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Final straw

32 replies

CuckooCuckooClock · 08/12/2017 13:08

This week I've been called names, had things thrown at my head, had a parent yell at me and yesterday a group of year 10 boys threatened me with serious physical violence.

Slt do nothing. My hod does nothing. Union rep can't do anything.

All I want to do is help some kids pass their exams. I really don't think I deserve this. I feel sick when I think about work (don't work Friday's thank goodness). I used to be a nice person but I really find myself having dark thoughts about some kids and colleagues.

I just don't know how i can manage until Easter.

I don't expect replies just needed to complain about the nightmare.

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MyBrilliantDisguise · 08/12/2017 13:10

Why are these people doing nothing about your problem? When you are threatened with violence why are they not taking action?

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MyBrilliantDisguise · 08/12/2017 13:11

What would you like to do if you weren't teaching? How much would you need to bring in?

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TheFallenMadonna · 08/12/2017 13:15

It's surprising what you can cope with when you know it is finishing soon. Are you looking at jobs in other schools? I work in Alternative Provision, and challenging behaviour is my daily experience. But my colleagues, including SLT, are completely supportive and that is what makes it work. You don't have to put up with it, although I know when you are in it, it is hard to see an out.

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CuckooCuckooClock · 08/12/2017 13:18

I don't know why slt don't do anything to address behaviour. It's totally out of hand.

I'm not sure what else I could do. We could manage without my wage (most goes on childcare anyway) but dh's job is not secure so we need back up.

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CuckooCuckooClock · 08/12/2017 13:25

I've worked in challenging schools before but I've always felt like part of a team where we all look out for each other. At my new school I'm completely alone. There's a group of kids who shout abuse into my classroom at break and lunch and I've asked for help many times but just get brushed off.
Last week a kid shouted in my face in front of other members of staff and I reported it but the kid just strolls back in my class the next day. No sanctions at all it seems.

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CuckooCuckooClock · 08/12/2017 13:27

I don't know whether to look for another teaching job or not.
I used to love teaching lessons but now I just dread it.

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TheFallenMadonna · 08/12/2017 13:34

You know it is better as part of a good team. Look for that again. Teaching in a great school is the best job. However challenging the behaviour.

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CuckooCuckooClock · 08/12/2017 13:43

Thank you for replying.
Maybe I'll feel better soon. This time of year is always tough.

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TheFallenMadonna · 08/12/2017 13:47

God yes. And the most challenging children often play up at Christmas too. Can be a tough time.

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TheFallenMadonna · 08/12/2017 13:47

For them as well as us.

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lorisparkle · 08/12/2017 13:57

As already said you can cope with challenging behaviour when you are supported. Other schools are more supportive so in your situation I would look around for other positions. Nobody should have to put up with what you are without proper support.

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CuckooCuckooClock · 08/12/2017 14:48

The problem is you don't know how bad it is until it's too late do you? At the least you have to spend a term at a school however horrific it is. I don't know if I want to risk it.

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MyBrilliantDisguise · 08/12/2017 17:02

I would definitely leave that particular school. The management are appalling and if something happened to you (a punch for example) they would not have your back.

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CuckooCuckooClock · 08/12/2017 17:21

Thanks. Yes I will leave at Easter. It's going to be awful from now until then but I'll have to just grit my teeth. I agree they will not back me up and I will probably be blamed if anything happens.

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CuckooCuckooClock · 08/12/2017 17:27

Tbh I have more time for the kids who really do have a difficult time. It they have chaotic home lives for eg. And I try to have patience and show compassion for the relatively few who fall into this category.
But the majority of the bad behaviour comes from entitled egotists, not troubled kids. The school I work in is not in challenging circumstances, it's a low poverty area, it's just got a bad atmosphere and behaviour isn't managed properly.

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MyBrilliantDisguise · 08/12/2017 17:31

Well I think after leaving I would be in touch with OFSTED. If someone doesn't blow the whistle they'll never know.

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Littlewhistle · 08/12/2017 17:41

Our union rep's advice was to go to the police if you're verbally or physically attacked by pupils or parents,

If that was to happen in a shop or the street you would call the police. Just because it's happening in a school isn't any different.

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ididyeah · 08/12/2017 19:06

If you aren’t getting backed up then I don’t think it’s good enough. If it was me i’d Give notice and then go on supply until I found a better situation. It’s not worth it if it’s demoralising you because of lack of leadership/support from slt

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leccybill · 08/12/2017 20:12

Why can't the union rep do anything? Presumably other staff are having issues too. You won't be alone.

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CuckooCuckooClock · 09/12/2017 07:25

I will hand in my notice but Easter's far away!
I don't know what the union rep can do.

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Cric · 09/12/2017 08:20

Can you not hand your notice in for Feb half term?

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CuckooCuckooClock · 09/12/2017 08:52

No. Rules are you can leave at Christmas, Easter or summer afaik.

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disappearingninepatch · 09/12/2017 09:21

You can ask to be released from your contract earlier. My friend did this and left at May half term. They can only say no.

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Postagestamppat · 09/12/2017 09:40

Is there a way of getting through the lessons without having to teach the students directly? In your situation I would try to do as much independent work as possible on computers. Let the trouble makers surf whatever crap they want and focus on helping the good kids. Although that does dependent on IT provision in your school. Another tactic I'd give a go is watching a film/video with a worksheet. I find standing in front of class and not being allowed to teach or the endless calling out/rudeness the hardest aspect of challenging classes. So I found designing lessons around films/internet/animations that do the actual explanations worked for me. Computers work like a sedative on most students. (One reason why i think that they should be used sparingly, but you need to keep your sanity.)

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noblegiraffe · 09/12/2017 10:41

Your union rep could support you in your refusal to teach the student(s) who physically assaulted you or threatened you with violence until the matter has been dealt with and sanctions issued. Unless you don't teach these kids?
If kids are shouting abuse into your classroom at lunchtime, to get you through to Easter could you spend lunchtime somewhere else? In an office? Your car? Lock the door?

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