Nervous about new job... in an SEN school

[BubblesBubbly]

I’m an nqt and every time I mention the school to anyone locally the response is generally negative!

It’s an sen school dealing mostly with challenging behaviour.

I’ve been really looking forward to it but whenever someone comments negatively I start to wobble!

Example, today the lady I told said that she works with similar schools in the area and these kids at my school are particularly bad behaviour wise!

I know it will be tough and I really thought I could make a difference with these kids, because of my particular skillset but I’m doubting myself more and more as I’ve had very little experience with challenging behaviour, but I will be trained on the job.

Just posting for advice or experiences really!

The negativity is aimed towards the students, not the school.

I’ve taught in an SEMH secondary school for 6 years. I started as an NQT.
I’ll be honest, it was difficult at first. I have been punched in the face, had tables and chairs thrown at me, personal property deliberately broken/destroyed etc. But I wouldn’t still be there if it wasn’t the most rewarding experience of my life.

You need a good SLT/school management structure though! Do you think this school has that?

In terms of advice, be yourself, students with SEMH needs or similar can sense any bullshit or pretence from 50 yards. Be kind, consistent and consistently kind. Even if a kids royally fucks up you have to try and treat every day as a fresh start, be forgiving and show that you are still there for them.
Expect them to be quite dismissive for he first half or maybe even whole term, these students are used to adults (in and out of school) leaving them and most won’t invest until they believe you’re in it for the long run.

You can't listen to other people. You need to ignore it and make your own mind up.

Thanks @Blueemeraldagain I’m really pleased you enjoy it!! I was chatting to a member of slt at the school on my interview day and she was telling me how she was ready to walk away after a week but stuck with it and has been there 20yrs now!....
I don’t want to be punched in the face though 😬

@MmmBlowholes thanks! That’s what I keep telling myself, but it’s hard not to worry when people say good luck to me in a kind of omg! Kind of way!!

Don’t listen. I LOVE it and I wouldn’t teach in mainstream for all the tea in China. I teach children with autism and very challenging behaviour and have done severe and complex SEMH previously.

It’s exhausting and emotionally draining and sometimes, at the end of term, I’m so tired I have to remind myself to still breathe. But it’s also wonderful- exhilarating, fascinating and heartwarming. I love my school like it’s my home, I’d go there even if I won the lottery. In fact I’m missing it a bit at the moment!

Well done for choosing the light!

I didn't teach in a special needs school, but in a rough, tough comp. The first year was a learning curve but it got easier after that. The camaraderie was great. I watched what other teachers did and learned from that. Also, try not to take stuff personally (if you get challenging behaviour. It is usually not the teacher but the situation or what the teacher represents they are kicking off about.
I loved my job and hope you grow to love yours

I did a placement in a primary school for children with behavioural problems and it was (is) a fantastic school. Does wonders for the children. Very close knit and supportive environment. You'll be fine.

Ah @reefedsail that’s really lovely to hear!!
I am genuinely looking forward to it, and the idea that unlike a mainstream school I’ll be teaching fewer students and hopefully really get to know them individually.

Thanks @Mammajay I’m thoroughly expecting the 1st year to be pretty tough!!
I have 2 primary aged children at home too and really hope I can cope

Thanks @whiteroseredrose The staff seemed lovely!.. In the small snippet I got to see on interview day!

Yeah, being punched wasn’t the highlight of my career but it did (eventually) offer a real opportunity to rebuild a very damaged relationship with that student and we both learnt a lot from that experience. It happened towards the end of his Year 7 and he was a very different young man when he left at the end of Year 11.

What are you going to be teaching @BubblesBubbly?

I’m teaching outdoor education @Blueemeraldagain I’m really excited and I know they’ll get sooo much out of it.
I am nervous though about how to build lasting relationships!

You just keep going back every day. And when they tell you to fuck off you say ‘sorry kid, you can’t get rid of me that easily’. Once they believe you, they’re yours.

Can I ask what subject you qualified in? Are you sure outdoor education will let you pass your Nqt year? I’m sure you thought of that but thought I’d ask as am interested to know!

I'm starting as a TA in a SEN school in September. I've just finished a history degree as a mature student. I'm not sure if I want to teach so I'm going to do this for a year. I'll be with the secondary age kids.

I was called a fat arse during my trial morning 😀 The language I heard would have made Quentin Tarantino blush. I'm apprehensive but excited.

Hi @Haggisfish yeah my role is recognised for nqt status

Fantastic @LucilleBluth! I hope it goes well! Stuff like that won’t bother me

What kind of school.is it ? Is it a,school specifically for children with behavioural issues or more for complex disabilities? My son goes to a special school he has autism and complex learning disabilities ,he's only in primary school though I dare say it isn't easy but his teachers are amazing and go above and beyond my expectations ,they try to work to each child s abillitie whilst it's not the same I used to be a mental health nurse working mainly in acute mental health the public's perception of what went on was very different to the reality ime.

I started as an nqt in an SEN school with challenging behaviour. I think you know if you're made for it or not. I bloody love it and am still in the job. Don't let anyone else worry you. What do they know?

Yeah @x2boys it sounds similar but with secondary aged children. That’s what I’m looking for most, building relationships and really work with each individual child

I spent half of my career working with teenagers with behavioural and mild learning difficulties in a special school, and the other half working with severely learning disabled/autistic primary aged kids. I loved it. I couldn't imagine ever going back to mainstream teaching.

I'm now retired, but there are kids and parents that I'll never forget.

I imagine it's very rewarding ,at my sons school they celebrate every achievement ,my son got star of the week for keeping his shoes on all week!😂which doesn't seem much but was a huge achievement for my son.

That’s fantastic @x2boys