Teaching interview with a splash of weirdness? Calling more exp teachers for advice

[coatsonNOW]

First interview after qualification. FE college. A bit unnerved by:

• a zero hours contract - this may sound prissy, but I don't agree with this politically, let alone practically. Would this mean I couldn't undertake other work if they didn't need me?
  

• this may be usual practice, so please forgive my ignorance, but they asked me if I had ever been involved in a disciplinary.
  

I haven't. But what if I had? Is this a fair question? What does it tell them, anyway - a disciplinary may be entirely justifiable, or it may be the result of poor communication/unfair management?

Should I give up teaching and take up conspiracy theorizing? ;-)

Many TIA

[Ett36]

hi, not heard of either of these before and I've been teaching for 13 yes. is it in secondary system?

[coatsonNOW]

Thanks Ett. It's FE (though to teach secondary age group). It's just ringing alarm bells for me.

Anyone else?

[YonilyDevotedToYou]

I would avoid this if I were you. It sounds a bit dodgy and a zero-hours contract is unheard of in teaching.

[primroseyellow]

You might do better posting on TES website. PT teaching hours in FE often vary from year to year which could explain the contract.

[coatsonNOW]

Thanks Yoni, and Primrose - will do.

The zero hours - I don't like it, but I understand their reasoning (those you describe, Primrose)

The question about disciplinaries is the real killer for me. It didn't sit with my values, and I don't think bodes well for a good working relationship

Thanking all

[sisterofmercy]

I've started hearing that some FE colleges are employing on zero hours contracts - you get paid for the hours you teach and if there isn't any demand for the course then you don't get called in for that term. However, the job I heard about let the person work for other people when they weren't working for the college whereas I know not all zero-hours employers allow that so I think it depends on the terms of the contract - if you get this question in future you could always ask.

I've not heard about disciplinaries being asked about in the interview but unless it is discriminatory according to gender, age, religion/belief, sexual preference then it might be okay. It seems a bit negative though.

[catinabox]

I'm on a zero hour contract, i get an enhanced hourly rate to account for holiday pay etc.

I work for a large and well known organisation who are contracted to provide services. The zero hour thing is basically essential because if they don't get the contracts then they don't have work for me - or anyone else.

I find it really frustrating in some ways but in other ways I feel self employed and can pick and choose hours and work from home a lot.

Yes, you certainly can look for other work. You might find other FE colleges in your area are also looking for staff. You might find that you are in a position to pick and choose a bit eventually.

The question about the disciplinary is very strange though.

[TwasBrillig]

Fe colleges often only renew your contract depending on uptake for that course -which can vary year to year.

The other thing to look for is in terms and conditions, some Fe places require you on site in holidays for example, with just four weeks allocated leave.