netts03 Posted March 13, 2015 Share Posted March 13, 2015 I got the first teaching job I applied for. Firstly I was VERY VERY lucky. So to all the people who are job searching out there please do not feel as though I am being rude, I am certainly not intending to be! But I thought my story might help others. Firstly be optimistic, it is easy to read all the stories about people who came over and it was a disaster etc... Just remember how awesome you are. Yes it is a difficult thing to do, leaving family, friends, job security and travel to the other side of the world, I know I did it. But think of it this way, you have done well in the UK because you are smart, hardworking, skilled etc... - you will still be that when you arrive here. I have found that a targeted research into your area (in my case teaching), really helped. Especially at the interview stage. You must do your homework, I made a list of all the similarities between the UK and Australian education system so any time they asked me anything about being from the UK I had a positive example to give them. Although it is not the custom here call the school and visit them before you apply. My new school said they really liked that I had came for a pre-application visit (I was the only candidate to do so). It is a great opportunity to sell yourself. In teaching they are obsessed with 'key selection criteria' (basically questions related to the role you are applying for)- when answering give really detailed answers. I wrote a page per question. Use the 'situation - action - result' method for structuring your answer. I am sure this is obvious to most people, but it was all new to me. I hope this helps someone, as there have been SO many people on this site that have helped me. Good Luck and go for it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freckleface Posted March 13, 2015 Share Posted March 13, 2015 Congratulations. I wouldn't say you were lucky though - I would say you prepared well and were rewarded for that preparation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grabri Posted March 13, 2015 Share Posted March 13, 2015 Congratulations may I ask what do you teach and what area? Also about similarities and differences how do you know about that if you never worked in an Australian school? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ozmaniac Posted March 14, 2015 Share Posted March 14, 2015 Great post. Sound to me though that you made your luck by brilliant preparation - a real case of 'The harder I work, the luckier I get'. Well done and I hope you enjoy the job AND Australia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petals Posted March 14, 2015 Share Posted March 14, 2015 It may be helpful to add what State you are going to and whether the school was primary, secondary, government or private as this can make a difference to a lot of people. East state is different and the system can be different. Also availability of positions will be area driven. That is its probably easier to get a job in the western or northern suburbs of Melbourne but much harder in the South East and closer to CBD where everyone wants to live. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
netts03 Posted March 14, 2015 Author Share Posted March 14, 2015 It was for a SEN job in the south eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Regarding the similarities and differences: I spoke to Australian friends that are also teachers. That was clearly invaluable. I also researched online, for example I looked at the similarities between VELS and the National curriculum.. From the school website I found out that they also use P levels, just like my old school in the UK. More broadly I stressed that what made 'outstanding' lessons was the same no matter what end of the planet you lived. For example: Inclusive learning environment in which lessons have been designed to meet the needs of each pupil, differentiated activities and resources, assessment for learning etc.... All of the things that we do in our classrooms back in the UK. I am sure there are people reading this that have far more insight into the similarities / differences between the two education systems than me, in the interview I never tried to pretend to be an expert on it only that I had taken the time to try and learn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Que Sera Sera Posted March 14, 2015 Share Posted March 14, 2015 Congratulations, it's lovely to hear some positives . Good luck with your new role. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parley Posted March 14, 2015 Share Posted March 14, 2015 What does SEN mean ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
netts03 Posted March 14, 2015 Author Share Posted March 14, 2015 What does SEN mean ? Special Educational Needs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sazzap Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 Netts firstly, congratulations!!!!!!! Amazing well done. Secondly, may I ask what quals you had in the UK that enabled you to apply for the job in Oz? Thanks in advance x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vanduex Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 Congrats! I had exactly the same luck. Arrived Wednesday night, interviewed Friday morning, offered the job on the Monday. Catholic private school Brisbane. It can be done. Prep and belief in yourself is the key. If you are genuinely good at what you do then it is like any other job market and you have a legitimate shot. Well done and I hope you settle into the role and enjoy the learning curve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortlepuss Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 Well done. My hubby works with SEN (he is a science secondary teacher) and was appointed because of his aptitude for working with the kids. No everyone can work in this area as it is very demanding. So you worked hard at your application, but I am sure there are aspects of your personality that made you a front runner as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vanduex Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 Well done. My hubby works with SEN (he is a science secondary teacher) and was appointed because of his aptitude for working with the kids. No everyone can work in this area as it is very demanding. So you worked hard at your application, but I am sure there are aspects of your personality that made you a front runner as well. Agreed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sazzap Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 Vandeux, can I please ask what quals you have that enabled you to get the job? x And congratulations!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vanduex Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 Vandeux, can I please ask what quals you have that enabled you to get the job? x And congratulations!! BA History, PGCE. 10 years teaching experience was a real help as I had a fair idea what I was talking about. Reading around key educational figures was a massive help - Hattie, Marzano, Lemov, Ginnis - gave me a sound background. In addition any work with data - pronounced Dar-tar is a bonus as in QLD it is a massively expanding field. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sazzap Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 Brilliant, thankyou x and enjoy Australia x hope to get there one day........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milliem Posted May 29, 2015 Share Posted May 29, 2015 Congratulations! Me too, also got the first job I applied for in a private school when I arrived. Science and Maths (physics and Bio), previously SLT Moved jobs now to a role more suited to my specialist subjects. As Vandeux says, pedagogy, current research, Marzano / dimensions of learning all featured highly in the interviews. Millie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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