| I'm a Portuguese Teacher, and I'm thinking on Teaching in the UK, but there are significant differences in the school systems and the living that I have To consider. So I would like to know from other teachers how do the students react and interact with them. Is discipline really a problem on most schools? Is the money you take home enough to provide for you and make some savings? Are other teachers supportive? Please share opinions and Points of view Thanks |
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The answer to all these questions, "It all depends," but I'll still give it a shot, and I'm sure others will as well. Also, read blogs listed here on teaching overseas -- people say mine is detailed and informative.
1) Are significant differences in the school systems and the living that I have To consider? How do the students react and interact with them?
Not being from Portugal, I have no idea what your schools or lifestyle are like. It's a huge transition from the US, however, but one that many of us perservere and succeed in. Others don't. It depends on you. If you're looking for life and school to be the same, better just stay put, but if you're open to change and challenge, give it a try! The worst that happens is you return in a year and decide it's not for you.
2) Is discipline really a problem in most schools?
Again, I have no idea what you're used to. Keep in mind that the very top schools in the UK probably don't need to hire OTTs through an agency -- they can get all the candidtates they want right here in the UK. But it's not the worst of the worst, either -- many good schools use agencies, and discipline can vary. Initially you have to figure out how to do things here -- the kids respond a little bit differently, but on the whole, they're just like any other teenagers.
3) Is the money you take home enough to provide for you and make some savings?
Once more, that depends what they'll pay you, and what your cost of living is like. I have everything I want (cable, Internet, 2 BR flat, Friday nights at the pub, theatre here and there, and frequent holidays), and still put away 500 a month.
4) Are other teachers supportive?
I'd say that most departments will be interested in keeping good teachers, so they'll do what they can to support you -- they don't want to be out interviewing and hiring over and over for the same positions. That said, you do have to make your needs known; I find that many teachers, being educated and working in this system all their lives, have no idea what we know and don't know. They don'tunderstand how different 'our' schools are, to know what we need from them. So it's up to us to ask for the help we need.
Again, read blogs -- there's a post with them, and mine is at or near the top of the list, I think? I think it will be helpful (which is why I've written it -- for people like you).
Good luck! |
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Coelho,
All of the above post is very accurate and should go a long way towards answering your questions. As I'm also from the US I can't add any clarity on differences between schools.
I would like to add this however: Students here seem to be exposed to a lot of teachers from abroad who come and go very quickly. As a result, the kids tend to keep foreign teachers at arm's length (or even try to push them into leaving) until they are sure they are going to stay. As a result, my first year here was extremely difficult particularly up until Christmas. After Christmas, it became easier and after the second start of year it became even easier still. Now the students are very supportive and even protective of me. I like to think that this is because I've proven to them that I'm not going to just abandon them.
This is just one experience: mine. However, I've heard similar tales from other teachers. My best advice to you is decide before coming what your long term goals are. If you are coming to stay long term, expect the first part to be hard and go about establishing yourself as fair and consistent. If you are coming just for 6 months to a year, come with ways to protect yourself emotionally and minimize the conflicts.
Either way, good luck. Hopefully, some teachers of European origin will respond as well.
Meli |
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I'd have to agree that up until Christmas, that is the hardest part. I've known many, many OTTs who leave at the end of that first term (Christmas departure). Commit yourself to one of the toughest jobs you'll ever do (you aren't just dealing with the kids, but learning a new system, perhaps working toward QTS, adjusting to a new culture (you may be completely on your own as many of us are when we arrive), and so on . . .
If you prepare yourself thinking that way, you'll make it. But if you think it's going to be easy, re-adjust your thinking.
This isn't meant to scare you or anyone else off -- rather, to help you look at this realistically and decide if you really are cut out for it. It just takes a LOT of work. As hard as you think it might be, that'll be your easiest day some weeks/months. But is it worth it? I obviously think so (I'm in my second year). |
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