Realised I have to leave. What next?

[phlebasconsidered]

I've been teaching for so long. I love the actual teaching but the stress and constant pressure is getting to me. I have reached a point where I'm wondering if it's not for me anymore.

My latest observation wasn't great. But I'm teaching a large class with wide ability ( from reception level to year 5 level) with no TA. Combine that with several children with severe behaviour issues and it's hell to manage. I agree with my feedback: it wasn't what they wanted. But I think it could never be, not with the resources I have.

This is combined with my kids: my daughter was upset and angry with me and says I'm.always working. She's right. I drop them at the childminders at silly o clock because I'm expected in by 7.45. I pick them up at 6 because of meetings, then carry on marking. Every book has to be marked every night. 96 books. Dd said to me "even on Saturday and Sunday you work and if you don't you think about it!" She's right.

I just think: what if? But I feel trapped. I'm 48, I've been teaching forever! My two are still young enough to need me in the holidays and as a single mum it's difficult to stump up for holiday childcare with no relatives to help. Would that cost make leaving too expensive?

Sorry for the long post. It's just that I've taught for so long I have no idea!

That sounds no life. Could you:
Go to 4 days a week
Look for a job in a private school ( possibly smaller classes).
Become your school's floating teacher.
Teach abroad in the sun.
Become a supply teacher?

Can I just gently enquire about the have to s in this? Who says you have to be in at 7.45?

Why does every book have to be marked every night ? Who says so? Who checks? Why?

I wouldn't be moving school necessarily : I'd be speaking to the Union!

To many teachers are passively putting up with this crap.

Too... not to!

And you are about my age : you will know it was not always like this.

It's the academy chain Piggy. Thing is, I moved from one academy to another school which was academised. In my area they are eating primaries like Pac man. I'm also a school governor at my local lea primary and they are discussing academisation purely because there are only two other primaries holding out. I feel there is nowhere to go.

You're right, I remember when I was treated as a sentient professional adult and allowed to teach!

Dear God, these academy chains are just sanctioned bullies.

Your union could work out whether instructing staff to be in by 7.45 ,in combination with what sounds like too many meetings takes you over directed time. They could also challenge leaders on the marking expectations.

Private school is not the utopia some on MN suggest but it could well be an option.

It’s not always like this! I work in an academy - worked there before it was academised and it’s 100 times better now, for us and the kids. I choose to go into work early but I work with plenty of teachers who come in between 8 and 8:20 (kids in at 8:35). I am obliged to stay until 6ish once a week for a meeting but other than that, I leave when I am done. Some days it’s 6 and others it’s 4. Nobody makes me feel bad about the hours I put in. We have TAs, we have constructive feedback, we have good behaviour and excellent support from our management. I’m not expected to mark everything every day. Sometimes the children mark and I don’t... it’s not perfect by any means but I promise you can find a school that’s not as bad as yours.

I've been in your position. I left and it's been a year. Honestly, it's the best decision I've ever made. I only regret not doing it sooner.

I started off LOVING my job at school. Unfortunately the paperwork and politics just wear you down.

I do miss the children but it's just not worth the amount of stress and pressure.

Good luck in whatever you decide

Sirlee
I have at least 5 teacher friends who want to leave but don’t know what they can do next.....

What have you gone on to do since leaving teaching?