How Your School’s Vision & Values Can Influence Teacher Recruitment

Defining Your School’s Vision and Values for Teacher Recruitment

Defining your school’s vision and values is the cornerstone of any recruitment process. This is particularly important when recruiting special needs teachers, as these educators will be tasked with implementing these values daily in their interactions with students, the challenges tend to be more complex and are unlikely to be something you can manage without really wanting to work in SEN.

The visions and values that schools uphold are central to their hiring practices. I want to talk about why the core philosophies and principles that guide a school matter when it comes to recruiting staff.

Any teacher worth their salt wants to work at a place that feels aligned with their passion for education and views on how to support students. Having a clear sense of what truly drives a school and what they prioritise makes a huge difference for candidates as they’re deciding where they may best fit in. Where they can make a difference and how they can apply their personal “Why”.

Vision: Your school’s vision is a forward-looking statement that outlines what you aspire to achieve in the long term. It should be inspiring, ambitious, and clear. For example, your vision could be To be a leading innovative institution in special needs education, where every student is empowered to overcome challenges and reach their full potential using the latest technology and research.

Values: Your school’s values are the guiding principles that dictate behaviour and action among teachers, students, and staff. They could include respect, inclusivity, empathy, excellence, and resilience. These values should be reflected in every aspect of your school, from the curriculum to extracurricular activities.

Translating Vision and Values into Recruitment

Once you have defined your vision and values, they should be embedded in your recruitment process. This means looking for candidates who not only have the necessary skills and experience but also resonate with your school’s vision and values. For example, if one of your values is inclusivity, you might look for teachers who have demonstrated a commitment to creating inclusive classrooms in their previous roles.

Communicating Your Vision and Values

It’s important to communicate your vision and values to potential candidates. This could be done through your job postings, on your school’s website, and during interviews. Providing potential candidates with a clear understanding of what your school stands for can help attract those who share the same values and are passionate about your vision.

1. Alignment with School Culture:
   • A school’s vision and values define its culture and ethos.
   • Recruitment based on shared values ensures that new staff members align with the school’s mission and contribute positively to the wider school community.
2. Attracting the Right Candidates:
   • Clearly articulated vision and values attract candidates who resonate with the school’s purpose.
   • Prospective teachers seek environments where their beliefs align with the school’s core principles.
3. Values-Based Recruitment:
   • Values-based recruitment prioritises specific values, beliefs, and aspirations when hiring.
   • It ensures that the team comprises individuals who share the school’s core ideas.
4. Induction and Training:
   • The real benefit comes when staff not only join based on values but also experience these values during induction, training, and day-to-day interactions.
   • A consistent focus on values can help create a positive work environment.
5. Performance and Retention:
   • Teachers who connect with the school’s vision tend to perform better.
   • Shared values enhance job satisfaction and reduce turnover.

Final Thoughts

In essence, a school’s vision and values serve as a compass, guiding recruitment decisions toward a cohesive and purpose-driven team. Defining your school’s vision and values is not just the first step in recruiting the best special needs teachers, but it’s also a crucial ongoing process that ensures your school and its staff are aligned in their mission to provide the best possible education for their students.

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References:

1. Department for Education. (2023). Recruiting a headteacher
2. Skills for Care. (2021)What is values-based recruitment?
3. Harver. (2021). The Ultimate Guide to Values Based Recruitment
4. Focus Education. School Recruitment and Staffing