I’m a secondary-trained NQT teaching French and Spanish. I have 12 years’

experience teaching English as a foreign language to adults and children (aged three years and up). As an EFL teacher I held positions of responsibility for young learner sections of various schools. Before leaving France to do my PGCE, I worked as a peripatetic teacher of English in four primaries. I’d like to be involved in teaching modern foreign languages in primary schools in this country (either delivering classes or training teachers), but am not sure how to break into the sector. My secondary school does not have language college status and I don’t have any formal training as a teacher trainer. I have led and developed continuing professional development sessions in various schools and in various countries.

There may be two routes, but neither will be easy. You could move into the primary sector in a school with a languages programme and gain some expertise. Alternatively, look for posts working with the primary sector helping to train teachers. One way to become known would be to register for a part-time higher degree researching into some aspect of foreign language teaching in the primary sector. This would allow you to develop some contacts and you could combine your study with teaching. You could also look for a post in a school with language college status that undertakes outreach work with the primary sector. All these options may require you to be flexible and move to where the jobs are. If that is a problem, research what might be available in your local area.

If you have a question for John Howson, please email susan.young@tes.co.uk