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The staffroom

Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

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Original poster

Returning to teaching after 7yr break... worried

42 replies

Glittermud · 03/02/2014 19:18

I taught for 7 years before leaving to have my children and would have described myself as a good teacher (motivated, interested, caring and at times inspiring with the wind behind me), but after so long a break I am petrified about going back. I feel like I have lost all of my confidence and ambition.

On top of that is the concern that I have pretty much failed to keep abreast of the changes in education since leaving and am daunted by how to even catch up with what's going on. Can anyone recommend the best way to do this?

And how do you get your self-confidence back after so big a break? Oh, I teach Secondary.

OP posts:

Stopmithering · 03/02/2014 23:14

On a serious note, this link shows a list of teaching schools. They are well used to having people in observing and thinking about teaching / returning to teaching so might be an idea to contact your local one to see if you can observe and chat about a poss return?

Original poster

Glittermud · 03/02/2014 23:26

I don't understand how teachers can be expected to function under such pressure. It makes no sense. I always felt like teaching kids was an honour, you get to share the excitement of their growing awareness and their hopes for the future. It thrilled me. But nothing that I have heard or read about teaching recently makes me feel like I would either want to return to it or be able to cope with the pressure.

And don't hesitate to share negative perspectives, it's important that I realise how much things have changed.

OP posts:

Original poster

Glittermud · 03/02/2014 23:28

I never see p/t posts advertised, do you apply for f/t ones and just tell them that you can only job share? (so out of touch).

OP posts:

morethanpotatoprints · 03/02/2014 23:31

Glittermud

One word - Gove

Original poster

Glittermud · 03/02/2014 23:31

#stop# thanks for the link. Found a school near me on it so I'll investigate further.

OP posts:

IHeartKingThistle · 03/02/2014 23:32

But isn't it just awful that we can't say welcome back, it'll be great, we know you'll be supported? For a job that's so worthwhile, so important and that can be so wonderful, isn't that just fucking heartbreaking?

I'm going to bed before I rain on any more parades. Sorry OP.

Original poster

Glittermud · 03/02/2014 23:32

morethan I hear you

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Original poster

Glittermud · 03/02/2014 23:34

Iheart, yes it is. I don't understand how it's all got into this miserable state.

I don't know, I step outside for 7 measly years....

OP posts:

IHeartKingThistle · 03/02/2014 23:37

NannyPeach · 03/02/2014 23:53

I started teaching 8 yrs ago, and left a year ago. Things have changed so much and I had had enough of it all taking over my life. I am now doing p/t supply and really enjoy being able to teach children, without the crazy added pressure. I would advise you try supply before jumping back in.

Original poster

Glittermud · 04/02/2014 00:05

The only barrier to that is that I don't have a car.

OP posts:

DrNick · 04/02/2014 06:46

Christ yes. They are desperate for mod langs at ours.

Original poster

Glittermud · 04/02/2014 08:09

Well I can ask for beer and cake in Greek. Does that help DrNick?

OP posts:

doglover · 04/02/2014 13:20

Honestly, just don't. Work as a HLTA or else part time.

temporarilyjerry · 15/02/2014 15:14

Supply. That way you will get weekends and holidays to spend with your family.

KittyVonCatsington · 15/02/2014 16:23

It never used to be like this...

Another current secondary teacher also agreeing with rollonthesummer et al. Just a heads up about English-it is OFSTED's new focus. We had an inspection in the final week before Christmas (are you kidding me, OFSTED?!) and they had already pre-judged us on the ALPS for
English, as two years ago, the results dipped. Do you remember that the Exam boards changed the grade boundaries for the summer exams and even the High Court ruled that it did not provide a level playing field for all students that year? Everyine does but OFSTED, it seems...

Well, the lead inspector's response to that was 'We don't follow the law'. I kid you effing not. Needless to say, the English dept got the blame for the Good judgement (I'm in the ICT dept). If it wasn't for the fact I actually adore teaching my pupils, I would quit tomorrow.

FloppyDaisy · 15/01/2016 22:34

I have recently been offered a permanent post after applying for a supply post in a se on data (SEN). I qualified as a college lecturer in 1996, taught periodically especially when children were young. Also worked in industry, but decide to go back into teaching. I feel bamboozled and more than a little out my depth, especially with with resources so that the kids can have fun without realising they're learning (!) where can I buy such...I have neither the time nor the nouse to make them. Also considering finding a returning to teaching course....has any one been in similar situations, or can offer any advice?

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