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    Job Interviews

    Interview Tips for NQTs from a Principal

    • Categories Job Interviews, Rahoo, Teacher Tips & Tricks, Thought-provoking
    • Date January 18, 2022

    Niamh Cullen is principal of Grace Park Educate Together National School.

    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. Between 2015 and 2017, Niamh was seconded to the Teaching Council. 

    Niamh is passionate about supporting supporting teachers, in particular NQT’s. This is one of the reasons we like to call her our NQT Queen! Niamh has contributed at a number of Rahoo events including NQT Picnic, Mná Fest and webinars. 

    What are the key things a principal looking for in the hiring process especially when it comes to NQT’s?

    First to say that we know you are NQT’s and we don’t expect you to have buckets of experience.  I do look for/am interested in:

    • someone who has read the ad properly and sends the correct items in the application.
    • You! – so let your personality and interests come out in the application.
    • your final year research project- does it match with the needs of our school?
    • Flexibility
    • Team player
    • Someone who sees the whole-school picture -we are all in this together
    • Someone who knows the curriculum and is prepared
    • Someone who is willing to learn

    What experiences would you say would make an NQT stand out for you either in an interview or when they are working in a school?

    • Flexibility – especially in developing schools
    • Hard worker – prepared and ready to teach
    • Someone who knows the children and their interests and invests in their relationships with the children
    • Professional behaviour
    • Sense of humour and fun
    • Join in a team / nights out
    • Can say no if they need to
    • Asks for help
    • Tells me if they made a mistake – together we can sort it out-if I don’t know, I can’t help
    • Willing to learn

    What is your favourite thing about teaching and working in an Educate Together school?

    The feeling of belonging and feeling valued as a staff member.

    The sense of equality between children and staff, using first names for staff really helps with this, and the child-centred nature of Educate Together schools. When we find a decision difficult to make, we always do what will be best for the children. I also love how the children’s voice is so important, we ask for their opinions and we want children to be active in their own learning.

    What are some other factors you would need to consider for an interview or job in an Educate Together school?

    • Be careful on your application to have the school name right.
    • Educate Together schools don’t have a Rev. Chairperson – this is important – address the letter properly
    • Learn about the ethos and the Learn Together programme
    • Be careful to highlight how you would teach to the ethos of Educate Together schools, rather than to one particular faith.
    • Meet up with someone who works in an Educate Together school and find out more about them .

    What is the biggest piece of advice you would give to a teacher or final year student as they embark on the job hunting process?

    • Don’t get disheartened -it can take time to get your dream school/job
    • Learn about the school before you apply – don’t be generic in your application form
    • Talk to a staff member if you can before an interview
    • Get out and sub as much as possible – you will learn so much including the kinds of schools you like/don’t like.
    Check it out!

    What is the key piece of advice you would give to an NQT at the start of the year?

    • Be the kind of teacher you wish you had in school
    • Get on top of planning early-don’t let it build up. Try to use Thursday to do all your planning for the following week, either stay late or do it at home and then you can enjoy Friday with your class and you can prioritise yourself and your family time over the weekend.
    • Read the important school policies
    • Invest in getting to know the children and their families and your colleagues. Relationships are crucial!!!!
    • Pace yourself. Do something nice for yourself every week.
    • Remember we know you are newly qualified -we don’t expect you to be perfect!
    • Ask for help
    • Remember everyone struggles from time to time.
    • Be flexible and use every situation as an opportunity for learning. See how others work, try new things, but don’t compare yourself to others – you are unique, you do you!
    Check it out!
    back to school tips

    Back to School Tips for Teachers

    September 18, 2023 No Comments

    Going back to school is a nerve-wrecking time for everyone – including teachers! It is a brand new start; a chance to do things differently and establish a new routine. We asked some of our followers what are their “Back to School” tips for teachers.

    Read More »
    rahoo

    Are you confident using Formative Assessment methods?

    September 5, 2023 No Comments

    Did you know that 74% of teachers do not feel confident with formative assessment teaching methodologies?
    As we approach the new school year, this survey conducted by Rahoo Training in 2020, and its findings, should be at the forefront of a school leader’s mind.

    Read More »
    Niamh_Cullen_Principal

    Webinar 8th November 2023: How to Enhance the Teaching & Learning of Maths with Formative Assessment

    September 5, 2023 No Comments

    “How to Enhance the Teaching & Learning of Maths with Formative Assessment” is 1 hour in duration including Q&A opportunities.

    This webinar will be hosted by a Nadine Lyons, Maths Lead Practitioner at South View School Dubai.

    Read More »

    What is the Silent Phase?

    June 13, 2023 No Comments

    Supporting EAL (English as an Additional Language) students in schools can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help. Here are some ways that schools can support EAL students.

    Read More »

    Refer a Friend!

    May 25, 2023 No Comments

    Give 10%, Get 10% with Rahoo’s Refer a Friend Programme!

    Read More »

    The Not-So-Secret Diary of Rachel O Connor

    May 10, 2023 No Comments

    My name is Rachel O’ Connor, I am in my 10th year as Principal of Ramsgrange Community School, situated on the Hook Peninsula in Southwest Wexford. I will begin in a new position as Deputy Director of NAPD on September 1st 2023.

    Read More »
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    Webinar 9th February 2022: Rahoo Chat with Nadine & Niamh Cullen, Principal
    January 18, 2022

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    5 Factors to Consider when Choosing a School as an Expat Teacher
    January 20, 2022

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