Topic: The Teachers' Thread

[CornerFlag]

So because the kids misbehaved in the last lesson they're not allowed to use the circuits boards as per the lab tech.  A theory lesson to bottom set Year 7s on series and parallel circuits.  I may just get them doing book work because I've no idea what else to do.

I've got 4 weeks left on the PGDE and I'm hanging by a thread.  No intention whatsoever to go into the profession once the training is done, my mental health has just completely nosedived.

[DanFromMars]

You should try to at least complete your NQT year in a better school so that way you'll be able to return after a little break. Sorry to hear though, training can be a killer but landing a job in a nicer environment can completely change your outlook on the profession.

[TepidT2O]

So because the kids misbehaved in the last lesson they're not allowed to use the circuits boards as per the lab tech.  A theory lesson to bottom set Year 7s on series and parallel circuits.  I may just get them doing book work because I've no idea what else to do.

I've got 4 weeks left on the PGDE and I'm hanging by a thread.  No intention whatsoever to go into the profession once the training is done, my mental health has just completely nosedived.

Sorry to hear that....

Look, with your subject specialism you can get a job at almost any school.

Actually... I’m totally honest here, you can have a job in my school... it’s west London, but the behaviour is beyond exemplary... probably a hundred or so miles too far away though!

Go to a really good school, do a year to bed in and see how that goes....

If you do fancy a job though..... let me know!

[CornerFlag]

I just feel done with it, the fact that I can wake up with a heart rate over 100, go into my placement school and cry, all the while my marriage goes to shit, it's not worth it and I don't want it.

[TepidT2O]

I just feel done with it, the fact that I can wake up with a heart rate over 100, go into my placement school and cry, all the while my marriage goes to shit, it's not worth it and I don't want it.

Yeah it probably isn’t worth it. Then....

But I spent three years like that in my first school.... I moved to an excellent school and never looked back..  it’s not so unrelentingly grim every where

[rakey_lfc]

Ofsted were in last Wednesday! See you again in 4 years! Well actually I may see them sooner as I'm moving schools in September.


I'm coming out of mainstream from September to work in Alternative provision for those with social, emotional and mental health needs. Luckily I'm still PE teaching, but I am going to do my SENDco training and be there SENDco which I'm really looking forward to!

[cornishscouser92]

Ofsted were in last Wednesday! See you again in 4 years! Well actually I may see them sooner as I'm moving schools in September.


I'm coming out of mainstream from September to work in Alternative provision for those with social, emotional and mental health needs. Luckily I'm still PE teaching, but I am going to do my SENDco training and be there SENDco which I'm really looking forward to!

Nice, good luck!

I'm just about to finish my PGCE year. Haven't found a PE job as there is barely any. Not sure what to do as I want to stay in Liverpool and earn money teaching. Do you get enough work with supply?

[Disregarder]

Ofsted were in last Wednesday! See you again in 4 years!

Well done to your school and you.

Had an inspection in my primary a few weeks ago and it was a car crash. Our results haven't been good last two years but we were previously good. Inspector was very hostile from get go. Threw the inspection handbook out the window e.g. asked for data we don't use and expected work to be in specific formats which again we don't use. Should have been a one dayer but she invented a safeguarding issue to take it to two days (issue disappeared on second day) then ripped into everything. Refused requests for us to explain learning that went into work. We will complain but hold out little hope. Whole staff feel crushed.  Other local schools had similar results but maintained their good rating.

Recently had a consultant and current inspector hired by local authority to tell us what we're doing wrong and it was all triple marking and verbal feedback stamps. Exactly the type of stuff ofsted are producing videos saying not to do.

At my wits end with this game at the minute.

[UntouchableLuis]

Well done to your school and you.

Had an inspection in my primary a few weeks ago and it was a car crash. Our results haven't been good last two years but we were previously good. Inspector was very hostile from get go. Threw the inspection handbook out the window e.g. asked for data we don't use and expected work to be in specific formats which again we don't use. Should have been a one dayer but she invented a safeguarding issue to take it to two days (issue disappeared on second day) then ripped into everything. Refused requests for us to explain learning that went into work. We will complain but hold out little hope. Whole staff feel crushed.  Other local schools had similar results but maintained their good rating.

Recently had a consultant and current inspector hired by local authority to tell us what we're doing wrong and it was all triple marking and verbal feedback stamps. Exactly the type of stuff ofsted are producing videos saying not to do.

At my wits end with this game at the minute.

And that's why th profession is a disgrace at the moment.

I am a mentor to a student teacher in our department currently. Last week she got an email to say Ofsted are coming to watch a few trainees from her Uni to inspect whether their uni has given them suitable training. The lesson visit is scheduled for the last Friday of this term in the afternoon. Her uni then told her she needed to have about a million pieces of nonsense evidence in her folder for when the inspector comes. She hasn't even started her career and that's the level of needless pressure.

