Empowering Minds and Changing Lives: The Benefits of Pursuing a Career in Teaching

Teaching is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding careers one can pursue. As a teacher, you have the opportunity to inspire and shape the minds of the future generation. You can help students reach their full potential, guide them to become confident, and empower them to make a difference in the world. With the increasing demand for quality education across the globe, teaching has become an even more critical profession that requires passionate individuals who are ready to make positive changes. In this blog post, we will explore some of the benefits of pursuing a career in teaching and help you get motivated to become an educator.

Giving Back to Society: Teaching is a profession that gives back to society. As a teacher, you get to contribute positively to the growth and development of your community. You are responsible for shaping the minds of future leaders, professionals, and citizens. Your work helps to create a better-educated, informed, and equitable society. By doing your part in teaching, you can make a lasting impact on your community and build a legacy that you can be proud of.

Intellectual Stimulation: Teaching is an intellectually stimulating profession that offers continuous opportunities for learning and personal growth. In the classroom, you get to engage in discussions with people from diverse backgrounds, learn innovative teaching strategies, and explore new subjects. You are constantly exposed to new ways of thinking, which is an excellent way to keep your mind stimulated and engaged. Moreover, there are various opportunities for professional development, which can help you grow your skills in different areas of education.

Job Security: The teaching profession is one that offers job security. Across the globe, there is a growing demand for quality education, which means that the demand for qualified and competent teachers is high. Once you become an educator, you can be sure that you will always have work. Moreover, teachers enjoy excellent pension and healthcare benefits that ensure job security during and after retirement.

Flexibility: Teaching provides plenty of flexibility in terms of work hours and location. Teachers can work in different settings, from traditional classrooms to online platforms. Moreover, you can choose to work part-time or full-time, which allows for flexibility in terms of balancing work-life responsibilities. Also, there are various opportunities to specialize in different areas of education, which means that you can choose to focus on subjects that you are passionate about.

Fulfillment: Teaching is a career that offers immense fulfillment. Every day you get to make a positive impact on someone's life, which is an incredible feeling. The gratitude and appreciation that you receive from your students can give you a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment that is hard to match. Seeing your students grow, develop, and succeed can fill you with a deep sense of pride in the work that you do every day.

Teaching is a rewarding profession that offers a world of opportunities for personal and professional growth. If you want to pursue a career in education, our team can help make it a reality. With years of experience, our consultants are well-equipped to assist you in finding the right job that matches your qualifications, interests, and goals. Contact us today on 0203 011 0044 to speak with one of our experts and explore the world of teaching. Start pursuing your dream of becoming an educator today and create an impact that will last for generations.

How to become a SEN Teaching Assistant?

If you are a parent, family member, or friend of a child with learning difficulties, you know how rewarding it is to see them make progress, overcome challenges, and succeed. But did you know that you could turn this passion into a career as a teaching assistant (TA) in the special education needs (SEN) sector? This article will take you through the role of a teaching assistant, take you through the steps involved in becoming one, and explain how you can apply for a job in SEN sector.

Role and responsibilities

As a teaching assistant, you will work closely with the classroom teacher to provide one-to-one or small group support to children who need extra help. This may involve adapting teaching materials, supervising students during lessons, assisting with classroom management, and helping with personal care. The role comes with its challenges, but it is also extremely rewarding if you want to help children thrive in their education. If this sounds interesting to you, here’s how you can start your career in SEN:

Step 1: Gain Experience in SEN Sector

To become a teaching assistant in the SEN sector, you’ll need to have some experience working with children with learning difficulties. You may already have some experience through supporting a family member or friend. If not, you could consider volunteering with local charities or organizations that support children with special needs, completing a work placement or apprenticeship. This will give you a chance to work with children and learn about the various strategies and approaches used to help them learn.

Step 2: Research Training and Qualifications

To work as a teaching assistant in the SEN sector, you’ll need to have certain qualifications and training. These will vary depending on the school or organization you work for and the specific role you’re applying for. Generally, you’ll need to have a minimum of a Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools or an equivalent qualification. You may also need to have additional training in areas such as autism, behaviour management, or speech and language therapy.

Step 3: Apply for Jobs

Once you have gained some experience and qualifications, you can start looking for teaching assistant jobs in the SEN sector. The first place to start is to search for vacancies within schools or educational organizations or simply contact our team to get full support in the process. Give us a call on 0203 011 0044 to find out more about current opportunities.

