Can a teachers private life be private?

The behaviour of teachers has long been of public interest. This was again proven when Music teacher Helen Goddard was sentenced for her relationship with an under age pupil. It's not the first time the press has run such a story, and it no doubt won't be the last though in the scheme of things, it has to be said that incidents such as these are pretty rare. What happens however if the focus shifts to a teachers more general behaviour? Should a teacher maintain a certain level of decorum in their private lives or should a teacher's private life be just that - private?

The General Teaching Council (GTC) will in October be launching its new code of practice for teachers. It is already proving quite controversial, in particular because one part of the code suggests that teachers should ‘Maintain reasonable standards in their own behaviour that enable them to maintain an effective learning environment and also to uphold public trust and confidence in the profession.’ What exactly does this mean? Some critics have suggested that a teacher might not be able to drink or smoke in public for fear of bringing teaching in to disrepute! Will a teacher have to be constantly aware of who is around them in case they are spotted by student or parent? This question is a valid one if critics are correct in suggesting that people will be encouraged to report on "teachers who behave badly"!

I think every reader of this blog would agree that teachers should indeed behave well and have a responsibility to their profession as a public key worker - just as doctors and other key workers are. The question is how far we take this? Should teachers really be expected to maintain higher standards than the rest of us?

The Chief executive of the GTC, Keith Bartley has responded to the critics who say that the new code is too intrusive in to teachers' private lives and has said ‘We are absolutely explicit that the code does not in any way intrude into teachers’ private lives.’ Read the full article here. Here at Classroom we too have a code of conduct for our supply teachers but this refers more to behaviour within the Classroom and on school premises and does not touch on behaviour in public life.

So what do you think? Do pupils see their teachers as role models and therefore should certain levels of behaviour be maintained in public by teachers?

Guest Blog: Is it all in the name?

Our second guest blogger is Nicole Morgan, a consultant here at Classroom who works in the Primary team. She is taking a look at whether you can judge a student by his or her name! Read on:

New term, new class, new names to learn. September each year inevitably brings with it a fresh bunch of ‘darlings’ still bubbling with the excitement of the summer, some fresh faced and ready to learn, others less so perhaps. So, as you cast your experienced eye over the register of this year’s cohort what images spring to mind? Will you need to watch out for Connor clobbering Callum at morning break? Will this year’s Brandon be as brutal as last years and will Elisabeth be the one educating YOU in Science this afternoon?

A recent online survey by parenting organisation Bounty.com explored the dialogue surrounding school children’s names. Of the 3000 teachers surveyed, nearly half admitted to possessing pre-conceived ideas of the characteristics and behaviour of a student based on their name alone, prior to their stepping foot into the classroom.

Topping the list of the ‘naughty’ names are both Callum and Connor for the boys coupled with Chelsea and Courtney for the girls, whilst the teachers surveyed seem to have agreed that the Alexanders, Adams and Elisabeths of the class tend to exhibit signs of being the brightest students. Of course, as Faye Mingo of Bounty stresses, ‘Teachers are only human and make assumptions like the rest of us’. One teacher, whose thoughts are cited in McDonagh’s times article, Names that mean trouble, reinforces these thoughts; ‘I went through my new class list and mentally circled the ones I thought would be most difficult. I reckon I have a 75% hit rate’

Top Ten Naughtiest Boys & Girls Names

1. Callum & Chelsea
2. Connor & Courtney
3. Jack & Chardonnay
4. Daniel & Aleisha
5. Brandon & Casey
6. Charlie & Crystal
7. Kyle & Jessica
8. Liam & Brooke
9. Jake & Demi
10. Brooklyn & Aisha

There are also perhaps some parallels to the adult world to be drawn here? The caddish characteristics of Callum Best and the wild ways of Courtney Love seem, if past press coverage is anything to go by, to have extended way beyond their childhood classrooms?!

It is perhaps noteworthy that another result of Bounty’s survey shows the overlap between the naughty and the popular; Jack, Daniel, Brooke and Courtney all feature on both top ten lists respectively. 57% of the teachers involved in research confirmed these findings by adding that the naughty children often find it easier to make friends and gain popularity than the their well behaved counterparts.

