What to Consider Before January

October can be a good time to think about how the school year is going and whether your current role is still right for you. If you are thinking about a new teaching job, there are a few things worth considering before making a move.

For some teachers, everything may be going well and they will be happy to stay where they are. For others, the start of a new school year may have made them realise that they would like a change.

With the 31st October resignation deadline approaching, January can also be a natural point to consider starting a new role.

Know your priorities

Before you start looking at vacancies, think about what you want from your next role.

You may be looking for a new challenge or an opportunity to develop your career. You might want to work in a different type of school, reduce your commute or gain experience in a different area of education.

It can help to think about:

  • The type of role you are looking for
  • The age group or subject you want to teach
  • The type of school or setting you would prefer
  • Where you are prepared to travel
  • The responsibilities you want to take on
  • When you would be available to start

You may not be able to find a role that meets every requirement, so it is worth deciding which things are most important to you before you start applying.

Is January the right time to move?

January can be a good time to start a new role, but it will not be right for everyone.

Some teachers may prefer to stay in their current position until the end of the academic year, while others may feel that January is the right opportunity to make a change.

The 31st October resignation deadline is an important date for teachers considering a January start. If you are thinking about moving schools, it is worth looking at your options before deciding what to do.

Make sure you check the terms of your own employment and the notice period that applies to you before handing in your notice.

What type of role are you looking for?

A new role does not have to be exactly the same as your current one.

You may be looking for another permanent teaching position, or you might want to consider supply teaching. If you are at the beginning of your career, an Early Career Teacher (ECT) role could be the right option.

There are also other education roles to consider, including Teaching Assistant positions, SEND Teaching Assistant roles and Cover Supervisor jobs.

Think about your experience, the type of work you enjoy and what you would like to do next. This can help you focus your search on roles that are a good match.

Where would you like to work?

Location is another important consideration.

You may want to work closer to home, reduce your commute or explore opportunities in a particular area. It is worth deciding how far you are realistically able to travel before you start your search.

At Athona Education, we recruit for education roles across Essex, East London, Suffolk and Norfolk, with opportunities depending on the role and location.

You can explore the education roles we recruit for in your area to see what is currently available.

Look beyond the job title

When you find a role that interests you, take the time to read the job description carefully.

Consider whether the responsibilities match your experience and whether the role offers what you are looking for. If you are applying to a particular school, it is also worth finding out more about the school and its setting.

This is where speaking to your consultant can be really useful. They will have relationships with the schools they work with and can often give you a better idea of the school’s culture, expectations and what it is like to work there.

An interview gives you the opportunity to ask questions too. You should be able to delve a little deeper into the role, the school and what would be expected of you before deciding whether it is the right move, so don’t be afraid to ask.

Thinking about a January start?

If you are considering a new role for January, now is a good time to start looking.

You don’t need to have made a final decision before you start exploring vacancies. There is no harm in seeing what is out there or what catches your eye. Speaking to your consultant can also help you understand your options. You may find that the role you thought you wanted isn’t quite right once you’ve talked it through, or that your consultant has something else available that is a much better fit.

If you decide that a move is right for you, register with us and we can keep you informed about suitable opportunities.

You can also view our latest vacancies to see what is currently available.

Take your time

Whatever you do, take your time. Changing roles is a big decision, so there is no need to rush into it.

Whether you already know you want a new teaching job or are simply starting to think about your options, October is a good time to look at what is available and decide what you want from your next role