What is your most memorable London teaching moment ?
Everyday teaching in London provides plenty of material for good stories.
The first day I spent teaching in London would be one of many memorable moments.
I was scheduled to arrive at my new school and to meet with the head and to be
shown around, introduced to the staff and generally have some time to settle in.
When I arrived I introduced myself to the receptionist who mistook me for
another supply teacher who had failed to turn up. She gave me a full teaching
timetable for the day. Having thought there was a change in plan I did what I
believed was expected and took off to teach what became the first of five R.E
lessons for the day. The mistake was discovered only after the fifth period when
the fire alarm went off and the head recognised me attempting to line up my year
9 R.E class in the Quad.
How did you go about finding work in London ?
Before I came over I arranged a job through an agency that I found through
the NZ Education Gazette. I have also used London-based publications like
the TNT, New Zealand News UK etc. Supply teachers also talk to one another
a lot about their agencies, so through word of mouth or getting directly in
contact with different agencies will soon put you with the most suitable to your
needs.
What would you advise other teachers to look for in an agency ?
There are plenty of agencies, some better than others, so it is important
that you contact a wide variety. Most inner London schools are challenging, so
you need an agency who will support you in your dealings with the school, and
with other periphery issues such as gaining a bank account, advice on curriculum
areas and accommodation if necessary.
Anita is Primary Teacher from Murwillumbah, Australia
What is your current job description and responsibilities ?
I am currently employed at a primary school as a Key Stage One EAL
(English as an Additional Language) support teacher. My responsibilities include
team planning, individual assessments, team teaching and in class support. My
primary focus is small groups of EAL children in grades 1 & 2.
What do you enjoy about teaching in London ?
I especially like working alongside colleagues from other countries and the
exposure you get to the variety of languages and cultures of the children. I
love the London school structure such as warm school dinners and lines of coats
and coat pegs. It gives your day that, “warm and fuzzy” feeling and reminds
you what a wonderful opportunity it is to teach overseas.
What do you dislike about teaching in London ?
The only thing I dislike about teaching in London is ….. the WEATHER !!!
Each day seems to have a seasonal change and the rain often keeps children
inside all day. Playground duty on an
overcast Friday afternoon in winter, has to be the dreaded part of London teachers day !
What is your most memorable London teaching moment ?
During a literacy hour session, I was delighted to find one boy waving his
hand around and saying “I’m absolutely desperate Miss”. My response,
”FANTASTIC ! I hope everyone is as keen as John to begin the lesson…..”
Unfortunately it wasn’t the lesson he was desperate about, as I realised when
he let out a scream and ran from the classroom to the loo !! His very strong
London accent had misled me, but he happily returned, apologising, and asking me to please continue the lesson.
How did you go about finding work in London ?
I began writing to different agencies from Australia. Advertisements were
shown in the Sydney Morning Herald for some agencies offering free phone numbers
to call if you were interested in teaching in London. Then, on arrival in London
I selected 3 agencies (including Long term Teachers) from TNT magazine.
What would you advise other teachers to look for in an agency ?
Look for an agency that can provide:
Rehaaz is a Newly Qualified Secondary Teacher from the UK
What is your current job description and responsibilities?
Teacher of Science at a secondary boys' school in Putney.
Responsible for 6 classes (KS3 and KS4). 25 lessons/week (50 mins each). 1-2
cover lessons/week additionally and one special needs class.
What would you like to have known before you started teaching on a full time
basis in London?
Travel – by public or private transport, it is
hell. (But everyone – other than me – knows that already!)
What do you enjoy about teaching in London?
The diversity in pupils, both in race/culture and
mixed ability. I feel that teaching in London is challenging, never the same day
twice!
What do you dislike about teaching in London?
Due to its challenging nature (pupils from difficult and
EAL backgrounds), you have to be mentally tough. Travel is difficult – tubes,
trains and buses – throw me off schedule.
How did you go about finding work in London?
Applied late therefore narrowing my chances, I sent a few
applications via TES but did not expect a response (near the beginning of the
summer holidays). So Long term Teachers helped!
Did your course prepare you for teaching in London?
I think Goldsmiths did. I knew the problems I’d be facing
but the number of lessons/week that I would be teaching was still a shock.
What did you know about teaching agencies before you left college?
Nothing, to be honest.
Has your current school started you on the induction
programme?
Yes. The staff are incredibly hard working, but always
aware of my NQT (Newly Qualified Teacher) status. They have arranged observations (which went well). I was
also inspected by the Borough.
Most memorable London teaching moment:
Halloween. A pupil of mine (most popular kid in Year 10)
jumped into the classroom/lab wearing a ‘scream’ mask (blood flowing etc) he
intended to scare/shock me – the rest of the pupils were expecting this. I
calmly ignored him, walked past and said ‘please get the mask off Adam’. He
pulled it off and his look of defeat and the other pupils’ made me laugh
hysterically!
What would you advise other teachers to look for in an
agency ?
The friendly, personal touch. Teaching is stressful, so any
calm and helpfully pleasant attitude is well appreciated.