McDonagh, also notes in her recent Times article, ‘children who are called after places, or characters and actors in soaps and American sitcoms are likely to come from families who not only watch soaps but terrifyingly model themselves on them. Their children behave accordingly.’ A broad statement to make indeed, but could there be some socially founded link between the namers, the names and the behaviours exhibited? Food for thought perhaps…

As those teaching in this years classrooms, we’d love to hear your thoughts on this discussion; does a cheeky Charlie or a brainy Becky feature on your register?

Classroom Job Alert

Its Friday already and time for Classroom to post a selection of some of their best or more immediate vacancies. As ever - for all teaching positions you must hold a recognised teaching qualification and for Classroom Assistant vacancies experience of working with children in some form is also a requirement.

Please note that due to the volume of applications we receive we can only respond to those applicants who are successful.

PRIMARY SCHOOL VACANCIES

• Year 1 teacher

A school in Wandsworth requires a Year 1 teacher for a 4 days per week position starting in December and continuing right through to July 2010. This school is seeking a teacher ideally with a minimum of two years long-term teaching experience in the UK, preferably in a KS1 setting. There is a high concentration of EAL children so experience or working with children with EAL is also essential. You should have good classroom management and strong planning skills.

• Early Years teacher

A children's centre in Lewisham requires an Early years teacher to start as soon as possible. You must have at least 3 years experience teaching in Early years with a firm knowledge of the UK foundation stage curriculum. This post is for one term initially with the possibility that it may continue. You should be an excellent team player who has a real dedication to early years teaching.

Please contact the Primary team on 020 7636 0600 or email us: primary@classroomteachers.co.uk

SECONDARY SCHOOL VACANCIES

• Girls PE teacher

Classroom are currently recruiting female PE teachers for a FANTASTIC school in East London. This mixed comprehensive school has been awarded Beacon Status, with excellent facilities, supportive staff and lovely students who behave beautifully! They need female PE teachers to teach Girls' PE with some Swimming. They have insisted on teachers having formal PE training and a certificate for swimming coaching/lifesaving.

The booking commences in October 2009 and the duration is one month in the first instance.

• Maths/Science Float teacher

One of our favorite boys' schools in SE London are looking for a Floating Teacher for their Maths and Science Departments. This is an ideal post for teachers who want to have more time after school to ENJOY LONDON and not plan lessons! They ideally want candidates who can teach either Maths or Science (or both!) and can coach any sport. You could also be asked to cover PE lessons if your timetable is light on certain days.

The post starts ASAP and the duration is at least one term, taking you up to Christmas in the first instance.

Please contact the Secondary team on 020 7636 0600 or email us: secondary@classroomteachers.co.uk

SEN SCHOOL VACANCIES

• 2 SLD (Severe learning difficulties) post

We have two SLD schools (In East and West London) currently looking for maternity cover. Both schools have a very friendly atmosphere, excellent management and extensive facilities. They are looking for enthusiastic and caring teachers to work with children who have a range of special needs including severe autism, sensory impairments, physical disabilities and medical conditions.

• Maths Post

A very supportive PRU in Havering require an experienced Maths teacher with an excellent knowledge of the KS3 and KS4 curriculum. The right teacher must have good behaviour management and experience working with challenging behaviour. The class sizes are small with excellent support. This position has the potential to go perm for the right teacher.

Please contact the Special Needs team on 020 7636 0600 or email: sen@classroomteachers.co.uk

CLASSROOM ASSISTANT & SUPPORT VACANCIES

• Long term Teaching Assistant

If you are looking to take the exciting step of studying for your PGCE or GTP then read on.
One of our schools in Lambeth is looking for a long term teaching assistant who is flexible, reliable and proactive. If you have relevant experience in the last two years and have an up to date CRB then we would love to hear from you!

• Teaching Assistants with English or Science degrees

One of our secondary schools based in North London is looking for experienced teaching assistants with either an English or Science degree to cover day to day and long term positions. You must have relevant experience working with children within the last two years. Having an up to date CRB would be a definite advantage.

Please contact the Support team on 020 7636 0600 or email: classroomassistant@classroomteachers.c.uk

Thats all for this week. Remember to keep us up to date with your current availability! We look forward to hearing from you.

Guest Blog: When Teaching Assistants Take Over...

Our first guest blogger is Stefanie Moore who currently works as one Classroom's Teaching Assistants and is in the midst of teacher training. We have asked her to look at the issue of Teaching Assistants becoming more involved in the teaching of lessons and what she thinks their role in the Class should be.

