In the summer of 2019, I applied for jobs as an NQT for the first time. It was daunting and nerve wracking.
As you may know by now, I’ve recently announced that I am moving to teach in Dubai in the UAE this August. I had planned to begin my teaching journey in the UAE in September of last year, however, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, things didn’t go to plan!
My name is Elaine and I am the Principal of a school in Galway and the owner of the company EK Interview Preparation. I am a busy mom of 7 amazing children. I love my job – both the teaching and the leadership role.
Okay so we’ve all been there – a job post comes up on your screen that you hadn’t seen before and the deadline is that day!
Uh oh!
You quickly rush the application to get it in before 3pm and pray to Beyonce (she’s like God, right?) that it’s acceptable!
As teachers, we all know that preparation is key. Planning and preparation are among the core qualities of an effective teacher. Interview preparation is no different and there are a number of reasons for this.
This 25 minute activity allows teachers to reflect honestly on their strengths and areas of development professionally.
Take the time to sit down with a pen and paper and get your thoughts organised.
Niamh Cullen is principal of Harcourt Terrace Educate Together National School since it opened in 2018 and has worked in Educate Together since 2005.
Niamh has also worked with newly qualified teachers for many years. She trained as a mentor with the National Induction Programme for Teachers in 2007 and has mentored teachers in all school settings and classes. Niamh is an Associate with NIPT and facilitates induction workshops, Cluster Meetings and PST Training.
However, as teachers know, the process of lesson planning has become increasingly administrative and demanding. The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) said a rising workload, described as unacceptable by 74% of those who responded to its survey, is contributing to increased stress and falling job satisfaction (Irish Examiner, March 28 2018).