Reassure me please!

[KinkyDoritowithsparkleson]

I've taught secondary for 15 years. I'm a good teacher. I've been off sick for a year and I go to a full time supply post next week. I feel really anxious, worse than when I first started!

I keep having anxiety dreams about the kids running circles around me.

Somebody pass me a grip.

Any tales of returning after a long period of time off? I've done maternity leave but went back into the same school where I was known. I've taught in all types of schools, including some really challenging ones. This one is average, good. My brain needs to calm down!! I'm actually desperate to get back in properly and I've missed it, which is why I don't want to crash and burn.

It sounds like you have a lot of experience and you have a lot you can bring to the classroom. Almost every teacher I know feels some kind of anxiety about going back around this time, but that's normal! Try to focus on the positives, of which there will be loads. Think about how excited the students will be to meet someone new for the first time!

I've taught for nearly 30 years and I still get anxiety dreams just before we go back every September.

So far my dreams have included arriving back and my classroom was gone and I was teaching in a cupboard, another one where every time I spoke the children couldn't understand me so classroom management was non existent and my personal favourite - my predecessor had returned and I was relegated to cleaner.

I've never had an extended period off work, but I'm sure after a week back you'll be in the swing of things again.

I had 6 years off having dc and went back last year.
I absolutely shat myself but I wasn't as bad as I'd feared. You'll find your teacher self soon enough.
The first half term was hard getting to grips with school systems and resources.
You can do it!

Also - I mentioned to my HoD that I'd had nightmares about standing in front of a class having nothing prepared and she just groaned and said she had that nightmare every September!

Thanks all .

DH keeps telling me I'll be fine, but I like to hear it from people in the know! He has no concept of standing in front of 30 teenagers .

Think back to your best lessons and think if I did it then, I can do it now! Good luck. I think many teachers are feeling this now with one day left of the holidays for those who haven't already gone back. I am not wanting to rush back either but I haven't been unwell. Take it easy and know your limits!

Either the wrong thread or the OP won't be doing supply for long!

Remember you feel terrified, the children don't notice that. Plan a discussion/ paired starter for your first few lessons, maybe answering a question, to give you a few minutes to walk around the classroom and breathe and relax before carrying on. Good luck. Come back and let us know how it's going!

Well, that would add to the September anxiety Mountain! 😂

Also: I'm having the dreams too. My usual is trying to teach an intro while the kids all laugh...because I'm naked. 😱

You will be fine! Like Tarquin I've taught for around 30 years and I never sleep the night before going back from any holiday (even just a week's half term).

I convince myself that I can't remember how to do it anymore .

Once back, it's like riding a bike!

Thanks again. Part of me is relieved to be leaving the house!

I have so much to do this weekend that I'm hoping to collapse, exhausted, on Sunday night. I don't actually stat teaching anything until Thursday.

Update: it is lovely . I'm lucky it is a really nice school. Thanks again for the advice.

Kinky woohoo! That is so good to hear!

Also loving this year, much to my surprise!