Hi Plinth, I'm in a similar boat, but my union told me not to resign straight away so I'm in GP-note limbo at the moment - I'm looking for jobs at the moment but have no idea, like you, whether teaching is for me any more. 

Only you can answer question 1. Have you ever done any job other than teaching? If so, think about the common factors that you enjoyed most in every job you've had and find something where that is central, or think about the things you really enjoy doing in general and look for work related to your interests.

As for question 2, it can't be done. Even when your work environment is so toxic you have to leave because it's making you ill, you still have the same strengths that led them to recruit you in the first place, and you have shown the strength to walk away. If you try to fake confidence in interviews you will come across at best as more nervous than you really are and at worst as a liar, plain and simple - they won't recruit you because they won't feel they have gotten to know you as a person. If you are feeling nervous and underconfident, say so and explain why - your candour will have a far more positive effect than you realise. 

two years ago I was in same position.  Bullies! Don't let them put you down.  YOU qualified to teach, YOU have the skills and personal attributes.  YOU are able.  I am so fed up  with reading these messages over and over the same story.  Something needs to be done. 

We work so so hard have virtually no lives and we are constanly questioned and put down.  It is the headteachers who are lazy and incompetent.  They use us as scape goats.  Enough is Enough.  Do what you need to do.  Find another job there must be a school and job out there for you. BUT DO NOT let them get to you.

I am only just coming out of my 'I am no good I am worthless' mindset and have finally plucked up the courage to apply for a teaching job.

Good luck with what you decide to do.  The unions dont help us either my rep was about as much use as a chocolate tea pot! Wimp!  All talk and no balls!

plinth

 Hi there. I have handed in my notice at an English school. Cant say more than that because ive resigned due to the heads behaviour (again too scared tosay more details). By going volunatrrily i get to get a decent reference, and i cannot work there any longer, its making me ill. But, having real trouble sellng myself. Have tried to follow tips on here (exec summary etc) but some of them dont fit with how my lea handles applications. Got a couple of interviews which i failed on the "sell yourself" question. It doesnt help that the head has made me question if i even wnat to stay in teaching - but cant find altenative jobs either.

Guess Im asking for tips on 2 fronts:

1. What other jobs could i do?

2. how can i fake confidence?

 

As to alternatives to teaching, this link may help http://www.ncl.ac.uk/careers/assets/documents/Alternativestoteaching.pdf

Assuming you do want to stay in teaching then you need some professional advice on interview technique such as the TES Career Advice Service offer for a fee. However, I think you need to decide why you had problems where you are currently, and as a result whether teaching is for you? If you are being called for interview then that is the hardest part completed successfully where many more fail at this first hurdle, so your application itself seems to be fine.

John Howson

 Thanks everyone. I am still applying for teaching posts, as well as looking at charities and the like, as it could easily be the specific school.

John, I may well look at the paid service in the holidays - working 12+ hour days right now. As for why I have problems, I dare not detail them here for fear of loosing my reference, but I can say that a significant preportion of teaching staff have/ are handing in their notice, and many support staff considering it. Union involved, and being supportive but many staff members not likeing to complain in fear of the sack. Advice from someone at the local authority to my union was to get their members out! Its def not just me.