[Porscha!]

I've just got a letter about my application to become an Accredited Music Teacher with the council, though the job is Self Employed and part time they (obviously) want to see me for an interview / audition / demonstration.

All they have told me is that I have to prepare a piece of 5 mins which reflects my current standard, thats not any problem!

Demonstrate a short lesson, again I don't see much problem with that, can't see that there is anything wrong (things that could be improved there always is but fundimentally I don't see a problem) with my Clarinet teaching all pupils and parents have been very happy cover a very wide range of repertoire, teach the importance of theory and I have a 100% pass record for exams (infact so far nothing less than a merit!)

Then theres the interview, which I'm really not sure of what type of person will the music partnership want? How can I convey that I am very interested in music education? I don't see any problem with the qualifications I have (DipABRSM, going to take LRSM, performance though) and I am knowledgable on the wide range of repertoire open to the clarinet, know the ABRSM exam system inside out (but don't know the others Trinity Guildhall, London College).

Really am very nervous about this as since I left school it is the only job I really want (save some unpaid work experience for a race team) applied to them on the offchance thinking I'll never get this, due to not really having the amount of experience that other teachers have, most are older but now have an interview

What sort of a person do the council look for to be representing them? Last but not least the CRB, while I've never really done anything naughty I did once get sent on some speed /driver awareness by the police after they pulled me up, would this be flagged up on my CRB and would it affect my application in any way?

[M3-FAST]

Nic, I think they will mainly be looking for someone who is competent, and you sound more than cometent in this specialist area.

The other main thing is that you can actually communicate with your students - it's OK knowing your stuff, but if you can't get this across, you won't be much good as a teacher!

In all fairness, I am sure you will be absolutely fine as they will see your genuine passion for the subject and your extensive knowledge of both the music as well as the instruments themselves.

You will wonder afterwards what you were actually worried about

[ed335d]

Nic

Unless you were prosecuted and given a criminal record (which it doesn't sound like you were), then you have nothing to worry about with the CRB check. Even if it did show, they are checking your suitability to work safely with children, and a minor driving misdemeanour should not affect you.

[Speedtrap]

Wife works for the central government as Project C; she said things they will ask or look for are:
- on the job spec, make sure you cover all job aspects as they will ask on each criteria and they will makr it on points. Also be prepared to give examples on the job spec.
- read up on equality

[NFS]

Originally Posted by Porscha!

What sort of a person do the council look for to be representing them?

In my experience the public sector will employ just about anyone.

Ability is not necessary.

[doctorbob]

Originally Posted by Porscha!

...all pupils and parents have been very happy cover a very wide range of repertoire, teach the importance of theory and I have a 100% pass record for exams (infact so far nothing less than a merit!)

...How can I convey that I am very interested in music education? I don't see any problem with the qualifications I have (DipABRSM, going to take LRSM, performance though) and I am knowledgable on the wide range of repertoire open to the clarinet, know the ABRSM exam system inside out (but don't know the others Trinity Guildhall, London College).

You have (in part) answered your own Q.

They might ask what steps are you taking to obtain ARCM/LRSM/LTCL teaching dips. And what other instruments can you play / teach?

As for Trinity exams, just memorise the websites. AB is the only one that matters, though.

I've interviewed more people than I care to remember, and appointed some brilliant staff even though their CVs weren't run-of-the-mill; I think you prbably fall into this category.

At interview - enthuse. An enthusiastic teacher is what kids need.

DOI: not a teacher, don't want to be a teacher, never taught kids. Can play a bit, though.

[mikem]

Originally Posted by NFS

In my experience the public sector will employ just about anyone.

Ability is not necessary.

Remember to ask about expenses.

[Speedtrap]

Originally Posted by NFS

In my experience the public sector will employ just about anyone.

Ability is not necessary.

Its all by points system these days - if you do not meet the points they are looking for; you are out.

[beemerbird]

Originally Posted by mikem

Remember to ask about expenses.

WTF are those then!

Sorry Nicola, don't know anything about local authority as I work for central Government & I know it is different. But as Jerome said, equality is something they're hot on and bang on about as do my employers.

All I'd say is that when I first worked for central Government, they weren't mad keen on people with opinions or character if you like. Once I got through my first year probation and a good few bollockings thereafter for speaking my mind , bugger me, they change the 'rules' and want people who actually think for themselves and have opinions! Seriously though, I know local authorities have changed alot and now do want people with something about them.

I'm sure you'll be fine and be enthusiastic as has already been mentioned.

Good luck.

[Porscha!]

Thankyou all really glad I asked now

As for other instruments I play Flute (got Gd. 8), Piano (Gd. 5) and Oboe not took any exams in this but am around Gd. 6 standard. Starting project Viola this summer ... will be hard work! No experience in teaching any other instrument than Clarinet though.

Quite sure of most of the job spec points, will go through it again and have a good think about it.

I am an enthusiastic instrumental teacher, have so much passion for it myself, the main thing for me is pupil satisfaction as I teach privately out of school pupils are not going to carry on paying you £20-odd per hour to not enjoy and see results

Equality, I will have to read up on, not a clue what I can say on this apart from to be frank I don't care what race / colour / sex / sexual orientation someone is!

[RockIt]

Nicola

Contrary to some people's perceptions, there are talented and dedicated people working in the public sector. You don't go into any form of teaching unless you really want to do it. The advantage of teaching an instrument is that you will work with pupils on an individual or group basis who are motivated and want to learn...a major advantage.

