Natasha moved to East London and is so happy with her choice that she decided to encourage others to do the same.
Moving out to London, I looked into houses/rooms that were decently priced, and close ish to central London. I had been informed that in commuting most places, you could plan to be at least 30-45 minute, so South Woodford seemed like an excellent starting point. I had been warned that East London was “rough”, and that was most certainly NOT the case. It turns out that I was living in a more posh neighborhood, conveniently located to my gym, and what would be my long-term school.
Waltham Forest, Barking & Dagenham & Redbridge areas, were the main areas I worked in, and/or explored work options in. Protocol was great in that, I explained how far I was willing to travel, what my priorities were (close to my house, and later, biking distance), preferences in age/year group, and subject matter. I originally wanted high school, but started with elementary, due to more demand earlier in the school year. I’m so happy I did! Teaching elementary, gave me a new perspective, and experience I would not have obtained had I not been open minded in finding a long-term position.
I rave about East London, and happily share my experiences. I also suggest that anyone even thinking about teaching, or teaching and traveling abroad, to check out Protocol Education. If I ever head back across the pond, I’d start with them!