Struggling to adapt to new school

[badgergirl82]

I am just posting for a bit of encouragement and help.

I knew I'd find it tough but there's a difference between knowing something objectively and actually experiencing the reality of it. I feel exhausted at even the thought of Monday. The students are difficult, I have low ability groups and a longer commute than I'm used to,

Any tips or suggestions to make this always difficult first term a bit less arduous?

[Openbook]

Count your money. You're doing it for the salary at the moment although you may get to love it when you settle in.
Can you access any support for the behaviour issues, from outside school if you don't want to ask for help inhouse. Is there an ex colleague who you could work with / talk to about planning the work and the classroom strategies. Have you been for a good moan on the TES site. You probably do have all the ideas but just need to grit your teeth and get established.
You sound knackered. I never worked on a Friday night or a Saturday and looked after myself on those days and really tried to switch off then but sometimes there isn't any alternative to just working 24/7 for a short while.
I used to get to work really early (in by 7.00 often) to cut out traffic delays and it helped me relax knowing I had time to prepare.
Keep smiling - it's a job. It will get better.

[badgergirl82]

Thanks In all fairness, the traffic isn't actually that bad - it's all motorway and is mostly going the other way (which does make me wonder if most sane people frantically avoid the town!) but it's still a bit of a trek.

I think what is hard is all my classes are tough and as such they are the classes that need lessons planned to the nano-second; lots of structured activities and things like writing frames, pictures to aid understanding and so on. Obviously, I can do these but it does take a lot of time - it's things like glueing things in their books ready so that they can get straight on with tasks and doing that four/three times a day is a bit exhausting! Even that in itself I don't mind, it's draining emotionally rather than physically, I think.

I just need to limp through this first term, somehow, I think!

[Foxyloxy1plus1]

I've had jobs that I've really struggled to adapt to. Over time, things have become more straightforward and suddenly you realise you're enjoying it.

If you hate it after half a term, I would consider whether it's the right place. Or maybe you'll find shortcuts to ease the workload. It may be that it's just getting used to a lot of changes at the same time. I once had a commute that finished me in that job - mind it was the M25/M3!

[badgergirl82]

The children have only been back for a week, so it's very early days. I already have a bit of dread about tomorrow, though, and feel exhausted at the thought of it. I'm supposed to be in quite a senior position which is also daunting, although I have been urged to spend the first half term just getting to grips with my classes which is good!

[Openbook]

I'm supposed to be in quite a senior position No supposed about it. You worked hard for that and deserve it.
There is no place for being a perfectionist in your job. Just do the best you can and concentrate on the class first. As time goes by you will find / be given your place in the whole scheme of things. Keep smiling and put on a good front. Its all about acting positive I think although others might not agree. The other staff want you to show confidence even when things don't go well. I don't mean pretending the kids aren't difficult but I do think you say yes they are tough but we press on.KBO.

[IguanaTail]

Don't worry. It's just the feeling of looking around the classroom and not knowing anyone and then looking around the staff room and not knowing anyone either. As soon as you have a point of reference and know people it will be more fun. Teaching is all about relationships and at the moment you have none and need to build them. It's really tiring but you will get there.

Can you put a playlist of your favourite upbeat tunes on your iPhone and play them in the car on the way? Or get a book on CD to listen to?

[Minispringroll]

It's tough starting somewhere new,...and it's surprising how easy it is to forget how hard it was the last time, so I now how you feel. Sorry that it's not going so great.
In my case, my classes are no issue in terms of behaviour, though. My commute is a million times better. There are lots of small things, which are driving me round the bend and which I find hard to deal with. (I struggle with being told how to teach. My classes' results have always been above average and every headteacher I've worked for so far has allowed to me to get on with my job how I see fit.) I've decided to give it until half term. Resignation date is the 31st October. If it really doesn't settle down by then, I'm most likely going to walk. That said, I'm also in a senior position,... and me walking out would be quite bad for the school. I'd hate to let them down like that,...so might stick it out until the summer. On the upside, I've got a job offer to go to, should I honestly decide to leave.

[Minispringroll]

know how you feel,...not now...

[badgergirl82]

Thank you so much. I'm so grateful you all understand how I feel!

Yes to the upbeat songs and the audiobooks - have been to halfords this afternoon and bought an aux lead (I did have one and slammed it in the car door and broke it ) so I can listen to music and audiobooks on the way in and away.

It all feels quite tough and I've had a bit of a strange career history in some ways - due to relocation rather than anything sinister, but just the same I do want to stay and ensure that at the least I see the year out!