Those just finished the pgde....

scut

Hi,
I'm 1 month away from starting the pgde and I'm just wondering how successful those who just finished up were in securing a teaching job for next year? What subjects, and was there many interviews etc?

freire

Alright scut -

To answer your questions; I was kinda lucky in that I secured work early on this summer, though I think many people in my year also secured employment without any major difficulty, getting permanent, now that's a different challenge. There was one poster on here who got a permanent contract on first EVER interview, but I think that's a lotto-type scenario, though one never knows.

We were advised at the beginning of year that there would be maximum opportunity in 2-3 years time when the older cohort who signed up in the 70's would be taking their well earned retirement.

I think it's worth bearing in mind that it's important to get involved at an early stage in extra-curricular activities, coaching teams, setting up of clubs/societies, any literacy initiatives there might be, generally brown nosing to be honest. It gets you on side with the kids and the management. It's tough to do in your dip year but will pay dividends, probably more so than 4.2 grade averages and all that.

The bottom line is - frm what I've seen around in the press the last few months there are quite a few opportunities about but there are also quite a few teachers coming thru so go the extra mile to differentiate yourself.

Where you doing it?

Good luck.

Toto Wolfcastle

freire wrote: »

There was one poster on here who got a permanent contract on first EVER interview, but I think that's a lotto-type scenario, though one never knows.

That would be me! I was extremely lucky with that. It really depends on your subjects. I have English and Irish so there were quite a few jobs to apply for. However I know of others who are still trying to find a job, with subjects such as maths and science.

As Freire said, the ability to get involved in extra-curriculars will help, and a general enthusiasm for the job. However, none of this matters if there are no jobs out there.

For a few weeks there were few jobs in the paper for secondary teachers, then there were loads. You have to be willing to travel though. I applied for jobs all over the country but was lucky to get one 20 minutes down the road. I would have quite happily travelled, and in fact wanted a job in Dublin rather than Cork, but such is life! It's a year away now but my advice is to keep an eye on the papers and the teaching job sites, and apply for everything!

Anyway, after the first few weeks on the Dip you will be so tired that finding a job next year will be the furthest thing from you mind! Good luck.

Edit: Freire, is that after Paulo Freire? Love him!

freire

I go along with all the above. Especially the 'too tired to care' bit! It can all be a bit overwhelming at times, and occasionally you need to reassess who you think you are. It definitely promotes introspection (should do anyway), sometimes it ain't comfortable. Going a bit off topic there, sorry.

janeybabe, my user name is indeed in honour of the great Paulo, what a dude. Probably the most interesting on the whole course, though I kinda discovered him by accident, don't remember anyone telling me to read him, as it should be, I am an adult after all. Augusto Boal is also good, controversial and great for English. Though you probably know that!

Good to see there's another Freireian (is this right?) on here!

Toto Wolfcastle

Just realised that this all seems very depressing. I'll just say this: You get out of the course what you are willing to put in, and you will get a job if you are willing to look everywhere and interview for everything you can. It's all worth it!

freire

Correct - it's the best job out there for the right people.