[TepidT2O]

And that's why th profession is a disgrace at the moment.

I am a mentor to a student teacher in our department currently. Last week she got an email to say Ofsted are coming to watch a few trainees from her Uni to inspect whether their uni has given them suitable training. The lesson visit is scheduled for the last Friday of this term in the afternoon. Her uni then told her she needed to have about a million pieces of nonsense evidence in her folder for when the inspector comes. She hasn't even started her career and that's the level of needless pressure.

There’s no pressure on her.

They aren’t judging her.  They are judging the universities judgement of her.

She shouldnt be remotely bothered about it.

[UntouchableLuis]

There’s no pressure on her.

They aren’t judging her.  They are judging the universities judgement of her.

She shouldnt be remotely bothered about it.

I get that mate but she has had emails saying she must have this this and that in her folder. She is still being observed in a lesson by a stranger who works for Ofsted. That still creates anxiety - it's what people don't realise. When you want to pass your placement and become a teacher you obviously worry and stress about things like this.

[TepidT2O]

I get that mate but she has had emails saying she must have this this and that in her folder. She is still being observed in a lesson by a stranger who works for Ofsted. That still creates anxiety - it's what people don't realise. When you want to pass your placement and become a teacher you obviously worry and stress about things like this.

She’s already passed by now.

Fuck ‘em.

Genuinely.

[cornishscouser92]

And that's why th profession is a disgrace at the moment.

I am a mentor to a student teacher in our department currently. Last week she got an email to say Ofsted are coming to watch a few trainees from her Uni to inspect whether their uni has given them suitable training. The lesson visit is scheduled for the last Friday of this term in the afternoon. Her uni then told her she needed to have about a million pieces of nonsense evidence in her folder for when the inspector comes. She hasn't even started her career and that's the level of needless pressure.

This through LJMU?

[rakey_lfc]

Nice, good luck!

I'm just about to finish my PGCE year. Haven't found a PE job as there is barely any. Not sure what to do as I want to stay in Liverpool and earn money teaching. Do you get enough work with supply?

PE in general is very low for jobs. I'd personally go abroad if I was you but that's not always an option for people. I'd imagine you'd get plenty of work as a supply but that may not always be PE based. My department, we tend to cover for each other internally as its easier than having a non-specialist coming in.

If you haven't done so already, definitely look at local agencies. Maybe also look into a second subject. I've taught KS3 Science which has helped me in the long run to getting a full time PE post.

[CornerFlag]

Two more weeks, two more weeks...

[TepidT2O]

Two more weeks, two more weeks...

You’ve not really enjoyed it have you

Why did you stick with it?  If you don’t mind me asking.

[cornishscouser92]

Fuck all jobs PE going.
Tempted to apply for a health and well being tutor job the city council are advertising, looks interesting delivering it to various ages/places

[CornerFlag]

You’ve not really enjoyed it have you

Why did you stick with it?  If you don’t mind me asking.

Honestly?  It was one of my dream jobs as a kid, like I always wanted to have that role.  You get good teachers that inspire and others that are just worn down, or don't want to be there, or are completely unsuited.  I've felt like the latter a lot but when you have those moments that make you feel like the former and you leave a classroom with a smile on your face because you know you've done your job and well, those moments have (occasionally) off-set the worst moments.

The level of it is something I pretty much know I'm not cut out for.  The level of work you take home with you, the onus while I've been at uni to get stuff done for that as well as managing my home life, it's taught me a lot.  The support I've gotten from most of the teachers has been fantastic, the kids make you laugh and those relationships are fun, especially the Year 7 kids, I enjoy teaching those the most (along with the sixth formers).

I guess it's just spending a lifetime dropping out of courses when I could have pushed myself and I've felt myself wandering close to the brink at times, the depression has been back with avengance, and it's not to say that the financial aspect of the bursary has helped push me along too as it's meant my wife and I (and my son) have been able to move out of my in-laws.  I'm registered with a couple of agencies for temporary and supply work but I want to build my confidence back up with it and ease into the responsibilities, but for now I'm going to be looking for employment away from the sector.  It's not fair on the kids to be taught by a self-doubting teacher who can't do them justice, and it's not fair on me to put myself to the point where I went fairly dark in my head multiple times.

Teaching is such an underappreciated job in the mainstream of life and I wish that everyone could spend a few weeks in a role where they spent time imitating a teacher to see what it's really like, especially those who go "But what about the holidays?" "They're all finished by 3!" and stuff like that.  Ł23k starting salary for an NQT (albeit with a slightly reduced timetable)... I dunno.

It's not all been bad though!

[Peabee]

Two more weeks, two more weeks...

Fair play for sticking with it. That takes courage, so if you’ve struggled with your mental health, you should still be proud that you continued. I considered it two years ago, but I made a decision based on my own history of depression not to even try.

