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I returned to teaching after a 10 year career break last September, and I was really pleased to find a full-time one year maternity cover post almost straightaway. I am wel-qualified (one language to A-level, one to GCSE), but expensive as I taught for 7 years before the career break.
Teaching full-time with a young family has been hard for me, so I'd like to work part-time next year. The school where I am working at the moment have made it clear that they don't need me (not part-time in any case) and I've heard that schools 'don't like part-timers'. I've hardly seen any part-time jobs advertised in all the time that I've been looking.
So, is there any point in hoping for a part-time position? And do I need to look in the TES to find them? Or are all the part-timers former full-timers went part-time after having children and the schools accommodated their needs because they were already established?
Part-time often isn't advertised - if they only need a few hours, they might jiggle people between subjects, rather than go to the expense of advertising, And if they need more, they might advertise for full-time thinking they'll get a better field.
I'm maths rather than ML, and have managed to get part-time posts. Try (a) sending your CV on spec, and (b) ringing up and asking if they'll consider a part-timer when you see a full-time post advertised.
It's worth looking at how flexible you can be with regard to timetable. A part-timer who works two full days can be difficult to use, but if you are prepared to have your timetable spread across more of the week, then say so when you apply/send your CV. I've picked up two timetables mid-year because I've been prepared to do that - in one case they had a deputy leaving, leaving a rather bitty timetable to be covered.
Occasionally a primary will take on a part-time language specialist, if that would interest you. I think our local Jolie Ronde franchisee does a bit of work direct for the primary as well as her after-school/lunch clubs (for which parents pay). Again, a speculative cv might be the way to go.
Thank you for your answer, frustum, I'll try that. Not sure I fancy primary, but perhaps I could get used to it............
Part-time vacancies do arise, often for around 2-3 days a week. Some schools like them, others don't. They are advertised in the same places as full-time jobs, but also often locally. It helps if you can be flexible, as schools dislike more those who only want to work on their terms and make life difficult for the timetabler. A school who has a senior member of staff from the MFL department might be a reason why they want to find someone in order to complete the timetable arrangements. For this sort of reasons such posts often arise at the last minute when timetables are being completed.
John Howson
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