Trainee Teacher & off sick

[singleedition]

I’m currently doing my teacher training (primary) and I’ve just started my second placement in year 2. I had 3 observations last week which didn’t go to plan and in general it was just a pretty bad week. I haven’t really clicked with my mentor this time around on placement, she hasn’t said anything obviously, but I get the inkling that she doesn’t really like me as she keeps mentioning all the pressure having a student puts her under. Anyway, over the weekend I’ve developed shingles and I feel super grotty and can’t go to work because it’s contagious and I could pass it onto the kids as chicken pox etc...- the GP advised taking the week off and see how I go. I’ve advised my school but I’m concerned this isn’t going to do anything for the relationship with my mentor and she’s going to think I’ve just phoned in sick because I got some negative feedback last week 🤦🏻‍♀️

I’m not even sure why I’m posting here to be honest. I’m probably just overthinking it but I needed somewhere to write it all down 😂

[winewolfhowls]

Shingles is awful and quite serious for many people.
Its not like a cold.
Rest up and go back fresh.
Your mentor is not required to like you, which can feel hurtful, but they do need to be fair.
My advice would be to try and pal up with some other staff not in your department, are there any nqts there?

[Anotheronetwo]

Having a difficult relationship with a mentor when doing teacher training is tough. But she'll like you less if you go in with shingles. Stay home and rest.

[IgnoranceIsStrength]

I would state that it is Shingles and therefore you are contagious. If you feel up it you could over to do some admin from home but honestly having seen how much Shingles can affect a healthy adult I imagine you will want to do as little as possible but rest

[Greenmarmalade]

It sounds seriously stressful. I’m sorry you’re so unwell. Rest up for the whole week and don’t give the mentor a second thought!

Lots of my lessons went wrong last week, it happens to all of us.

[sakura06]

I agree with everyone else. Let yourself recover. Shingles is horrendous. Get well soon.

[CatEnabler]

I was sick with horrific Nirovirus on my second placement I only attended day 1 of the first week! Didn't affect me in any way. Shingles is dangerous to pregnant women I think so stay clear for staff who might not have announced pregnancy.
This mentor would be glad to not have you for a bit to probably 😉