I came to the UK for a variety of reasons, one of which was to earn money before taking up a PhD the following fall. I was working in Ontario as a supply teacher and I was only getting a few days a week. I knew that if I came to London I would get work every day, and so I came as soon as I could.
I did daily supply (the nature of my decision to teach here did not allow me to commit to a school, although many contracts were offered). I taught primary and junior in North East London. One of the most memorable things here was the opportunity I had to meet the Queen and Prince Philip -- a trip to Buckingham Palace is hard to beat!
My advice would be to learn the vocabulary and colloquialism quickly (if you tell students to put their work in the bin, and you mean the plastic tubs on their desk, they will look at you funny and head for the garbage can!.....and yes, this happened to me on my first day in a Year 1 classroom!) Be prepared for the weather -- it is exactly what you hear, three seasons in a day, so outside duties can be fun!
Be eager to find out what you are getting into...it is not 'Hogwarts', although some school seem magical! | taught in inner city London, and I can honestly say, I think I could teach anywhere now- which is an amazing feeling. The daily rewards are worth the daily struggles, and there are daily struggles, from running to catch a bus, to navigating streets in the rain to arriving to face a Head Teacher who isn't expecting you! Talk to as many people as you can so you can embrace the challenges, don't be afraid to ask questions, and to ask for help. It is totally worthwhile and an amazing experience all round.
I did a lot of travelling when I was here… I went to Cairo, where my sister is teaching, over the Easter break. I also went to Wales with friends, up to York to visit relatives and also to Cambridge and Oxford a great deal, where I had friends.
I learned so much it is hard to put into words. I learned a lot about myself as an educator, about what you can do with a seconds notice and a classroom full of children who for them English is a second or third language. I learned I had more patience than I thought possible! I also learned everything from the flag of Northern Ireland to the Fire of 1666!
TimePlan helped arrange my NI interview and were always very helpful with directions and any random questions.
In three words, I would describe my UK teaching experience as challenging, invigorating, inspiring!