Step 4: Attend Interviews

When attending interviews, be prepared to answer questions about your knowledge of SEN education, talk about your experience, qualifications, and ability to adapt to different learning needs. You may also be asked to provide examples of how you have supported children with SEN in the past and explain how you would approach specific scenarios. Show that you are passionate about working with children with SEN and are committed to helping them to achieve their full potential.

Becoming a teaching assistant in the SEN sector is a rewarding and fulfilling career choice. By following the steps outlined in this post, you can gain the experience, qualifications, and skills needed to work in this sector. Your passion for helping these children will make a significant difference in their lives and lead to a long and fulfilling career as a teaching assistant.

If you are interested to find out more about teaching assistant role and request a call or upload your CV, please press the button below.

Why including SEN Teachers in recruiting Teaching Assistants benefits your School

Inclusivity and diversity are two crucial elements required in any education system aiming to provide quality education for all students. These values become even more critical when it comes to the inclusion of students with special educational needs (SEN), who require additional support and individualized assistance. To provide the best support for SEN students, schools and colleges recruit specially trained teaching assistants. However, the recruitment process should not stop there. Including SEN teachers can provide significant benefits for everyone involved in the recruitment process.

1. Experienced Input: Special Education Needs (SEN) teachers have vast experience working with SEN students and are familiar with their learning styles and individual needs. Involving SEN teachers in the recruitment process can help ensure that teaching assistants selected are knowledgeable, sensitive, able to provide personalized support for SEN students and fit well with the rest of the team. They can help ensure that the recruitment team is selecting the right candidate with the right attitude and knowledge of SEN students' needs.

2. Better Quality of Recruitment: SEN teachers can help evaluate and review the quality of the practices used in the recruitment process, assist with training programs, and support ongoing professional development of teaching assistants. They can provide valuable insights into different methods of communication, engagement, and teaching strategies customized for SEN students. This approach can lead to a better-quality recruitment process and, ultimately, better quality teaching assistants who can provide high levels of support for SEN students.

3. Enhanced Student Support: Including SEN teachers in the recruitment process can help schools discover and improve the weaker areas in their current support system. They can provide recommendations on how to structure support and training programs for teaching assistants and other support staff to enhance student support. The feedback they provide can also be used as the basis of planning interventions to positively impact student achievement.

4. Diverse Hiring Process: Involving SEN teachers in the recruitment process promotes inclusivity and diversity in hiring, which is a key characteristic of transparent and fair recruitment. Inclusivity ensures that the recruitment system does not discriminate against candidates with different needs, abilities, and backgrounds. It helps select the best candidate, including those that have SEN experience, who can bring new ideas and approaches to the job.

5. Retention of Qualified Staff: Recruiting and retaining high-quality support staff can be a challenge for any educational institution. Working with SEN teachers during the recruitment process can create a more favourable and supportive environment for candidates and lead to higher retention rates. Higher retention rates are beneficial for both the educational institution and students, who need stability and continuity in their support system.

Including SEN teachers in the recruitment process can provide numerous benefits for all involved, especially when it comes to recruiting qualified SEN teaching assistants. They have valuable insights and expertise that can ensure that the right teaching assistants are selected and that students with SEN receive the necessary support to achieve their potential. This approach can create an equal opportunity for all, enhance student support, and provide a more transparent and fair recruitment process. Ultimately, the inclusion of SEN teachers enhances the overall quality of education and contributes positively to the growth of students with SEN.

Strategies to help FE Colleges succeed in 2023

The world of education is always evolving, and it can be challenging for further education (FE) colleges to keep up with the changes, particularly when the political climate is uncertain. However, now more than ever, it is essential that FE colleges are proactive in their approach to education and take steps to ensure their success. In this blog post, we will discuss some strategies that can help FE colleges to thrive in 2023.

1. Embrace Technology

One of the most significant changes in education in recent years has been the rapid development of technology. Embracing technology can help FE colleges to streamline processes and create a more efficient learning experience for students. Technology can also help to facilitate remote learning, which can be particularly useful during times of uncertainty. By investing in the latest technology and encouraging staff and students to use it effectively, FE colleges can stay ahead of the curve.

