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Just a rant

3 replies

oneandonlygreg · 04/12/2024 07:44

Got £400 less this month as I had two days off to look after my sick toddler and then another to move house.
Spent £40 on Christmas decorations for my classroom as the other classes all seemed to have them already and I've worked at schools that provide them or don't decorate for Christmas. Then had to spend another £30 on a Christmas present for them all which I know they won't be grateful for.
So fed up of the culture of spending your own money on things for the class. I don't have the money to spend and would rather spend it on my own family. I've been asked already why I don't have an advent calendar by the children.
Since when did we become so expectant that teachers will spend their own money on things for their class?
Just a rant. Fed up of teaching.

OP posts:
ACatNamedRobin · 04/12/2024 07:46

Stop doing it OP.
If they ask tell them you can't afford it.

Completely agree with you btw.

twentysevendresses · 04/12/2024 08:36

A) You don't (and shouldn't!!) have to spend your own money on decorations for your class!! Mine make them...we made paper chains and cardboard tree hangings. I totally refused to spend money on this. So that one is on you! Doesn't matter what 'other' classes look like...some at my school look like Santa's Grotto with huge amounts of shop bought decorations. I don't have that kind of money (and even if I did I wouldn't spend it on school!)

B) You don't (and shouldn't!) have to buy gifts for your class. Again... forget what others do...it doesn't matter! I've made mine a lovely personalised bookmark in Canva, sprinkled a bit of 'festive glitter' over it and laminated. Cost nothing 🤷‍♀️

Don't be pressured by the 'it's for the children' bridade (SLT!!). If they insist on 'posh' decorations then they'll need to provide them.

At a previous school, my head decided we all had to stay late after school the last Friday in November to 'make our classrooms festive 'for the children' with trees, wreaths and full on decorations. Everyone privately complained and wondered where we were going to get these things from, but ultimately most went out and spend many ££££s on stuff.

I turned up on the Friday and asked 'where do I get my tree and decorations?' Head just looked astonished that I had the nerve to ask...I just said that I thought the idea was that we were all getting some lovely decorations for our room...I don't have any 🤷‍♀️ And I went home.

Grow a thick skin and don't be afraid to say 'no, I'm not going to be doing that!'

Spanglyboots · 04/12/2024 08:40

OP, for what it’s worth I think you sound like an amazing teacher. I don’t have children, but if I did and you were their teacher I’d be so happy.

albeit, this doesn’t make the awful situation any better and I’m sorry to hear about the children sounding entitled, too.

something has gone desperately wrong in this country when teachers are spending their own (limited) cash on essentials.

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