THE EDITOR, Sir:
THANKS TO those who responded to my letter providing information on teaching in Britain. Many were still inquiring about jobs in the United Kingdom. At the moment there is still a huge market for teachers as over 3,000 teachers will retire from the classroom in the next two years. However, Jamaican teachers have become second choice to white Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans. The market has become extremely competitive and teachers without degrees have to have more than three years experience.
Quite a number of teachers wanted to know the best route to get a job. The agencies are the easiest way to get a job; acquiring work permits is easier through them as most schools are reluctant to employ you directly if you have no experience in Britain. It is easier to find secure teaching jobs in London (Brixton, Clapham, Hackney, and West London), Sheffield and Nottingham. These areas have a larger proportion of Afro-Caribbean students.
For those teachers living and working in Britain outside of London it is important that Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is gained before the end of your fourth year of teaching. It helps to speed up the process of acquiring Indefinite Leave to remain in the country. Check with universities like Sheffield, Hallam, and Leeds to see if they offer the registered teacher programme (QTS route for diploma teachers). In London, Jamaican teachers should know that Middlesex University at Trent Park and South Bank university offer this fast track QTS route. Degree teachers should find it easier to gain QTS.
Remember that if you are directly employed through the Borough then the school has a legal right to assess your training needs and make sure you acquire QTS. It is within your rights under the Race Relations Act to question anything you feel is not responding to your cultural needs. Making sure you are properly qualified won't get you fired or suspended, the school has a legal obligation to make sure your professional needs are met.
Finally, those wishing to work here (in the UK) it is not worth the risk leaving Jamaica without a secure offer. The market is very unpredictable.
I am, etc.,
KEITH RUSSELL
sufere@hotmail.com
London
Via Go-Jamaica
