I have been actively seeking permanent part-time employment for the past ten years. Due to caring responsibilities and family commitments, part-time employment is the only feasible option for me at this stage in my life.
Over the past number of years, I have been re-employed on several occasions at the same school. I absolutely love the school, the pupils and the wider school community, and I have always been committed to the role. The Head Teacher has also expressed a desire to retain me on a permanent basis. However, due to the way my employment has been structured and the breaks in service identified by the council, I have not been eligible for permanency.
This situation has become increasingly difficult and, honestly, soul-destroying. It is incredibly frustrating to repeatedly find myself in a position where I am valued by the school and want to remain there, but cannot secure the permanent part-time position that would provide the stability I need.
I have always viewed teaching as a vocation rather than simply a job. I care deeply about the pupils I work with and take great pride in making a difference to their lives. However, the lack of suitable permanent part-time opportunities has made my situation increasingly unsustainable.
As a result, I am now actively exploring opportunities outside of teaching. This is not a decision I have taken lightly, as education has been such an important part of my professional life. However, I also need to find employment that provides the stability, flexibility and security that fits with my family commitments.
This is answer 59 of the 269 written answers that teachers let us quote anonymously in the Scottish Teacher Employment Survey 2026. It answers the survey’s last question: what do the people who make decisions about teacher employment need to know?
We have corrected spelling, added paragraph breaks and removed details that could identify anyone. Words in square brackets are ours.