To consider quitting teaching before summer

If you leave on UPS you’ll return to that level

Michael Gove scrapped pay portability long ago.

In a cash-strapped primary, you wouldn't get back on UPS easily, sadly.

Also, if you’re an outstanding teacher, which is what I was always graded as, you’ll find that your reputation as a tutor will soon grow. I never advertise and still have a waiting list. People are desperate for good tutors.

I’m leaving at Easter.

This is how see it:
You get three paid weeks for Autumn term.
You get three paid weeks for Spring term.
You get three weeks for Summer so you’re only losing 3 weeks hols not 6.

This helped me massively. I’m leaving I’m done. I can’t do it anymore.

It is like an abusive relationship.

If you leave on UPS you’ll return to that level. It’s only the TLR that you might struggle to pick up again (just because someone at the new school may already be happily in that role).

Could you try tutoring? I left teaching after 20 years and currently earn as much as a tutor as I did as a HOD. I don’t even work weekends. Why not try to get tutees lined up now? The only thing is whether your lifestyle allows you to work approx 3.30-7pm Mon to Friday or if you have things to do then. My kids are grown up.

Teacher here - I’d resign now with effect from September 1st. You’ll be paid over summer and will have six paid months to look for something else. The key thing will be the second you resign you’ll have an enormous feeling of relief: you only need to get through 4 months and there are two more holidays in that period.

No way! You’ve got 16 weeks left and will get 9 weeks holiday. Tell yourself you DESERVE that holiday. Hand in your notice or have it written out. Count out the days.

Do your job and nothing else. Explain why if necessary. It won’t be long. We can do it!

You can’t leave before the summer now anyway. Of that feels too much for you, self cert or speak to GP whilst you deal with that and go back when you feel better.

You might find that once it reverts to being ‘just a job’ it’s way more manageable.

‘No sorry. I can’t do that as it’s not part of my job description, and to be honest, come September it will be someone else’s responsibility, so probably better if they start doing that now.’ ‘Yes it is correct. If you check you'll find that teachers should not provide long term cover for someone else’ ‘I know, nightmare, sorry. Past my contacted hours right now. Got to go’. ‘Might want to sort that out as it’s why you’re going to have to spend a lot of time and effort replacing a great teacher’

It's a short half term after Easter and then the long slog to the summer holidays.

How much take home are you getting after tax, union and pension Op?

Take anything going to get launched in the outside world - you don't have to stick at it, but it will get you back into the mindset, and you will stop subconsciously listening for the bell. It is quite a tough jump - people don't see you as a team player. I used to make a joke about teaching: 'Yes, I was a teacher for twelve years but I got time off for good behaviour!" Or 'Yes, I was a teacher - now you can put that gum in the bin, face the front and LISTEN!" Ok, not particularly funny, but it lightened the mood.
(Incidentally, I became a marketing manager and had the time of my life!)

Don't do it. Head before heart on this one...

Wait until 31st May, then look elsewhere. Get your summer pay!!!

My sister in law and one of my closest friends are teachers, and have given notice to leave at the end of the summer term.
Both around 60, been in their roles for years, now job sharing, but have just had enough.
I don't think you're alone feeling like that.

I coach degree apprentices through thier degree journey and prepare them for end point assessment.

Loads of well paid (more than UPS) coaching/training roles out there that teachers are ideal for.

Why would you take a pay cut, teachers earn much more in the private sector. When I left my pay increased by 50%.

What I am curious to know is if anyone has ever felt it's warranted to leave before then? Eg hand in notice before Feb 28 and miss out on summer pay? If you get a different job does it work out as ok financially?

I know plenty of people who did this. They just 'went at Easter', they didn't mention the summer pay. Some had jobs lined up for after Easter, and some didn't.

How it works out financially will obviously depend on every individual household, who else is earning, how big the mortgage is, whether there's another job to go to etc etc

Don't deprive yourself of the summer holiday pay and don't leave without the correct half-term's notice, because teaching is a really useful stand-by job while you relaunch yourself. You can always pick up a short-term contract, maternity leave, or supply.
For the time being, do as little as possible and stop preparing lessons for the TA - just give her the subject she should cover, and let her do the detailed prepping. Cut out any irrelevant or future-oriented tasks demanded by your current employers - you won't be there anyway.

What you do need to do now is work on your non-teaching abilities - make sure you are up-to-date with all IT skills and any relevant developments in your chosen field(s). Do online courses where you can. Get your CV sorted, and think out answers to interview questions in advance. Check your wardrobe for suitable clothing too.
A lot of teaching skills are transferable, so work out what yours are and emphasise them: for example, the ability to manage people and supervise group efforts, to prepare material and deliver it confidently to a varied audience, to think on your feet. Approach it like a project and be positive!

Totally wrong end of the stick you got here.

This. What about your union ? If your mental health is suffering and your physical health is affected then go to you GP and take some time off. This wll get you closer to July and might highlight your challenges to management. You deserve better, this is just a job you shouldn't have to feel like this.

Nice try.
Shortcomings is a failing to meet a certain standard on their part when you know full well teaching is not their job.
Sailing through to September implies they'll succeed/move through quickly when you have no idea what their job conditions are.
The truth is they'll be on £1500 a month after tax; it is low-income work chosen mainly by those with caring responsibilities.
Do better.

Means basically she will lose a job nd wage and pick up any ensuing hardship whilst the other person keeps theirs. Quite simple really.