[TepidT2O]

Honestly?  It was one of my dream jobs as a kid, like I always wanted to have that role.  You get good teachers that inspire and others that are just worn down, or don't want to be there, or are completely unsuited.  I've felt like the latter a lot but when you have those moments that make you feel like the former and you leave a classroom with a smile on your face because you know you've done your job and well, those moments have (occasionally) off-set the worst moments.

The level of it is something I pretty much know I'm not cut out for.  The level of work you take home with you, the onus while I've been at uni to get stuff done for that as well as managing my home life, it's taught me a lot.  The support I've gotten from most of the teachers has been fantastic, the kids make you laugh and those relationships are fun, especially the Year 7 kids, I enjoy teaching those the most (along with the sixth formers).

I guess it's just spending a lifetime dropping out of courses when I could have pushed myself and I've felt myself wandering close to the brink at times, the depression has been back with avengance, and it's not to say that the financial aspect of the bursary has helped push me along too as it's meant my wife and I (and my son) have been able to move out of my in-laws.  I'm registered with a couple of agencies for temporary and supply work but I want to build my confidence back up with it and ease into the responsibilities, but for now I'm going to be looking for employment away from the sector.  It's not fair on the kids to be taught by a self-doubting teacher who can't do them justice, and it's not fair on me to put myself to the point where I went fairly dark in my head multiple times.

Teaching is such an underappreciated job in the mainstream of life and I wish that everyone could spend a few weeks in a role where they spent time imitating a teacher to see what it's really like, especially those who go "But what about the holidays?" "They're all finished by 3!" and stuff like that.  Ł23k starting salary for an NQT (albeit with a slightly reduced timetable)... I dunno.

It's not all been bad though!

Hope you get yourself a job that suits you next year....

All the things you bring up are fair criticisms of the profession.  What is more, it doesn’t have to be like that.  So much of it doesn’t make any real difference.

[Austin Powers]

Posted this in the Aussie Thread - questioning regarding Australian skilled worker visa.

This might be a question for the Teachers' thread, but does anyone in here know if I'd have to complete my NQT year before being allowed to apply for a skilled worker visa?

Can anyone help me out, please?

[cornishscouser92]

Had my triangulation today, finished with a grade 1. Beers tonight

[CornerFlag]

Anyone had one of their pupils pass away?

[TepidT2O]

Anyone had one of their pupils pass away?

Yes.  It’s terrible, just awful.  But it’s also life, and communities deal with it...

[TepidT2O]

Had my triangulation today, finished with a grade 1. Beers tonight

Yay! 

Go you.  Especially after a tricky first placement.

[androulla]

The last six weeks have flown by!!!!!.......happy first week back everyone

[TepidT2O]

Urrrggghhh....

[rakey_lfc]

Been a while since I been in here. So I've been in a Social, Emotional Mental Health school since September. Been very challenging and equally rewarding. Doing my SENDCO qualification alongside has also provided extra challenge. All going well though.

[TheKid.]

Just moved into a new building (same site just was built on the field and the only building will be knocked down) - seems to have given the school a new found sense of community at the moment which is really nice

[rakey_lfc]

Oh my what a year! First on an SLT, first as a SENDCO, first working in an SEMH provision. What a learning curve! Student's last day tomorrow, mine Wednesday.

Hope other peoples year have gone well.

[TepidT2O]

4th year on slt first as an AHT (mostly has they could t afford to pay me for it before).

Hard work, but really rewarding.

Three weeks off now!  Hurrah!

[TheKid.]

Been with 41 kids aged from years 7 to 11 this week. Always a good way to end the year

Spent the last month learning the pastoral ropes to as i am head of a very challenging year 8 next year

[McrRed]

I'm really missing the summer holidays.

[CraigDS]

My missus had a nice 2 weeks in China on a trip, and now 6 weeks off. Not bad for some.

She’s just got next years timetable and they’ve given her no additional free periods for her head of year role. She took it on last Sept at last minute as someone went off on long term sick, and they promised her this year her timetable would reflect the additional role. It doesn’t - and in fact she’s got less time!!

[TepidT2O]

My missus had a nice 2 weeks in China on a trip, and now 6 weeks off. Not bad for some.

She’s just got next years timetable and they’ve given her no additional free periods for her head of year role. She took it on last Sept at last minute as someone went off on long term sick, and they promised her this year her timetable would reflect the additional role. It doesn’t - and in fact she’s got less time!!

How many hours non contact does she have a week?

[CraigDS]

How many hours non contact does she have a week?

As in not in lessons? 11 over 2 weeks (A & B week) I believe it is.

[TheKid.]

That sounds about right for a head of year

[TepidT2O]

Yeah... that’s exactly the same as ours get.

[CraigDS]

It’s about 3hrs less than the rest of them get at her school, she teaches 3 A-Level (English) classes too so not sure if that makes a difference.

[TepidT2O]

The rest are quite lucky to be honest.