However, with many schools and colleges having limited budgets for professional development, it can be challenging for educators to maintain an up-to-date understanding of new technology and how to implement it in their teaching. Fortunately, there are online platforms available that can provide educators with the necessary training, ideas, and insights to create engaging learning environments with technology in an easy and straightforward way.

Finding the budget to train educators in ICT can be challenging for most schools and colleges. This is where online platforms such as OpenLearn  by The Open University,  FutureLearn, and Enhance Digital Teaching Platform  come to the rescue.

Furthermore there are a plethora of free EdTech tools for teachers to use to help introduce technology into the classroom and create a more engaging learning environment. Some popular tools include:

• Google Classroom

• Kahoot!

• ClassDojo

• Edmodo

• FlipGrid

• Edpuzzle

2. Be Socially Responsible

Social responsibility has become more important than ever. Colleges that show they are socially responsible are likely to be viewed more favourably by potential students, staff, and government agencies. FE colleges can demonstrate their social responsibility by reducing their carbon footprint, promoting equality and diversity, and supporting local communities. By doing so, they can enhance their reputation and make a positive impact on society.

3. Collaborate with Industry

Working closely with businesses can benefit both the college and its students. Collaboration with industry specialists in vocational subject areas such as Engineering, Motor Vehicle, Health and Social Care etc. can especially provide students with practical experience and help them to develop the skills and knowledge needed for employment. Industry collaborations can also lead to partnerships and funding opportunities. By engaging with industry, FE colleges can stay relevant and reduce the gap between education and employment.

4. Focus on Student Support

Supporting students is vital for their success, and FE colleges that prioritize student support are likely to be more successful. Support can include academic, pastoral, and financial assistance. By providing effective support, FE colleges can improve student retention rates and enhance their reputation. Effective student support can also lead to positive feedback and more students choosing to study at the college.

5. Adapt to Changes

FE colleges that embrace and adapt to these changes are more likely to succeed. Colleges that are open to changes in the political climate, funding structures, and student needs are more likely to remain relevant and effective. By being agile and responsive, FE colleges can position themselves as leaders in education and attract students and staff who are keen to be part of an innovative and dynamic institution.

In conclusion, there are many strategies that FE colleges can employ to ensure their success in 2023. Embracing technology, demonstrating social responsibility, collaborating with industry, focusing on student support, and adapting to changes are five key approaches that could make a significant difference. By being proactive and investing in their future, FE colleges can create a positive learning experience for students and achieve success in a competitive marketplace.

Why use an Education Recruitment Agency to find a job?

Why Use an Education Recruitment Agency to find a job? 

If you’re looking for a first teaching job in the education sector and don’t know where to start, using an education recruitment agency may be the best solution for you to find the right opportunity. Recruitment agencies are invaluable resources to help you find the perfect job matching your skills and experience. Here’s why they’re so helpful and what they can do for you. 

Find Jobs Faster and Easier 

Most people spend hours searching through job postings online to find something suitable. With an education recruitment agency, you don’t have to do all that legwork yourself; instead, the agency will do it for you. They know about the latest vacancies first and can scour their own database of contacts to find jobs that match your criteria, saving you time and energy. 

Recruiters will be able to help streamline the recruitment process for you and help you understand what the school or college is looking for. This information will not be available elsewhere and can put you ahead of other candidates applying for the same role directly.

Get Guidance Through the Application Process 

The application process isn’t always straightforward—especially if you’ve never applied for a teaching job before. That’s where an education recruitment agency comes in handy; they can provide guidance throughout every step of the process, from submitting resumes to getting ready for interviews. This can reduce stress and ensure your application is as strong as possible. 

Receive Advice on Your Career Path 

When working with an education recruitment agency, you won’t just get help finding jobs; recruitment specialists can also provide advice on how to progress your career in the education sector. They can suggest courses or certifications that would be beneficial to take and tell you which roles could be suitable for your skill set. Having someone knowledgeable by your side who understands the education sector inside out is invaluable for career growth. 

Overall, there are numerous benefits of using an education recruitment agency when looking for work in the teaching industry. From helping you find jobs faster and easier to guiding you through the application process and advising on future career paths—an education recruitment specialists have everything covered! 

If you’re considering working as a teacher, get in touch with our team at OmniaPeople to find out more. Call our office today on 0203 011 0044 and start your new journey with us!

Enjoyed teaching apprentices? Become a teacher and shape the next generation of construction workers!

