To think not everyone can teach

[Blackcatwhitepaws]

No matter how excellent their subject knowledge is, right?

I mean, I should be good ... excuse the boast I have a RG degree (2:1) and everyone comments on how well I know my subject.

But I just can't seem to manage behaviour well.

And I can't think of anything else, so I am stuck with it I suppose.

There are plenty of behaviour management courses you can go on - ask your senior leadership team for some code.

Cpd not code!

No they can't, not everyone is cut out to teach. You can know everything about a subject and be a shit teacher, you need the spark.

Do you like teaching?

Are you motivated to improve?

Yes ... I know all the 'tricks' they could teach me if you like. I'm not a new teacher - qualified in 2003.

I really do try Very

Most days I don't even get lunch (I know many teachers can identify) as I need to have everything out ready for the children to try and ensure the starts of my lesson are as smooth as possible. Books out, pens for those who will have forgotten, etc.

Hello- I am your twin! Could have written this myself. Having massive confidence issues! And, been in it longer than you. What do we do?!

Of course not everyone can teach, but it is usually because of something like being too impatient, or not understanding why students wouldn't get a concept (I have found this often happens even if perhaps because someone has a RG degree and excellent subject knowledge ), or not actually liking children.

If behaviour management is your only problem, that can be worked on, or you could get a job where that is less of an issue - 6th Form College / private school.

If you've been teaching since 2003 then you can teach and you are just having a bad day/week/month. If you were so bad that you shouldn't be teaching, then you would have quit by now. I don't mean to sound glib, but its true. You wouldn't have made it this far if you couldn't cut it.

Knowing your subject is only a tiny part of being able to teach well IMO.

Some people who are brilliant at their subject cannot empathise at all with pupils/ students who just don't "get" it.

Are you mid PGCE / other training or already teaching?

YANBU.

A great teacher possesses a very special quality of commanding respect and discipline whilst being able to impart their knowledge in a way people will understand

I think the best teachers are actors! They have a different persona in the classroom. They command the room. They are firm but fair. It may be that this isn't you. Could you tutor privately? It is hard when you are not a natural and not everyone is.

I agree with others-behaviour management can be learnt. Not everyone is a natural and I know some fantastic teachers who were terrible at it to start with.

Is there someone at school who could mentor you?

No, not everyone can teach as behaviour management is such a huge part of the job. If the class aren't focused then no matter how great your knowledge and lesson plan they won't be learning effectively. We have had teachers with PHDs leave the profession and teachers who teach out of their subject area really well.

That being said behaviour management can be learnt and if you have only just started teaching my best advice is to go an watch some other teachers who have good behaviour management. Then think really clearly about your expectations. There will be school rules but each teacher will have their own interpretation e.g. how much noise is acceptable while doing independent work. Once you have done this then be consistent at all times. It also helps to show you like the students do saying hello in the corridor, remembering things they have told you and asking about them, and giving real praise as much as possible.

Sorry for the long response. Teaching is hard but it does get easier and more rewarding!

Sorry, assumed you were a new teacher. After 14 years in the job your results should be telling you if you can teach!

I wish I'd only just started teaching - might be able to get out of it then! No, fourteen years in.

Ah sorry, took too long to press post!

You are just having a bad week by the sound of it, if you've been teaching for 14 years you probably can teach...

Still worth browsing the TES jobs section and seeing if any related jobs appeal, or putting serious research into what kind of teaching related or adult education roles it might be possible to work towards.

Have you always struggled with behaviour or has something changed recently? New school for example?

New school. Supply. Say no more!

It really is the kind of job that makes you feel top of the world one minute and like rubbish the next! Don't know what the answer is .

Oh my goodness. Don't base whether you can manage behaviour or not on how the kids behave when you're supply. It's the world's shittest teaching role.

I did my time in hard schools and boy, was it hard work. Constant need to entertain the kids, keep the peace. I did supply for a time and it's so bloody hard.

Can I ask why you're on supply? Are you looking for a permanent position?

Try a different school. I work in the private sector and it is a different ball game. Not all are great but in a very selective school where they can be easily asked to leave because they have x kids to fill the place, behaviour management is somewhat easier - you still have to.command the room of course but theres no doubt that it is easier. I wouldn't go back to state now

You said you can't think of anything else... have you thought about going into elearning (instructional deigns, learning technology etc.) or learning and development / training (HR function)? Not sure what your salary would be after 14 years but these jobs usually pay more than teachers, better hours, more promotional opportunities and obviously without the stresses that comes with teaching in a school.

Sorry just read the full thread - please don't let me previous message put you off! I echo what others have said, if you've been teaching for 14 years then you're obviously doing something right! Supply is hard work, good luck!