Anyone free for a chat? In a dilemma

[Paradoes]

I'm a teacher (SEN) and in a school I don't enjoy. I haven't had support all year to be honest (department meetings are at a time I am timetabled to teach so this was rectified only after informing headteacher). The other teachers in my dept cannot work in the specialist facility so it's only me and a reluctant person who makes mean comments and has never really pulled her weight (slips home early, gets others to do her work). The headteacher is aware but in a tricky situation as she's a person who is very strong and ruthless. So much has happened.

I really want to move schools but the only other job is nearly and hours drive and I've primary school children (but end of primary and I would still make it home by 4pm)

The other school is a specialist school rather than a grammar (secondary) with staff who use traditional approaches and they attitude towards the new class is fear / they don't want to be involved.

On a positive note two new teachers are coming into work in the new facility (I was leaving in May and I an the only staff trained)

In such a dilemma. I don't think I can forgive what has happened to me but its near home. The other school does have a three day option ? Wwyd?

I’d leave.

So current school is a grammar school; you don't like it cos you work with Reluctant Difficult Person; but you have new people coming in to the new facility? (Am a bit confused.)

Other school is an hour away.

I can't work out which school uses the traditional approaches you don't like. That's key.

I'm a bit mixed up as to what attributes/qualities each school is having?

The one you work at now will have new staff joining? You can't guarantee they'll be any good if the leadership sucks.

If the new one still gets you home at 4pm for older kids then that's fine isn't it? I think I'd leave but again I'm not quite clear about the two schools.

I don't think I can forgive what has happened to me

What has happened to you?

Oh my god sorry I haven't explained things well at all. The current school doesn't cater well for the new cohort of students with care and behaviour and communication needs. They are expected to sit in the mainstream classes where there isn't differentiation.

That's one big issue. The other is ,- the key SEN staff - none of them will work with the more challenging (physical) students.

The job is permanent and I have been given more responsibility but I have been hit regularly and when I am meant to get my break or admin time the other teachers don't step in. They can't be timetabled but there were hours granted for this.
Next year the timetable will be sorted and the two new teachers are decent but not qualified in this area.

I don't want to go fully on what's happened to me but I haven't been supported- for example if I teach a key skill I have been looked down on as to not covering academics ( I'm sure this is clear without breaching confidence but personal care etc to me is priority and the new school is fully specialist so it would be more suitable to my training)

The school I am in is ten mins drive slightly longer day. Both jobs get me home relatively early. Its the frosty roads and hours drive (mostly rural roads ) also am I giving up rather than trying to work this out ?

I think I'd go for new job. Especially if you would be home by 4. What's in your "not the new job" column?

Sorry in answer to questions- if I stay there are new staff coming in but leadership still the same and same traditional values which along with a selective grammar type of system rather than a comprehensive system.

No vocational programmes etc and the expectation everyone will fit in and we a promoting human rights by this. In my opinion the huge cognitive gap is creating a huge issue and frustration. Behaviour etc. But maybe if I stay I can change the culture in the school ?

Really appreciate your support here as I process everything

The journey is two hours driving each day.

I don't know know new school but I taught in a specialist school for 18 years so I know how they work and I am a hard worker and love the atmosphere in special schools

On paper my current school and role looks prestigious but I don't care about that I just want to be a good person doing a good job

The new school is temporary for a year but SEN teachers are in shortage - there is a three day week option and I wouldn't miss the money too much (I can pick up a bit of tutoring)

Being able to work a 3 day week sounds worth thinking about. I would be wanting to do that if I could.

I have another (part time online tutoring) job and I can pick up some supply if needed. The three day option might allow me the space I need as the job gets v tough at times emotionally (maybe as I get older / I can only see a few more years if it for myself - if I get to 30 years SEN I'll be happy)

I guess the question then is "can you afford the commute" (time and money)?

You love the atmosphere is special schools. That is worth a lot. Being able to do a 3-day week sounds good, too.

As a SEN teacher you will be in demand so I guess that gives you the "job security" piece (in the longer term). If you love special schools, more recent experience in special schools is what you need, right?

And yes, perhaps you could change the culture at the school you are in, but it's really really hard to do that without supportive leadership.

Working in schools is hard, working in a school you hate and don't fit is hellish.

Go for the new job...I can understand the reluctance about the long drive but at least it's only 3 days a week and it will be good to have the option of some time to decompress if you need it.

Thank you again.
I have my standard teaching qualifications but also a MEd and First Class Post Grad in SEN so with my background I would be OK (please god) and employable. It's the commute that might knock this idea on the head but the time to unwind is actually something I didn't think about but I love audio books and podcasts.

Dh can work flexible hour if the kids needs to leave school early, (very rare) and I have an angel childcare provider.

I think the whole situation has really made my eyes open about inclusion (something I'm passionate about) and I don't feel I fit in - though staff are nice in my current school - I need more than nice. I need actual pairs of hands and attitudes needs to shift - the headteacher has said himself its years away.

I'd go to the specialist. 3 days a week in the school that suits you, with icy commute only for a few months of the year and a lovely podcast commute the rest.

I would move and drop ti thee days a week.

Yeah I have a week to apply. So guy is saying yes. I would get a cheap bed and breakfast if it's really bad over the winter or late work nights eg parents eve if I need to.