I am now in my fifth year of teaching and taught in over 10 schools. I have been ‘successful’ all four times that I have been through the generic interview process but only secured temporary contracts twice and have had to work a lot of supply to earn a living. At one point I had to resort to working on the pupil support supply list as there was no teaching supply work, like everyone I needed an income and was willing to do anything to get my foot in the door.
I remember being told at University that with my degree I would never not work a day in my life. How untrue that statement was. I now find myself in the best position I have been in where I have a fixed term contract until July 2025, however I will need to reinterview for the fifth time in January in the hope of securing work for the next academic session.
I have applied to my local council in the hope of gaining permanency due to my length of service however every time I apply I am told that although I meet the criteria there are no positions available.
Unfortunately due to the uncertainty around my career I feel I am putting my life on hold as I cannot apply for a mortgage and starting a family seems like something I can’t consider until I have a permanent position to return to.
I feel completely let down and feel if I had been made aware of the current situation in Scottish schools I would have reconsidered my career path.
This account was published on the original campaign website in November 2024. We have kept the contributor’s wording and anonymous story number.
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