My decision to re-train as a teacher came about after spending time in the classroom as a supply teaching assistant. On those many early mornings, there were times when I thought that my allotted teacher was maybe not pulling their weight, but I would never have dreamt of thinking that I could do a better job – without the right training. And the intensity of the PGCE programme that I’m currently battling through confirms this – to learn to be a teacher takes experience, reflection and acquisition of new skills. No mean feat.

So when I read the headlines claiming ‘TAs left in charge for days on end’ through to the more spurious articles which suggest that bouncers and beauty therapists are running schools, I’m as shocked as anyone else. Reading between the lines (and a little deeper than these attention grabbing reports would like), I believe that a) this situation doesn’t happen as often as suggested in the press and b) there are situations where a teaching assistant can be of real benefit as a surrogate teacher in the classroom.

If students are left teacher-less for any length of time, then a familiar TA is privy to more insider knowledge about the class then a supply teacher; he/she will know who’s on which reading level, where to find the pencil sharpeners and how to resolve any ruckus between Danny and Darren. Also, having a familiar face in charge means less disruption to students – and a more peaceful day for everyone.

Lord Adonis wrote that assistants are extremely useful in the classroom and should contribute to the learning ‘if supervised by a qualified teacher’. At first, I thought this was an odd statement – why is the TA teaching if a teacher is in the room? But I think I know what he means. TAs are brilliant at taking small groups in guided reading sessions and working one on one with EAL/SEN learners. If an assistant has a particular skill relevant to the lesson (be it Bollywood dancing, fluent Russian or cross-stitch), then it makes sense that these skills are recognised and that TA becomes teacher.

But these are all situations where the teaching role is embedded in the lesson – the TA should not be expected to take responsibility for the whole class. I enjoyed the experience of teaching stand-alone sessions – but I was working with a small group of students and was already considering the possibility of re-training as a teacher. Not all TAs would relish the opportunity. The media seems to suggest that these poor, put-upon assistants are approached to cover whole lessons single handed and are being made to feel as if they can’t refuse – surely being forced to do something which falls outside your job remit is workplace bullying? Within the classroom, my worry is that teaching assistants would face the same challenges – behaviour management, assessment, personalised learning – but without the training. A chaotic day in the classroom is par for the course; for an inexperienced teaching assistant it would be a serious blow to the confidence. Of course, I have no doubt that many teaching assistants would do a fantastic job at this – but if they do, then they should be remunerated for their efforts. Taking a class and doing it well is above and beyond the call of duty.

In reality, it seems that TAs are used as teachers out of convenience, rather than out of recognition of their particular skills, to keep budgets down at the cost of learning. Teaching Assistants are an invaluable support in the classroom but to give them the responsibility of taking lessons on a regular basis is unfair and misleading. Sadly, if what I heard this morning on the news is more than just gossip, then I fear that we are in for more of the same. If plans go ahead to cut '£2 billion from schools' budgets, then classroom assistants may be called on to cover a little more often than before…..

What do you think about what Stef has to say? How do you think teaching assistants can be best utilised in the classroom? As always your comments are always welcomed.

Resource Focus Part One - TEACHERS TV

An aim of Classroom's blog is to ensure that we are recommending and advising useful resources to help you in your role as Teacher or Classroom assistant. It is not to be underestimated how useful readily available resources can be to help you deliver the best lessons in your repertoire.

Teachers TV has long been championed by our colleague Victoria who runs Classroom Canada, and rightly so. Teachers TV is a UK channel which broadcasts to help all teachers improve their teaching no matter what their background or level of experience. Its an excellent channel (a satellite channel available via freeview) and indeed website. You may not ever be in the mood to flick through your satellite channels and choose Teachers TV over The X Factor (who would?!) but my recommendation is that you use it as an online resource when you're on your laptop and in 'work mode'! Its simple to navigate and has some superb videos looking at a wide array of topics - for example - behaviour management, lesson planning and all areas of Special Needs. Most are about 15 minutes in length and give you the opportunity to learn in the most interactive way of all - as a viewer!

