When do you start feeling comfortable in the classroom?

[ScafellPoke]

I’m still training, I’m doing well, and now on my 2nd placement on a scitt. I still take an age to plan! But I also stress before a lesson! Does this ever go away?

I'm 3 years in and I still stress about the odd lesson, normally when I'm not as prepared as I'd like the be. Generally, the panic stops when it's your class and you're not being constantly observed. As soon as you are onto your second term as an NQT, you'll be breezing it. Remember, the first term is always the worst 😉

When you don't have someone scrutinising you! And I suppose when you have fully morphed into a teacher and it's become part of your identity. I've noticed this in returning to the classroom after a few years: I sort of lost the identity of 'Miss' and have had to re-establish it.

Yeah, the constant observations. Although useful! Are draining!

I actually have 20mins each morn with a form and no other teacher in there. It is nice! It’s weird because their normal form teacher is nice and wasn’t in ‘observation’ mode when she was there initially!

It goes gradually. In my first year I used to have regular, 'shit, I'm teaching a class' moments - it felt like noticing you were a long way up a mountain- but they got less. I'm in my eighth year now and rarely stress but I do feel rusty after holidays and observations never becone exactly enjoyable! I actually have less of a sense of imposter syndrome than I did in either of my previous careers, so I think I've found my niche. Hang in there.

OP, be careful being on your own with the form. You're not insured to be alone nor supervising any students. If shit hits the fan, you're screwed. Winner for the form teacher but not appropriate at all- probably feels good being alone but it's not worth the problems that it could cause should something go wrong.

Sorry but knowing that puts me in mentor mode!

I had a chat with my professional mentor about this yesterday senora and she thinks it’s fine and I’ll be expected to be left alone during subject lessons too.

senora
Most providers I've worked with have a view that once competent enough it's good for trainees to be unaccompanied with mutual agreement for set periods of time and the main member of staff should be close by and on hand at all times (preferably nipping in and out the room as well).
Ultimately, it's hard to get a feel for classroom management if the natural authority figure is there and it's good foe trainees to lighten up and fall into their rhythm too.

@MaisyPops @ScafellPoke don't get me wrong, I totally agree that trainees benefit from being on their own for periods and I was treated the same on my training course a few years back
Perhaps it's because I'm science, but each of the 4 of the training providers I've worked with are totally anti trainees being left alone (because of the insurance), whether there is practical work going on or not. Even popping out to grab something is a no no.
Funny how some providers take different stances though. SCITT courses seem more anal than uni lead ones. I was told it was an insurance thing, as the trainees aren't employed/contracted by the school (so can't fall under their insurance) and the training providers insurance only covers the trainee if they're supervised by a qualified/employed staff member.
Still, make sure you're covered regardless and you'll have no worries either way

@SenoraSurf I'm currently a science trainee, and I do think the rules may be more strict. In my current placement, I'm sometimes left alone with my form while their tutor does 1:1 next door- but this is in an MFL room with minimal risk. In the science labs, I'm not left alone at all- and although I have keys, I'm not supposed to let the class in if the teacher isn't there. But uni still expect me to have time alone by the end of the placement, so I'm not sure how that works?

At my last placement I was only left alone when my mentor had to go and help sort out a fight in the room next door!

I'm going through the scitt route but I'm not doing a practical subject. So maybe the rules are different. Don't know. But I'm going to ask my scitt provider anyway when we meet next week.

I think it gradually goes. I will never forget the nerves I felt teaching my first few lessons as an NQT. I can remember thinking - oh my God - I am on my own! They are trusting me to be alone with 30 children! I gradually got more relaxed as the year went on.

I am four years in now and generally feel very relaxed in the classroom unless I am being observed - the year has have truly gone although it's getting better!

I'm also a scitt-trainee, OP and I've had two year groups to teach all by myself from day one (core subject so total of 10 hrs p/w).

I'm always wondering how/when it gets less stressful, when will I actually feel like a teacher. Everyone assures me it happens with time; I just wish time would hurry up!