Is it us?

[siaron]

I don't know if I mentioned this here (I don't think so), but we are attempting to move to somewhere in the UK (home for my husband, 'home' for me).

My husband is a teacher with 30+ years experience, specifically working with kids that have learning disabilities (he is an educational psychologist), plus his activities in the Cornish language movement and the Cornish Gorsedh. He's worked in just about every setting and teaching position you can imagine. Here's the question: he is 57, and is concerned that he has not been offered any interviews because of age discrimination. I know there is an upcoming change in the law in 2006, but are any of you aware of this being an issue? He is eminently qualified for these jobs he is applying for. We are not being picky (well, not too picky)-he has applied in Wales, Cornwall, Scotland and England. We don't want to live in a city, more interested in a more rural setting.

Anyway, I thought I would toss this to the group and see if you might have any insight into this. He is beginning to get discouraged. We really can't live here anymore; being a pagan in this country is very uncomfortable given the current political/social climate. He is very homesick and has a daughter and sister living in England that he would like to spend more time with.

Thanks...I appreciate any comments you have.

Pob Bendith,

Siaron

[branynos]

If he's applying to state run schools his age *shouldn't* be an issue most of them have equal opportunity guidelines that already recognise discrimination by age is unacceptable.

Having said that the gap between policy and practice is going to differ from school to school as intrepreting the rules is down to headtachers & boards of governers.

Has he asked for any feedback about why he's not getting interviews? It may be difference in style between whats expected in the American system and the British one. in terms of information provided. (I had a similar problem when i switched sectors in the UK a 'perfect' application form for one sector was considered to woolly in another).

If he's still got contacts in UK in education it might be worth asking them to look over his applications to see if they 'fit' current fashion.

[siaron]

Annwyl Branynos,

Thanks for the info. I forwarded your message to him.

I should clarify that he has only lived in the states for 15 years, the other 15 years teaching was in the UK system (but admittedly, much has probably changed in that time).

I think it's a good suggestion to inquire about the 'missed' interviews...a good follow-up.

I appreciate your response!

Pob Bendith,

Siaron

[goldenhand]

I'm very surprised at that - given that the news regularly has pieces on how short the UK is on teachers, and how they are having to give all these incentives for people to train.

I agree that asking for feedback is a good idea.

I wonder if they are worried about the practicalities of getting him over to interview? They might prefer a candidate that they can meet face to face more easily? Perhaps you should both come to the UK for a month or so, and try to arrange some interviews in that time?

[branynos]

I think Goldenhand makes a good point about the distance.

I don't know what your situation is financially but have you considered making the move and your husband doing supply (or subsistute) teaching in the UK while looking for a permanent posistion?

[Blackbird]

Quite - they are always going on about shortages of teachers!

I agree with Branynos about the supply teaching - there are quite a few teachers agencies that will take you on as a supply. A friend of mine did that for years, and earned some good money doing it. The downside is that your holidays are not paid, though.

Good luck with it all - hopefully see you in the UK soon!

[siaron]

Thanks to all for your input! We might be able to come over early summer, but all the postings are happening now. He is currently in the throes of his spring scheule with his kids here (He currently is head of maths and science at a small private school here in Portland). I think we just need to hang tight...perhaps the 'right' thing hasn't come up yet. We can fly him over at the drop of a hat, but would like to know where...as he as posted across such a range of locations.

I look forward to being over there soon! Say a few prayers for us, that always helps....

Thanks again!

Pob Bendith,

Siaron

[morgaine]

Actually, Myrddin is (or was) a teacher of 59 years at the time he sought work in the UK. The agency was more than happy to place him in London inner city schools, but when it came to the areas you are hunting in they told him flat out that these would be "difficult to attain." They did not say "you're too old," but the openings were always mysteriously "filled" before he could interview for them.

I watched my father go through this here in the States in the 1970s. As a 45 year old, when in one-on-one interviews (where it's their word against mine) I am also being told flat out, "We're looking for someone right out of high school. You have too much... experience."

Mind you, the people smugly informing me of this are often older than I am (and with no clue that their heads could well be on the chopping block next -- all those retirement and health benefits, you know). Anyway, the short answer is: YES. I have no doubt that your husband is being discriminated against on the basis of age.

What can he do about it?... In most cases, absolutely nothing except try not to let it define him within, and hope that the discrimination is happening with a different agenda to the US (where there is no longer any public support and debtors prisons are being re-instituted -- free labor, anyone?).

But chin up... Britain is much more enlightened, generally, than the US and I am sure something will work out. It will just be a matter of consistent, determined effort -- and possibly making some compromises on location.

Best of luck with your search...

Morgaine