Teacher in school

[Stepawayfromthecakes]

I’m currently volunteering at a local school as part of a college course - Supporting Learning and Teaching in School. I’m enjoying the college course and working with the children.

The teacher whom I’m working with doesn’t seem to like me at all. I do six and half hours in school each week. I’ll do any task she gives me and I also act as a 1:1 for a child in the class. Mostly she doesn’t speak to me, only speaking to me about school matters, I often don’t get a break or a drink. I’m not to go into the staff room. I sent her a Christmas card and small gift. She didn’t acknowledge it.

I’m not a confident person, full of self doubt. I feel intimidated and I

I think there is a difference between a parent volunteer helping out with reading and a college student on placement. Do college students not have an honorary contract or similar stipulating confidentiality?

Regardless OP I think you need to think carefully about the culture of organisations you might wish to work for. By the sounds of it this school is one to swerve.

I don’t think you sound over sensitive, it sounds very hard. However busy you are you can be welcoming. I remember a job I had where my manager made it clear she didn’t like me, it was awful going in each day. She eventually got sacked for bullying so it wasn’t just me she made feel bad.
I would talk to your course tutor, objectively explaining the situation and see what they suggest.

However busy you are you can be welcoming.

I agree with this but some people just can't seem to manage it or choose not to be. You meet friendly and unfriendly people everywhere you go, the workplace is no different. If you feel it's bullying then you should definitely speak up. It would be lovely to think that the friendly people did better in their careers, especially things like working with children, but it's not always the case.

Why can't you have a drink at break time? Can't you have a bottle of water in your coat pocket? I assume if you are not using the staff room you are at least allowed a coat in the classroom. I don't think you need to ask permission to have a drink at breaktimes. Obviously drinking during classes is less appropriate at certain times. I can see that some teacher might have different personal opinions on this. I've had this working in retail not being allowed drinks on the shop floor.

Has the teacher specifically forbid you having a drink at break time. If not I see that as permission unless told otherwise

Hi I did this course and it's quite common for students not to be "allowed" in the staffroom. I've even heard some student teachers not being allowed in some schools! Anyway I digress. I did 4 hours and others did full days. AFAIK they took a water bottle in to class with them ( as I did (. It really wasn't an issue. Some students are their packed lunch in class whilst pupils were eating theirs in the hall. Re teachers attitude - mine was ok mostly but according to fellow students some of the teachers seemed a bit brusque or off with them. AFAIK most of them just got on with it for the sake of one day a week- I don't suppose there any harm in talking to the college tutor for their take on it? Have you also asked fellow students what their experience is?

I have volunteered at my DC's schools over the years - some teachers have made me feel welcome, others haven't. Those that haven't I assumed did not really want me there, and I didn't carry on. To those saying teachers are very busy, can't chat etc - that may be true, but it really takes no time at all to say hello and then goodbye and thanks.
OP I can see why you feel uncomfortable, I was just volunteering to help out so I was in a position to walk away. If you need this placement for your course it's a slightly different matter.......

I'm a supply TA and work in lots of schools. The no volunteers in the staffroom is a fairly common rule, sadly. It even extends to the childcare students from the local college. Ridiculous really, it's about confidentiality but some of the biggest gossips Ive ever encountered doing this job have been the staff themselves...

I do think the teacher in the OP is taking the piss though, using the OP as an unpaid 1:1 is pretty appalling practice actually. But once again, unsurprising, there are so many teachers who just can't manage without support in the classroom. Makes me wonder how they managed to get a PGCE really.

Are you in your children’s school

Just to clarify, I’m doing a work placement. I do the same work as a TA on a volunteer basis as part of a college course. Staff have regulars breaks, drinks etc During break time I have to wait in the classroom.

Standard. No students or volunteers in staff rooms.

Why can’t you use the staffroom? Has she said you can’t?

To be fair not all schools allow volunteers and work experience people into the staff room.

We are a really friendly staff team but we still not allow volunteers and WE in the staff room. We do have supply personnel on though.

(A) it's tiny; there's not really enough room for the actual staff especially at lunchtime and morning break. People often end up sat on the floor or sharing seats.

(B) there are some safeguarding information in the staff room about pupils. It's a locked room and upstairs away from the main corridors.

(C) some of our volunteers/WE are parents or siblings of the children in school. Due to lack of space (old Victorian school) sometimes conversations about pupils and other school life is discussed in the staff room.

(D) we do offer volunteers and WE an alternative space which is quiet, has ample seating and there is a small kitchen area with kettle, microwave and fridge

However you should still have breaks with a place to go to, be given time to eat and drink outside of the classroom with no pupils around and have a teacher who speaks pleasantly and politely with you.

Not all staff may choose indulge in chit chat and personal conversations but being rude isn't acceptable.