Job Discussion Forums

[Noelle]

Hi everyone

A friend of mine who teaches middle school history in the U.S. is looking at possibly trying to find a job in England with some recruiting organization called bluewave. She sent me a link to their site and even though the registration is free, I had to wonder if it was really legit.

I also noticed that some of their testimonials from supposed "bluewave teachers" were very poorly written, making me wonder what kind of "teachers" they actually work with.

Anyone with more info or experience with this recruiter, please respond or pm me when you can...!

[athenssoest]

I don't know about Bluewave, but there are several recruitment agencies out there (google had like 7). Here are some articles about Americans teaching in the UK that might be helpful to your friend.
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0601/teaching_in_england.shtml
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0703/teaching_at_k-12_schools_in_the_uk.shtml

good luck!

[mimi_intheworld]

I used Bluewave. They're totally legit. I taught English in the UK for one year and got my placement through Bluewave. I found them exceptionally helpful and supportive. I did the same research you're probably doing now, looking for any info on Bluewave, and coming up practically empty, but I'll stand by my experience with them. If I was going back to the UK (knowing now what I didn't know then - mainly that if a school IN ENGLAND has to hire an American to teach ENGLISH, it's probably a fail-tastic education establishment) I'd use them again. Indeed, considering that they also do a select few international placements, I am checking out the possibility of using them as a recruiter for a place in the Middle East.

I also noticed the testimonials from teachers being iffy at times, but I honestly blame the teachers for those. I have found the teacher forum to be chock full of information and a great way to connect with other teachers in the UK who are in the same boat as you (or your friend, in this case).

For your friend, I also recommend finding and reading (without disbelief, as it's all true and true to my experience as well) a teacher's blog by Old Andrew. http://teachingbattleground.wordpress.com/ Because it's best to know the worst case scenario before you land in it. Also, Andrew is terribly entertaining and has some great tips on dealing with the bureaucracy of teaching in a bog-standard school.

[funkyj]

I have been registered with Bluewave for about 6 months now and have not been placed. I also am in contact with another person who is having difficulty finding a position as well. I have spoken to people on the forums who have obtained positions there and some have been there for 5+ years already. I think it just depends on your certification area. Several of us are secondary English Literature and we are a dime a dozen. If we were maths, sciences, or special education, well we would be a shoe in-- anywhere in the world. I just think it is the current state of the economy and the general lack of regard for education that is making it so incredibly difficult to obtain a proper teaching position. I am beyond discouraged and frustrated but STILL am truckin' along in hopes SOMETHING happens soon. Good luck!