Newish teacher at desperate crossroads

[WinnieTheWilt]

I've been very kindly allowed a couple of extra days to give my notice in, if it comes to that, but have no job to go to.
Been in post 3 years through on-off job share (disaster)/mat cover and TA who's worked there nearly 30 years, is resistant to change, awful with the dc, and loathes me. I've tried it all and at wits' end. I've got results up and am v keen to move forward, but sabotaged by awful staffing which will not change. Don't know if it's best to plod on or get the hell out in the hope of picking up enough work/supply whatever to pay rent. Went to work this morning feeling positive but back to usual despair by break. Feel loathe to give up on things, scared of future with no job secured, and doubtful of own abilities. Will it look bad if I leave with nothing in place? really don't know what to do.

If you had no TA, would that be better?

Offer them a choice - your TA is moved to other duties now, or you resign?

The TA is a major factor. The HT knows. Not sure about Governors. The previous teacher left because of her. They were looking at retiring her but can't afford it. If I had no TA I would be over ratio (EYFS) but it would absolutely be better, if illegal! It's like having no TA now because she decides her own duties, is late, off chatting etc etc - and yes I have listed it all. She's long standing and does what she likes. I was hopeful for change as there are cuts and redundancies but no one else has EY experience, apparently. She is really cold with dc. Can be ingratiating where necessary. And yes, I have fed all this back. They'd rather lose teachers! the previous one was DH so really no hope for me.

Writing this all down has helped me reflect. Yes, it is that bad!

Well, then yes I would resign (but I'm not a teacher, sorry) and make sure they and your union know why. After a while it may slowly occur to them that it actually costs quite a lot to keep losing staff.

It occurs to me that I actually don't know who officially manages TAs (and I've worked as one!) Could you look at a management strategy together with that person?

It's a v small school and PM of TAs is handled by HT who is aware of the difficulties but seems powerless to act.
Since I've been there 5 teachers have left across the school; there are 4 classes. TA's are being cut but a last in first out approach means the least skilled are being retained.

OP I have been in a similar position - my TA was not quite as bad as yours' - but in Early Years you do really need an effective TA for independent learning to work. I left and things are better. Some HTs just won't deal with these issues.

loveteaching that is reassuring to hear, and you are right - it is so frustrating seeing all the missed opportunities for learning. I've tried training, meetings, asked ex colleagues to come in and share good practice, HT knows etc ...but nothing. What is as bad is the feeling of being constantly undermined. TA gets on best with teachers who do things 'her' way - forget best practice. I think the reason it's come to a head is that I had an interview in a great school which highlighted how bad things have got in my own class. Didn't get job, sadly.

Can anyone help put a positive interview spin on a reason why someone would leave with no job lined up?

Wanting to broaden experience by doing supply. Having been in one setting for x amount of time, wanting to learn more about different approaches. Etc etc etc. sounds pretty compelling to me.

I don't know where you are in the country, but in my part of the south east supply teachers are rushed off their feet and applicants for jobs are like gold dust. You'd have a chance to find out the sort of school you'd like to work in - try before you buy. Decent supply teachers are constantly being offered permanent positions.

Well that's all true, too!
Midlands. Thanks tmi

Decent supply teachers are constantly being offered permanent positions.
yy I am secondary with no exp of primary other than a few days supply but get loads of offers for primary - if you are in London you will have no problem at all. A friend who left EY for similar reasons to you did a bit of supply to get her confidence back. She was so successful that her whole demeanour changed, she looked vastly healthier - and was offered per jobs all the time - finally settled in a lovely school.

I think the answer just comes down to the local jobs market.

The HT is not powerless to act (I speak as a HT myself). It's called competencies and a disciplinary policy. You need to document everything and get them out under capabilities.
Stories like this really piss me off. It's not a nice experience, it feels a bit shitty to do but ultimately why would a HT saddle a school with an inadequate LSA and risk losing a good teacher???

l e a v e.

leadership have let it come to this. they don't care. leave.

Sadly if she has been there for 30 years the only way for change is if she leave or if HT changes. Maidupmum that is do true but I have seen this situation a few times. I can only conclude that either the HT just doesn't want the hassle, or sees something positive in the TA that others can't see.

Go then- you don't want to work for a HT who can't see the impact this woman is having on the children.... and staff

It seems it is not as uncommon as one would hope! it is galling as I have worked very hard to get the class up to Ofsted Good, only to see it slipping before my eyes.
When I first joined I had real issues, including poor time keeping, planning/instructions ignored, overt rudeness, lousy supervision to the point of walking out to another part of the building leaving dc alone - luckily a KS2 child came in and fetched me - listed everything, but nothing came of it. TA is formidable, HT is not ....
Need a teacher, maidupmum?!

I do but I'm not in the Midlands. Really is a sad indictment of teaching today that a HT is too lazy/scared to get rid of an LSA to save a good teacher.
Good luck in your quest and if you move northwards message me

We really, really need a teacher and we're in the Midlands!!
Seriously!

You would walk into a new job.

Just leave.

And tell the HT why you are leaving.
And ask Chair of Governors for an exit interview and tell them why.

I really, really appreciate the support. Being able to talk anonymously about this has been a lifeline, I have been feeling desperate.
Maid, you sound wonderful to work for.
Wellies, you don't say!? Could you point me in the direction of the job ad? I'm EYFS/KS1 - wouldn't mind KS2 in future but I'd stick with what I'm good at initially, for a new employer.

Calzone - HT knows. CoG not remotely interested.

Then they don't deserve you and you should go somewhere where they do appreciate you.