You can spend a lot of time navigating the Teachers TV website but it will be worth it. I stumbled across this excellent video attached where behavioural expert Sue Cowley observes and comments on a Year 5 Primary lesson which has been suffering from a small handful of disruptive pupils. Watch as she provides support and coaching for the class teacher through a hidden earpiece!

This is the first of many resource recommendations on the Classroom blog. What do you think of Teachers TV? And do you have any better suggestions for classroom resources for teaching in London? Let us know!

Classroom Job Alert

Its Friday - which means its Classroom's day to post a selection of its best or most immediate job vacancies. It is our intention to post job alerts every Friday - though obviously certain times of the year will have more vacancies than others.

For September - a lot of positions are already filled - however we are still looking for excellent teachers and teaching assistants and below are a selection of jobs which may interest you. Please note that for ALL teaching vacancies you MUST have a valid teaching qualification recognised in the UK:

SECONDARY SCHOOL VACANCIES

• Science and Maths Teachers - Good School

2 Science teachers and 1 Maths teacher required for a well run mixed comprehensive school in East London. All the posts are Maternity cover, the duration being months to a full academic year.

The Science candidates would be expected to teach General Science to KS3 and focus on their Science specialism (Chemistry, Biology or Physics) at KS4 Level. The Maths post requires a teacher experienced in teaching KS3 and 4 (GCSE) classes.

The start date for the Science and Maths posts is November 2009 (after the 1/2 term break)

• ICT Vacancies

We are recruiting ICT teachers for 2 excellent London schools. One is based in Central London and the other based in West London. Both schools ideally require candidates with A Level experience but would also be willing to look at candidates with GCSE experience if they are willing to take the challenge of taking on more responsibility with A Level teaching.

The start date for both schools is November 2009 - after the 1/2 term break.

Please contact the Secondary division on 020 7636 0600 or email: secondary@classroomteachers.co.uk

PRIMARY SCHOOL VACANCIES

• Year 3 Teacher

A small one form entry Primary school in Lewisham seeks an experienced teacher to take on a class of 22 children with immediate effect. The school are inviting applications from teachers who have taught specifically in lower KS2 in a London Primary school on a long-term basis; ideally you will have a thorough working curriculum knowledge coupled with an imaginative teaching style that will genuinely engage the class and motivate them to learn. Enthusiasm, character and a sense of independence are a must!

The school is a very multicultural environment with a high proportion of children with English as their second language. Experience in teaching in a similar environment would also be beneficial. The post will commence within the next week and will be for the duration of this academic year.

• Year 6 Job Share

A small one form entry school in the borough of Merton are seeking an experienced KS2 teacher for this 3 day Yr 6 job share. The position will run Mondays through to Wednesdays.

Ideally this school is looking for a teacher with KS2 experience in a London school setting on a long-term basis. If you have Yr6 and Yr6 SATS experience then we would especially like to hear from you. This position requires a teacher with superb planning schools and strong classroom management skills.

Please contact the Primary division on 020 7636 0600 or email: primary@classroomteachers.co.uk

SPECIAL NEEDS TEACHING VACANCIES

• ICT and English Position

A well-run Pupil Referral Unit in Bexley is looking for an ICT and English teacher. If you have one or both of these as your specialist subjects then this could be the job for you! The position will initially be daily with the possibility of becoming long-term. Working with emotional and behavioural difficulties is challenging and rewarding. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged teenagers.

• Maths Post

A very supportive PRU in Havering require an experienced Maths teacher with an excellent knowledge of the KS3 and KS4 curriculum. The right teacher must have good behaviour management and experience working with challenging behaviour. The class sizes are small with excellent support. This position has the potential to go perm for the right teacher.

• Teacher of EBD (Emotional and behavioural difficulties)

We require an experienced EBD teacher to work in the borough of Bromley. The position requires the teacher to work 2 days in an intervention Centre supporting 2 members of staff; and 3 days visiting schools in the area assessing the needs of EBD students and offering support and guidance on the best course of action to take. You must be confident and articulate with an excellent working knowledge of EBD, the role requires contact with heads of department and senior management. A fantastic opportunity for an ambitious EBD teacher.

• Year 3 and 4 Teacher

A lovely Special needs school in Lambeth is looking for a qualified teacher until the summer term 2010. The position is to work with a year 3 and 4 class with a mix of severe learning difficulties and medical needs. Some of the children will be in wheelchairs and require special medical equipment while others may be non verbal and use PECs and Makaton communication techniques. This is a really nice group of students; however the role does require a teacher who has had prior experience with these needs. This is a long term position with the possibility of being taken on permanently by the school after 2 terms.

