I graduated University in Leeds with a first-class degree in Primary Education QTS (3-7) back in June 2020. Excited to move into Education but still a little nervous about being a full-time teacher, I decided to stay within the childcare sector where I had been working for a number of years, and became a Pre-School manager. This equipped me with the confidence I needed to make the leap and secure my first teaching role in a local Primary School. I then worked within EYFS and KS1 as class teacher – I loved watching children grow and flourish into being unique learners and building relationships with my children and their families.
After some time (and as I had always worked with children), I decided that I would look into other avenues related to education, where I was still able to utilise my knowledge and experience, without being in the classroom full time. I considered working with agency on a supply basis until I figured out my next avenue, but after talking with Recruitment Consultants, realised that their role was a career I was really interested in finding more about. I liked the idea of supporting other teachers to find their perfect school and being able to support them in that process…as well as being able to build relationships with supportive local schools.
I started in Education Recruitment in March 2023, and although working within an office environment is very different to being at the front of a classroom, or sat in a circle on the carpet (with some tiny humans), it was something that I adapted to quite quickly.
I find it’s really helpful for both candidates and schools to speak to an individual who has been there first hand! For candidates, it’s helpful for them to be able to openly ask questions or for advice and I can do my best to help. Being a teacher is not easy, so having a consultant on the other end of the phone who can sympathise with the pressures that come with teaching can be super encouraging. I always encourage new teachers who may be finding it difficult to continue to stick at it and remind themselves of all the positive aspects of being a class teacher…there are hundreds!
For the schools that I have worked with, they find it’s reassuring to speak to a former teacher, as they can have faith and trust in that as a consultant and recruiter, I know what attributes to look for in an Outstanding teacher! At Best In Class, I also have opportunities to meet with schools, teachers and even the children, helping out for volunteer days or other wider activities in school.
The one aspect of being an Education Recruitment Consultant that I found a little more challenging was the sales aspect of the role due to the animated and soft personality I had as an EYFS Teacher, but with lots of training and support this has become much easier!
In short, transitioning from being a Teacher into Education Recruitment has been a positive experience, and it has been much easier to adapt to the role with my existing knowledge of what goes on in the day to day running of a Primary School!
I hope to remain and grow in my Education Recruitment career with Best In Class for years to come!