Feeling resentful about being used as cover

[cloudyweewee]

I teach Y2 and my class will be taught by an NQT in September. The HT has employed her for the last 4 weeks of term to take the class while I am being used to boost and cover all classes from Y1 up to Y6. I'm usually told the day before where I will be the next day and it's making the last couple of weeks of term quite stressful. Is this the norm?

I guess the HT can out you anywhere ?? Liked it not actually work out nicer as if no cover is needed I guess you'll be free ?

What will you be teaching in September? That would worry me more.

Actually I would hate that- is it your class you have had all year? If so, horrible to miss their last weeks. Any wiggle room to share with the NQT (are these the children she will have or the year group? Whichever, could you make a case that the opposite would be better?)?

I am in Y4 next year. The NQT will be having my class in September and there are a few 'characters' in there, so it does make sense for her to get to know them before the holidays. However, I've had the class all year and was planning on doing some fun projects with them in the last couple of weeks. I will barely see them this week. I will teach them for the first hour tomorrow and then won't see them until Friday morning when the NQT will have a day off to plan. I can see why the HT is using me as cover, but I suppose I just wanted to have a whinge.

I would hate that! The last couple of weeks are when you really have some fun with your class, finalise assessments, get transition stuff sorted, and kick back with them a bit. I've planned some fun projects, all with real life learning objectives (lots of maths and problem-solving, so not just mucking about!).

I do see why an NQT might need more time with a class, but getting you to be basically a supply teacher is really harsh. Moan away.

As a parent I wouldn’t be happy with that set up, OP. Have any parents complained?

No not fair.... you’ve worked hard all year with a class and in the last weeks when the children are tired you are all over the place whinge away.