Teachers supporting teachers: Episode 3 with Ed Wooldridge
Episode 3
Conversation with Ed Wooldridge
Say hello to Ed Wooldridge who is a graduate teacher, having graduated from Swinburne University of Technology at the end of 2019 with a Master of Teaching (Primary). He’s been undertaking emergency teaching or casual relief teaching (CRT) since the beginning of 2020 in the primary classroom in the outer Eastern area of Melbourne, Australia. In this episode Ed shares how he was able to dive right into CRT utilising his relationships from professional experience placements while also registering with a company whose primary role is to support schools with access to CRT teachers.
Building confidence as the only teacher in the classroom as a CRT has been a great gift for Ed immediately post-graduation enabling him to able to put theory into practice and extend his toolbox of resources for supporting the creation of a classroom community. As a CRT the experience has also offered an opportunity for Ed to explore different learning environments to support developing an opinion about will be the best space and place for him as a teacher to flourish personally and professionally. Throughout this episode Ed illuminates how CRT work allows one to apply and engage with many different models of learnings and varying environments that are diverse in student body, location, philology, structured, pedagogy, leadership, use of spaces, etc.
Ed shares details about his day from getting up and being notified of a job through to entering the school, and getting to know various schools settings and what they value. He illuminates how you need to be willing to invest in your relationships - getting to know the school leadership, volunteer, and be generous with your time so as a school knows who you are.
In applying for jobs Ed recommends really knowing the school you are applying for and go beyond the website, think about making contact and ask to talk to the principal about the position as a part of preparation to apply and in applying. He talks through various tips including:
Tailor your cover letter for the school and showcase you and who you are.
In the application share aspects about you that align to the school demonstrating that you know about the school you are applying for.
Don't be put off if you are not the preferred candidate. Put it in perspective and be open to the learning experience and the feedback you receive.
Although the interview process is daunting, be aware that interview questions will come based from the key selection criteria.
Attend the interview early so you can utilise the time to read the interview questions beforehand and support yourself with preparation.
Be yourself throughout the application process.
Be genuine in the examples you use to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise remembering that you are wanting to showcase how you would use best practice to improve outcomes for students.
And don’t forget to give examples of what you have done.
And best advice ever? As you progress from graduate to CRT and beyond, Ed recommends that you don’t be afraid to ask for advice. There are always people to help you, but sometimes you have to ask.
Strategies and tips to take away:
Go for it
Make mistakes and take risks, you never know what will happen
Ask lots of questions
Invest in your relationships with others
And be prepared