Possibly and possibly not. Yes, you have a magic bit of paper that says you are qualified to teach and therefore can't be villified for not being qualified, but on the other hand you are a qualified teacher 'demeaning' yourself by being a CS....

I don't think any of us can win either way!

carbin123:

I had four interviews where the reason for not getting the job was due to lack of experience, so it's not that I haven't been trying...

I'd much rather be in a paid position in a school, even if demeaning my qualifications, than sat at home, unemployed.

That way, I'm getting some of that experience 'stuff'!

Good for you

carbin123:

I'd much rather be in a paid position in a school, even if demeaning my qualifications, than sat at home, unemployed.

I wish more people had that attitude!

I think it a little unfair to talk about 'elite', teachers moaning on here. The odd moan has been from supply teachers.

Me being a supply teacher it is worth considering a few issues.

When we commit to CS work we are then unavailable for supply teaching work.

When we go to a school on a last call in the morning for a desperate school. Most of the time there is no work left, so we are supply teaching on half rates.

I think it is a good idea for new to teaching colleagues to do CS work, as it will give classroom experience. However if the supply sector was not hit so hard, Supply work would be available for you to expand your experiences. No better training ground for working in different schools than supply.

If you are ex PGCE ok do some CS work, however you still need 3 terms of induction.

Not a lot to do with elite, and a teaching qualification is just a bit of magic paper, I suppose it  depends on ones point of view. 

carbin123:

and the jobs go to the best. Supposedly.

Jobs go mostly to the cheapest, would be a more accurate statement.

Definitely.  For all institutions at the moment, cost cutting is a real issue.  I am a parent, and a Cover Supervisor, which for some will be a dichotomy (! think thats the word I am searching for) of values.  I feel it myself sometimes.  My children deserve to have a good quality, experienced,  qualified teacher in the classroom with them at all times.

However.  My children also need to have a roof over their heads and food in the fridge, clothes on their backs and a stable home environment.  I am the one who has to supply this.  So While I would like my children to be educated in the best way possible, I, as a realist, have to accept that 100% first rate quality teacher cover in the classroom isnt possible.

In which case, I will settle for first rate cover supervisors - like me :-).  Give us a break please.  We are doing the best job we can in a tough environment.