We have music specialists visiting our school. The Local Education Authority are much more interested in playing ability, experience of working with young people and enthusiasm than any points system, equality policies etc. You certainly have the musical background and experience, so give it a go.

[Porscha!]

Thanks Looking forward to it now

[lons]

Originally Posted by Porscha!

Thankyou all really glad I asked now

As for other instruments I play Flute (got Gd. 8), Piano (Gd. 5) and Oboe not took any exams in this but am around Gd. 6 standard. Starting project Viola this summer ... will be hard work! No experience in teaching any other instrument than Clarinet though.

Quite sure of most of the job spec points, will go through it again and have a good think about it.

I am an enthusiastic instrumental teacher, have so much passion for it myself, the main thing for me is pupil satisfaction as I teach privately out of school pupils are not going to carry on paying you £20-odd per hour to not enjoy and see results

Equality, I will have to read up on, not a clue what I can say on this apart from to be frank I don't care what race / colour / sex / sexual orientation someone is!

As someone who also has interviewed hundreds of prospective employees, I suggest as much evidence as you can muster of your successful private teaching experience wouldn't go amiss and hard examples of how you plan and eveluate their progress will definately impress.

I did my teaching and assessor qualifications whilst a part time college lecturer but haven't taught for years, (didn't pay enough at the time).

Go on kid - blow them away with your enthusiasm but listen to their questions carefully and weigh up your replies.

Preparation breeds confidence doesn't it.

[Porscha!]

Thanks Would taking a portfolio of planning / evaluation and certificate copies for a few pupils be worth taking in, I have a folder for each pupil which explains what we did in the lesson, what we are going to do next, progress, exams etc.

[lons]

Originally Posted by Porscha!

Thanks Would taking a portfolio of planning / evaluation and certificate copies for a few pupils be worth taking in, I have a folder for each pupil which explains what we did in the lesson, what we are going to do next, progress, exams etc.

Exactly that. Even if you didn't actually use it, though I think you will, it impresses and proves you have the ability to prepare, plan and evaluate. All important skills.
Your ability to communicate is what they will assess during questioning.

Be positive - you can do it

[Porscha!]

Thanks

[Ant Man]

Originally Posted by NFS

In my experience the public sector will employ just about anyone.

Ability is not necessary.

- that was going to be my response

Certain abilities they do look for are: inefficient, lacking in motivation, lacking in common sense, ability to finish work at 4.59pm sharp & total disregard to customer service Well that's my local council anyway.

Seriously, good luck Porscha.

[RockIt]

Originally Posted by Ant Man

- that was going to be my response

Certain abilities they do look for are: inefficient, lacking in motivation, lacking in common sense, ability to finish work at 4.59pm sharp & total disregard to customer service Well that's my local council anyway.

Seriously, good luck Porscha.

As a public sector employee I find your comments offensive and inaccurate. There seems to be a general assumption on this forum at times that everyone works for the private sector and has a total disregard for anything to do with the public sector. This is evidently not the case and it would be appreciated if people thought a bit before they posted on occasions.

[willhollin]

My old man's a dustman.

[NFS]

Originally Posted by RockIt

As a public sector employee I find your comments offensive and inaccurate. There seems to be a general assumption on this forum at times that everyone works for the private sector and has a total disregard for anything to do with the public sector. This is evidently not the case and it would be appreciated if people thought a bit before they posted on occasions.

Ant Man obviously made a bit of a sweeping generalisation, but I do agree with him regarding many (but not all) public sector employees.

There are particular cultural problems within local authorities and I honestly believe that it is the case that very mediocre people are allowed to flourish in the local authority environment because:

1. There are plenty of opportunities to hide.
2. There is a culture of protectionism and indecision.

Most public sector projects overspend because very few LA employees will make decisions. If you make a decision you can be blamed for the outcome. If you dodge decisions and concentrate on being invisible, you can get away with it and continue to build up your final salary pension scheme.

This is beginning to change and I know some councils who are fostering an entrepreneurial approach. However, there is still an enormous amount of 'dead wood' in the public sector compared to the private sector and this does impact on the rest of society.

Although I stand by this view, I accept that it is a generalisation and that it does not apply to everyone.

With regard to education, whilst there are still bad teachers my experience is that most schools are better run than their LEA.

[Ant Man]

Originally Posted by RockIt

As a public sector employee I find your comments offensive and inaccurate. There seems to be a general assumption on this forum at times that everyone works for the private sector and has a total disregard for anything to do with the public sector. This is evidently not the case and it would be appreciated if people thought a bit before they posted on occasions.

My comments relate to my local council only and it was supposed to be light-hearted. Having been involved with a number of initiatives and dealings over 5 years. I could actually post a lot more negatives than positives which is unfortunate as I very much care about my local environment. I also know that if my performance at work was equal to that of the people I have dealt with; I would have been fired long ago.

[xenon]

Originally Posted by Ant Man

Certain abilities they do look for are: inefficient, lacking in motivation, lacking in common sense, ability to finish work at 4.59pm sharp & total disregard to customer service Well that's my local council anyway.

Yes, and mine. I can see a common trend here. Workshy layabouts, the lot of them.

Apart from the "Diversity Cohesion Officer" obviously - I don't know how he manages such a punishing workload.