Please contact the SEN division on 020 7636 0600 or email: sen@classroomteachers.co.uk

CLASSROOM ASSISTANT & SUPPORT VACANCIES

• Qualified Nursery Nurses

Our division are always looking for qualified Nursery Nurses (NVQ Level 3) for day to day and long term bookings across London. If you have experience within the last two years and have an up to date CRB we would love to hear from you.

• Classroom Assistants with Special Needs Experience

Our SEN schools based in Lambeth, Southwark and Ealing are looking for day to day and long term teaching assistants with special needs experience. You must have experience within the last two years along with the patience, passion and flexibility for day to day and long term cover.
If you hold an up to date CRB and have the relevant experience then send your CV as soon as possible.

Please send your CV to: support@classroomteachers.co.uk

*Please note that due to the volume of applications for support roles we are unable to respond to all applicants. If you have not heard from us within 7 days please note that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful.

Thats all for this week. Remember to keep us up to date with your current availability! We look forward to hearing from you.

Coming Soon - Vetting & Barring Scheme for Teachers & Teaching Assistants in the UK

Next month sees the launch of the governments new Vetting and Barring scheme which will run as a replacement for the current List 99 checks which we have up until now used to check for those prohibited from working with children in education.

Costing £64 for the check which will be run alongside the enhanced CRB check (which Classroom already processes for all teachers and support staff working with us) this check must be run for anyone working with Children or vulnerable adults in either a paid or voluntary capacity. Those who volunteer will not have to pay and this one off check does last a lifetime. This new check is run by the statutory body called the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) who say on their website that the scheme is designed to "help prevent unsuitable people from working with children and vulnerable adults".

With up to 11 million people likely to be affected by this new legislation it has so far proved controversial in the media. The author Philip Pullman (who frequently visits schools to discuss his books) has been publicised for his criticism of the legislation which he claims is "dispiriting and sinister". Fellow critics suggest the legislation could result in fewer volunteers and youth workers reaching out to younger people in need.

So what do people think? Surely new stricter legislation which helps to protect children and vulnerable adults is a good thing? Or is this new scheme a step too far? Are you comfortable knowing that your personal information will make up part of what will become one of the biggest data bases of its kind in the world?

From Classroom's perspective I can tell you that you will not immediately be affected by this new legislation. From July 2010 - anyone newly registering with Classroom will be liable to the £64 check if they have not already applied for it. For those teachers who are already here and working in schools - you will not be considered priority and so do not expect to be affected until towards the end of 2010. Remember though - this is a one off payment which lasts a lifetime.

Please let us know your views on this subject. Here's one comment we just received:

camefix said...

I am really upset about this.
First, I gossip with permies in the staffroom and I KNOW some of them haven't had a CRB done. I'm a supply and I must be checked and pay for it myself or I can't work.
2nd. When children are abused, the worst abusers are family members. No teacher beats, starves, or murders a child; or goes on holiday leaving kids unsupervised.

What do you think?

Classroom launches its blog!

Well its a new academic year and here at Classroom we are all feeling positive about the forthcoming months - so what better time than now to launch the Classroom blog?

Classroom is an education agency supplying teachers and support staff to schools throughout London. We are really committed to building strong relationships with our supply staff and this blog (we hope!) will bring us all closer together with the sharing of views, ideas and the latest issues to affect our superb education professionals who are supply teaching in London.

I am personally new to blogging so I can't do this alone! My dear colleagues here in the office are all chomping at the bit to have their say via the blog and I am determined to cajole our wonderful teachers and learning support assistants in to making contributions themselves. In other words a collective blog for us all to have our say!

When will the blog be posted and what will it be about?

• MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS: Issues in Education, Agency news, Relevant hints and tips to make your supply teaching life easier.


• FRIDAYS: Job posting day! Every Friday we will be posting the best of our vacancies - be sure to check them out weekly.

It goes without saying we would like as many people as possible to follow this blog so do keep your eyes peeled for our first few blog posts. If there are any burning issues in Education or supply that you think we should look at or you are keen to be a contributor to our blog - do tell us. Everyone is welcome.....