Re: Calling all teachers! Please help, I'm going mad...
 

I have around 20 years teaching experience and I had to work for buttons for a while. Even now I am on less than I was in the UK. The thing is, it is different here. I do not feel as though I know it all by any means, and I have had to learn new approaches and have relied heavily on the support of colleagues here. (By the way, I was rated a 'good to excellent' teacher by OFSTED). So you have to decide whether you really want New Zealand, and are prepared to do what it takes. The mentoring is excellent, by the way, and you will then begin to climb up the scale here - if you are really good, then what's the problem?

Re: Calling all teachers! Please help, I'm going mad...
 

hi Zoexr , I was in the same position as you are, We arrived here in jan last year having done a PGCE and 2 years of teaching in the UK. I was offered a permanent position in Collingwood, Golden Bay and was mentored :unsure:for a year to gain my registration. We now live in Canterbury where there is more work for my OH:) and the cost of living is lower. On the job front we are waiting for someone to die:huh: before I can get a job:fingerscrossed:At the moment I am on the relieving list and have regular schools ringing me with work:thumbup:
You will need a regular job though to get the registration and this may be a problem if you don't live in Auckland. We could have been here much sooner if I had accepted a job in Auckland. It is a good idea to take a job you are not so keen on to get your full registration (just like beginning an NQT) Seems tough but kiwi rules here so suck it up and just do what they expect or you will never get on. Teaching here is so very different to the Uk that I can honestly say I felt like an NQT again. All the best ...
Gozzy

Re: Calling all teachers! Please help, I'm going mad...
 

You don't say if you are primary or secondary trained? If you are working as a TA join the union PPTA for Secondary and NZEI for primary - they will help you sort out any problems. Even if it is just someone to moan too! Been there so know how you feel:) Be as flexible as you can and keep trying.
Gozzy

Re: Calling all teachers! Please help, I'm going mad...
 

Very funny! But yes, it is a bit like that, isn't it? I am not young myself, but hey - these guys stick in their jobs forever and it is VERY hard to get work. I am in the Wellington region and was knocked back twelve times. Just coming to the end of a fixed term contract and desperate really to get something. I was working for $1800 dollars a month at first too, but you've just got to accept it really. I prefer the teaching here but still feel like I have a lot to learn.

Re: Calling all teachers! Please help, I'm going mad...
 

I'm so glad that it's not just me to be waiting for someone to die!!!:o

Re: Calling all teachers! Please help, I'm going mad...
 

oooh don't go back to that cold, class riddled place pease! lol! Sorry to be so flippant i've got a PGCE (learning disabilites/pottery) so i responded to your call! I know how undervalued teachers are everywhere, also know that there r some really bad teachers out there too oops!:zzz: don't give up on the fight, good luck:thumbsup:

Re: Calling all teachers! Please help, I'm going mad...
 

I also was a Dept. Hd. in UK.
I concur with all you say. Different country, different curriculum requires more evidence of teaching ability.
Numerous professions with sound qualifications in UK have to go through a formal 'training/induction period' before being appointed in NZ.
Even those with high UK grades have to take this advice.
Don't fret-- It will be well worth it.
At the end of the day you will know that you are working for in a system which really values teachers.?????????
Sorry -- bit of a GOOF there!
Teachers are holding spasmodic strikes at the mo.
Ah well. I led a strike in 1981-
so I guess nothing changes!
;):(:ohmy:;)