At a Glance
- Tasks: Teach core subjects and practical skills on a narrowboat while engaging with students.
- Company: Innovative alternative provision in Burnley, offering unique outdoor education.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to transforming lives through outdoor learning.
- Why this job: Escape the classroom and inspire young minds on the beautiful Leeds & Liverpool Canal.
- Qualifications: QTS preferred, but passionate unqualified teachers with boating experience are welcome.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Burnley, Lancashire (Canal-based / Various Moorings)
Salary: TBC (Dependent on experience/QTS)
Role Type: Full-Time, Permanent (Part-time considered)
Qualifications: QTS preferred, but Unqualified Teachers with maritime/boating experience are encouraged to apply.
The Role: Education on the Water
Are you tired of four brick walls? We are looking for an innovative Narrowboat Teacher to lead our unique mobile classroom in Burnley. This isn’t your average teaching job. You will be delivering functional skills and life-skills curriculum to students within an Alternative Provision (AP) setting, all while navigating the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. You will be responsible for creating a calm, therapeutic, and engaging learning environment for young people who thrive outside of mainstream education.
Key Responsibilities
- Unique Curriculum Delivery: Teach core subjects (English/Maths) and practical narrowboat maintenance/navigation.
- Student Support: Work with learners with SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) needs in a high-impact, 1:1 or small group setting.
- Vessel Management: Assist in the safe operation and mooring of the narrowboat during school hours (training provided).
- Burnley Community Engagement: Utilize the local Burnley landscape and heritage as a "living classroom."
What We Are Looking For
- We are open to both Qualified Teachers (QTS/QTLS) and Unqualified Teachers with a passion for youth work and the outdoors.
- Experience: Previous work in an AP, PRU, or SEN setting is highly desirable.
- Boating Skills: Experience handling narrowboats or inland waterway vessels (RYA Inland Helmsman qualification is a huge bonus).
- Resilience: The ability to connect with "hard to reach" students and manage challenging behaviour with empathy.
- Location: Must be able to commute to various access points along the canal in the Burnley area.
Why Join Our Burnley AP Team?
- Unrivaled Environment: Swap the staffroom for the towpath.
- Autonomy: Huge freedom to design outdoor-based lesson plans that actually engage students.
- Professional Development: We provide full training in both specialised education and maritime safety.
- Impact: Real opportunity to change the trajectory of young lives in Lancashire.
How to Apply
If you are searching for teaching jobs in Burnley and want a role that is truly "off the beaten track," we want to hear from you. To Apply: Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter highlighting your interest in narrowboat-based education to Closing Date: Open-ended until the role is filled.
Narrowboat Teacher (Alternative Provision) | Burnley employer: Tradewind Recruitment
Join our innovative team in Burnley, where teaching transcends traditional boundaries and takes place on the picturesque Leeds & Liverpool Canal. We offer a unique work culture that prioritises autonomy in lesson design, professional development opportunities in specialised education and maritime safety, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people. Embrace the freedom of an outdoor classroom while engaging with the local community in a role that truly values your passion for education and the outdoors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Narrowboat Teacher (Alternative Provision) | Burnley
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the local community! Engage with local organisations and groups in Burnley that align with your passion for education and the outdoors. This will not only help you network but also show potential employers that you're committed to making a difference in the area.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your unique skills! If you've got experience with narrowboats or working with young people, make sure to highlight these in conversations. We want to see how your background can bring something special to the role of Narrowboat Teacher.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to schools or organisations that interest you. Express your enthusiasm for alternative provision and how you can contribute to their mission. We love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website for job applications! It’s a great way to stay updated on openings and get a feel for our culture. Plus, applying through us means you’ll be one step closer to landing that unique teaching role on the water!
We think you need these skills to ace Narrowboat Teacher (Alternative Provision) | Burnley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your cover letter, let us see your enthusiasm for teaching and the outdoors. Share why you’re excited about the unique opportunity of being a Narrowboat Teacher and how you can make a difference in students' lives.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially if you've worked in Alternative Provision or have boating skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Authentic:We love genuine applications! Don’t be afraid to show your personality in your writing. Let us know what makes you unique and how you connect with young people, especially those who might find traditional education challenging.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of joining our team, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tradewind Recruitment
✨Know Your Unique Selling Points
Before the interview, think about what makes you a great fit for this unconventional role. Highlight your experience with alternative education settings, any boating skills you have, and your ability to connect with students who may struggle in traditional environments.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Outdoor Learning
This job is all about teaching on the water, so be ready to discuss your enthusiasm for outdoor education. Share any relevant experiences you've had that demonstrate your commitment to engaging students in a non-traditional classroom setting.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess how you'd handle specific situations, especially with students who have SEMH needs. Think of examples from your past where you've successfully managed challenging behaviour or created a calming learning environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the support you'll receive in managing the narrowboat, or how the team engages with the local community. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
