How to secure your first teaching job as an Early Career Teacher (ECT).
Written by Bryony Lopez Specialist Recruitment Consultant
Well done on completing your first half term of training, I hope it has cemented the idea that teaching is the profession for you! Now how to secure your first teaching Job as an Early Career Teacher.
I have worked with ECT’s, NQT’s and all types of teachers from a range of backgrounds, and as a company with over 13 years’ experience in the education sector we wanted to offer some insight into the best way to secure your first teaching job after you qualify as an ECT.
One of the first points to consider is:
When should I apply for Early Career Teaching jobs?
I know it seems early, but your job search should begin in the autumn term. Begin by doing some research on schools in your area and reputable agencies that work with schools in your desired location(s).
September 2022 vacancies will start to be advertised as early as November (we have some we are working on currently – so please visit our jobs board). In January, you will notice schools advertising their vacancies – this is when a high proportion of September ECT start positions will be advertised.
The last opportunity for teachers to submit a resignation in time for the new academic year start, is the 31st May. There will be more opportunities arise throughout the remainder of the academic year, but these will start reducing in frequency as we get nearer to the summer holidays.
Sign up with a specialist education recruitment agency, with everything else that you are focusing on why not allow us to do the leg work for you by submitting you for the roles you are interested in? Have you ever heard someone say, “job hunting is a full-time job”? Well, it’s true and we can relieve that pressure a little for you and you can utilise our networks and expertise, while you focus on your induction, school, and pupils.
What is a suitable position for induction as an ECT?
There are a few details that contribute to this the first is that the duration of the vacancy needs to be a minimum of 1 term. Both full- and part-time positions can support induction, as can permanent roles (where you are employed directly with the school) or long-term supply (where you are booked via an employment business).
If you are undertaking a part-time role supporting induction you will need to have completed the equivalent of two years (6 terms) work or; where you can demonstrate that you have met the Teachers’ Standards, the appropriate body is able to reduce the length of the induction period, providing you have completed a period covering, but not equivalent to, two school years, and bring forward the final assessment point (see Induction for early careers teachers (England) para 3.5 www.gov.uk).
When working on a supply basis. If you have secured a booking that was not initially long-term, but it is extended to the equivalent of 1 terms work or more, an induction programme must be put in place at the point that this becomes apparent. It is not possible to backdate the start of an induction period.
To find out more about ECT’s, click here: https://www.4myschools.org/early-career-teachers-ects-secure-your-first-job/
