Today for the first time ever.....

[TwinkleSparkleBling]

I felt that I don't want to be a teacher anymore

I've been teaching for nearly 9 years and have recently returned after maternity leave. Prior to this I had TLR and loved my job. I was good at what I did. I was offered a promotion to SLT but made the choice to have more family time and return pt.

Now I've returned to a role that has no TLR, is outside my specialist subject (so not even teaching my passion) and lots of my lovely colleagues have left. I have issues with HT as I have returned pt (after lots of wrangling). I sometimes wish I had pursued my career but know I couldn't do this and have time with young DCs. All of this I can just about deal with.

But today, I get not one, not two but three pupils refusing to do as I asked. And not just slightly. Swearing, walking out of class and getting physical. This combined with lots of low level disruption has made me feel completely shit. I am always reasonable with pupils and use RJ where possible but today has just worn me down.

Anyone else felt like this and got through it?

Hi Twinkle, only just spotted this!
Hope things are a bit better now - no real advice to offer but wanted to see how you're doing.
Have you thought about looking elsewhere?

The swearing etc feels awful but it's not personal (though it feels it!!), they're just reacting. Treat each lesson like a new start but make it clear you'll set sanctions and chase them - I know it's easier said than done though! Can you speak to your head of department?

In any case, it's Friday - hope you have a

Hope you're hanging in there, Twinkle. Your whole life seems to have changed and it will take some time to adjust. Give yourself some time. The pupils will soon get to know your standards. How are you now?