SUCCESS STORY
Teacher • 12+ years' experience
The Challenge
Before I signed up with Zen I worked for a couple of other agencies. Both of them were good and looked after me well, but I decided to sign up with Zen as they have taken out the middleman, have a super handy app, and books are made just more fluently and without much fuss. Also, even for a newbie your daily rate is higher than most other agencies offer - not unimportant.
The Solution
To be honest, I had no trouble finding a job. Signing up with agencies is not a problem and as there is a great lack in teachers, I had bookings in no time. From the start I have been clear that I am not looking for a full time or permanent job, so perhaps that is different from others. I can imagine that if that were the case I would have found it difficult to find a school where I felt at home and would be appreciated. After two years of supply teaching I have seen many many different schools and not every school is for everyone and I am not for every school. I have been very lucky to have come across a few incredibly nice schools where I have been going on a regular basis. I think Zen must have been my first and only purchase over Instagram, so well done guys.
The Results
I have been teaching for over twelve years now! People often ask me why on earth I decided to become a teacher. Back in the day I was a very idealist teacher, wanting to save and change the world, one child at the time. That idealist is still here, but I have become more realistic. I have always had a knack for communicating information across to others and literally seeing people gain knowledge and taking steps forward is really rewarding - I know it sounds very cliche - and I think without those rewarding experiences no one would even consider teaching.
'A big plus with Zen is the uncomplicated booking app. I do not have to wake up every morning fearing the dreaded phone call, instead I get a text message and that is that.'
At the moment I hold an incredibly fun post as an art teacher. This is a one day a week post though. Up until recently I had another two days at lovely school in east London. Having a few regular days in the week is the perfect scenario for me as I have my own business on the side. At the moment I have one regular day and four guaranteed days for which bookings come through quite in advance and that is great! This means I know what I am dealing with and where I am expected to go; I can plan my week without much wondering. A big plus with Zen is the uncomplicated booking app. I do not have to wake up every morning fearing the dreaded phone call, instead I get a text message and that is that.
I have been supplying for over two years now and things do become easier over time. I feel I have a variety of experience; all kinds of schools, all kinds of children. Some situations I would not like to repeat, but most I have learnt to work with successfully and I am incredibly grateful for the learning experience. Over time I have learnt how to most effectively communicate with colleagues, what questions to ask when facing a new group of kids and you have the luxury of a TA or partner class teacher next door. Also a big bonus; as I have been teaching from nursery to year 6 and even 12, I feel I can now teach any subject and any age.