Have you recently mentored a young person in an apprenticeship program and enjoyed the experience? It may be a sign to consider a teaching career and improve the quality of future construction workers. Transitioning from mentor to teacher can be easier than you think. 

Realising that you have the right skills and expertise to become a teacher is the first step to starting a new chapter in your career. As a trade expert, you can share your knowledge, life experience and industry-related examples with your students. You can teach part-time, full-time or on an ad-hoc basis. Our team will assist you every step of the way if you need it. 

Finding good quality teachers with the right technical skills to train new students has become more difficult. Our mission is to find the right talent to inspire and mentor the next generation of the construction sector, and this can be you. 

Who are we looking for? 

Our team works closely with further education colleges across the UK, and they are always looking for new teachers, lecturers, and assessors to cover the following sectors: 

• Civil Engineering 

• Electrical Installation 

• Plumbing and Gas

• Carpentry & Joinery

• Bricklaying  

• Trowel trades

Guess what? You don’t need qualifications to teach!

Most colleges in the UK do not require teaching qualifications or a degree to get started. 

If you are a good communicator, like working with young people, have extensive trade experience and good organisational skills, you have everything you need to become a teacher. Anything else you can learn on the role. 

Why work with OmniaPeople? 

We know the industry and have the experience to help you move into teaching whether this is on a part-time or full-time basis. With a designated construction team of specialists who have long-standing relationships with colleges nationwide, we will be able to advise you which one would be the best one to meet your expectations and fit your lifestyle. 

Do not hesitate to reach out for an informal chat and start your teaching career in 2023!

Four signs that it’s time for a new job

There probably aren’t many people who jump out of bed every day looking forward to a day at work, and most people feel pretty vanilla about their job. However, if you start to experience any of the following, it might be time for a change of employment.

You hate Mondays

If you get that horrible sinking feeling on a Sunday night, as you realise the weekend is over and a new work week is about to begin, it may be time for a change.

The thought of a new job excites you

If the thought of a new job excites you, with new colleagues, students and facilities, this could signify that a new job is just what you need.

Your workplace is toxic

This is a big red flag. If your workplace has become toxic and you are unable to change it, then it is definitely a sign that you need a change of job.

You’re not challenged anymore

If you feel like you’re just going through the motions, you may want to find a more challenging role. Research suggests that people are happiest when they are ‘stretched’, not ‘stressed’, and as we spend a large amount of our time at work, being stretched at work can contribute to our overall happiness.

If you’re now thinking you would like a role change within education, get in touch today - call 0203 011 0044 to hear about the latest roles in your area.

The latest preventative COVID recommendations for schools and colleges

On Tuesday the 22nd of February, the UK Prime Minister announced that the remaining COVID rules would be dropped in England. But what does this mean for England’s school and colleges? Here’s what we know along with the latest recommendations.

An end to mandatory isolation

It is no longer a legal requirement to self-isolate after receiving a positive COVID test. This means students and teachers are allowed to attend school and college if they have COVID. However, the advice from Public Health England remains that anyone who receives a positive COVID result should self-isolate.

An end to mandatory testing

Students and teachers are no longer required to do a lateral flow tests twice a week. However, regular testing is still advised for SEND settings, alternative provision and SEND units in mainstream schools or the equivalent in colleges.

If staff or students wish to continue with weekly testing (although not recommended) they can still access them online here or through their local pharmacy if they wish.

Recommendations

COVID-19 will remain part of our lives for the foreseeable, and so we need to continue to reduce the spread of the virus in our schools and colleges as much as possible whilst still getting on with our lives. There are 3 main ways we can do this:

Ventilation

Good ventilation in classrooms in one of the best way to prevent the spread of COVID. Simply opening the windows will help with this. The UK government has provided over 360,000 carbon dioxide monitors to all state funded education settings including early years, and further education providers. The monitors help staff to identify areas where ventilation needs to be improved and to help get a good level of ventilation whilst keeping the classroom warm.

Hand hygiene

All through the pandemic we’ve been encouraged to regularly wash our hands with soap and water and this advice remains the same. Hand hygiene is a simple and easy way to slow the spread of germs.

Vaccination

Vaccines remain the best protection against the virus and everyone who is eligible for the vaccine (age 12 and over) is encouraged to get fully vaccinated.

You can view the UK government’s update on COVID restrictions for England and the implications for your school or college here.