A network for all who teach languages to children

Your opinion

Hi everyone
I am a Spaniard who has QTS, altought I have been trained abroad I am keen interested and decided to get into school teaching in the near future. I am still a "beginner" regarding Uk educational system, teaching roles etc..but I am not in a hurry since I assume I will need some time to study it deeply and becoming familiar to the system, interview process,standards etc...
However, as mentioned before I have already decided to go for it. My preference at this moment it is MFL in primary (and secondary if necesssary). My teaching experience in Uk is limited to 5 years in further education context (private schools of languages) Which I am afraid it means almost ...nothing . There is something that has been round and round my head about my future plans and I do not reach any conclusion by my own.

1) I have started to look for a volunteering teaching assistant /after school language class teacher position in my local council schools. It is considered suitable for someone with QTS and no experience in Uk to apply for a voluteering position like these?

2)A step further... if 1) goes wrong...Is there any chance of getting a job as supply teacher without any experience( I do not take into account my 5 years as spanish as foreign language tutor ) in UK ?

I would appreciate your personal views on this.Thanks in advance.
Alvaro.

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Permalink Reply by Lisa Stevens on November 28, 2008 at 9:08

Volunteering is a good way to start as it gets your foot in the door! But obviously you won't be paid :o( Afterschool clubs are popular - and you can be paid fr those.

Is your QTS from UK? If not, you may have to do something or other to satisfy the DCSF (or whatever they're called now!) - I know a colleague had to do something having been teaching at our school for years just because her QTS was from abroad!! I'd check it out with LA or with DCSF. Or TDA.

Lisaxx

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Permalink Reply by Jo Rhys-Jones on November 29, 2008 at 22:16

Hi

Agree with Lisa's comment about your QTS - check with your Local Authority (you will be asked about this anyway if you wish to register for supply). Then yes - go for it and volunteer and start knocking on doors and be persistant - it worked for me (in the end!!)

good luck
Jo x

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Permalink Reply by Alvaro on December 1, 2008 at 11:55

Thank you for your replies.It is very kind.
It is truth Lisa I don't be paid if I get a volunteer position but I don't mind to be honest given my circumstances and background.I am just planning my future career early stages and What I would like is to find out the right and fastest way to do it. I am glad to hear that volunteering is a good starting point as well as that afterschool clubs are popular.Hopefully I will have a phone call soon.

As I mentioned on my post, I Have been trained abroad but the GTC has officially recognized me as a qualified teacher in England.In other words...I am a OTT holding a QTS in England with no experience in primary/secondary School teaching environment..

Regards.