be thinking about your future and your first teaching job.
We've put together some tips to help you navigate your options and find your perfect role.Identify your preferences
What criteria does your ideal teaching role need to meet? Consider what aspects need to be flexible and that are non-negotiable. For example, you might be willing to extend your search geographically, but you may only by qualified to teach a certain age group. Knowing where you can and cannot compromise will help to focus your search. You might think about:
- Location
- Age range of pupils you wish, or are qualified, to teach
- Subject area
- Type of school - for example, a local authority maintained school, or an academy that is part of a multi academy trust (MAT)
- Contract type - are you looking for a permanent or fixed term role?
Begin your search
Once you understand what sort of role you are looking for, it's time to begin your search.
Teaching jobs are advertised widely, so extend your search to include places such as:- Department for Education's Teaching Vacancies job listing service
- Local council website (such as Portsmouth City Council's careers portal)
- School websites
Make a shortlist
Before you decide what role to apply for, research your options to see if the jobs and schools are a good fit for you. Afterwards, create a shortlist of the roles you would like to apply for.
Read the job description thoroughly to understand the role.
Research the school and decide whether you can see yourself working and thriving there.
Visiting a school is a good way to get a feel for the culture.
Get to know the school by reviewing the school's values. Explore the website and read the headteacher's welcome to see if the ethos and values match your own.
As you research the school and the role, write down why each job attracts you. This will help when you come to your application.
Prepare your application
Once you're ready to begin the application process, review your shortlisted jobs and make a note of deadlines. Plan ahead to give yourself plenty of time to complete your application.
Each job listing may ask you to provide slightly different information as part of your application, so read the job listing and application form carefully.Get ready for your interview
If you make it through to the interview stage - congratulations! This is your opportunity to show why you would be great for the role. Read our top tips to help you prepare for your interview.
Explore the latest teaching jobs of the month
Ready to find your dream teaching role in Portsmouth? Each month we publish a round up of the latest teaching, support and leadership vacancies from Portsmouth City Council's website. Visit the news hub to read our latest article.
Justine Streeton