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Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

Original poster

Starting a new job next week-anyone else?!

45 replies

unicorncupcake · 26/08/2019 18:52

Now that the GCSE results are done and dusted and the bank holiday is over I can’t avoid the inevitable any more-my new job starts next week Shock new commute, new school and school run for DCs, new people and colleagues, new exam qualifications to teach, 1200 new kids names to learn. Am going from a tiny private school where I knew everyone by name, parents and pupils alike to a massive (boys) state school. 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱

Logically I know it will all be ok, I got good vibes on interview and second visit, HR and new HoD have been very efficient and positive. New role is a step down in responsibility and hours and am hoping to regain some semblance of a life. I’ve left an environment so toxic the stories I could tell don’t even sound real, so am delighted to not be going back. But bloody hell I am terrified 😱 I can’t be the only one moving to pastures new?!

OP posts:
Geog1985 · 26/08/2019 20:17

I’m starting new too. My first proper HOD job in a failing dept, also in a state boys school. Not too nervous about the kids, more about the department who have -2.50 GCSE progress scores for my subject. I’ve also moved in with my other half and relocated from 60 miles away. It’s a lot of change but we got this! Grin

Gigis · 26/08/2019 20:46

Me too - sideways move but leaving a position in a school that had grown a bit toxic. Absolutely dreading next week! New school seems more 'serious' and exam focused than old one although the department were lovely when I went for interview. Bit of a make or break year for me tbh as my love of teaching wavered a lot last year so thought I'd try one more school to try and fall back in love. Good luck to everyone!

Original poster
unicorncupcake · 26/08/2019 21:11

@gigis I know that feeling of escaping somewhere toxic!

Bit of a make or break year for me tbh as my love of teaching wavered a lot last year so thought I'd try one more school to try and fall back in love

That absolutely resonates! I’ve built up a freelance sideline to my day job which I’m going to be pursuing more seriously now I’ve got a bit more time (ha). But last week I got offered some work with an exam board moderating etc, working flexibly from home for only £5k a year less than I’m going to be earning teaching 3 days per week 🤦‍♀️ I certainly wobbled when that email came through Grin however, I do still absolutely love the kids and my subject and I think I’d miss the kids and being in a department etc so I’m going to give it one last go.
Best of luck @Geog1985 the good thing about taking over a dept with not great data is that the only way to go Is up!

OP posts:
Geog1985 · 26/08/2019 22:00

Positive thinking.

I remember as an NQT I had a fab external mentor who said ‘never be a drainer that sucks the joy out of teaching’. I find avoiding these types (every school has at least a couple) and zooming into positive colleagues really does go far. It’s a long first term though and made so much harder by being somewhere new!

Gigis · 26/08/2019 22:06

@unicorncupcake what's your sideline if you don't mind me asking. That's excellent news about he moderating, even if you don't take it at least you know the option is there!

@geog1985 so true about positivity. Negative colleagues in a small department was one big reason I ended up leaving. I've always believed teaching is a fantastic profession - yes long hours and work stress and at the whim of clueless government, but ultimately fabulous. Great chances to engage positively with the kids; the actual future of our society, teaching a subject I love oh - and the best holiday allowance in any job!

Original poster
unicorncupcake · 26/08/2019 22:18

@gigis i teach a performing arts subject and it’s related to that - community arts stuff and bits and bobs of private teaching. I do think I would miss classroom teaching too much to give it up completely, though we’ll see how I feel at Xmas Grin

Totally agree re: negative colleagues. Poisoned my previous place of work. Glad to be shot of them.

OP posts:
Jinglesplodge · 26/08/2019 22:38

Can I join? Starting next week as head of dept in a prep school. My first full-time teaching job - I don't have QTS but I've been teaching bits of my subject as a visiting teacher for several years.

Daunted doesn't cover how I'm feeling as the first inset draws near!

PastTheGin · 27/08/2019 19:40

Hello fellow newbies! For me it’s a step up to subject leader in a new school and failing department next week. Just turning on the computer today flooded me with anxiety!

“Make or break” definitely resonates with me, too. I am leaving a toxic environment and can’t believe I wish I had stayed there now!

Original poster
unicorncupcake · 27/08/2019 19:43

Welcome @Jinglesplodge and @pastthegin all new anxious people welcome here!

OP posts:
Geog1985 · 27/08/2019 20:42

@PastTheGin you and me both.

Definitely going to need a strong drink by the end of the first week!

We can do this, it’s just unsettled nerves. I reckon once we have done the first week, we will be fine!

BelindasGleeTeam · 27/08/2019 20:45

You'll smash it.

I started a new school last year and it's been a bit of a mind bender changing but omg do worth it. I love my new school.

I'm actually excited to go in next week.

Go get 'em.

LakesandTarns · 28/08/2019 08:14

Hi, can I join? I am an NQT starting my 1st teaching job. I’m a career changer but still nervous!!

fedup21 · 28/08/2019 10:11

Can I join? Starting next week as head of dept in a prep school. My first full-time teaching job-I don't have QTS

Is it common practice at the school to have teachers/HOD without QTS?

SagelyNodding · 28/08/2019 10:23

Can I join you? I'm getting increasingly nervous about my new school! I'm in France so a different system, I have been allocated to DS1's secondary to teach English to classes in years 8-10...School is large and doesn't have a great reputation locally, but is improving with the arrival of a new head. I'm newly qualified despite years working in schools over here.
Being new is always stressful, and having a child in the school does not help! I really hope it goes OK, and that the awful back to school teaching dreams stop soon!

Geog1985 · 28/08/2019 10:36

@fedup21 only in private schools. In state schools (not SFC’s) you have to have QTS or be paid on the unqualified teacher scale. I was at a sixth form college before and was horrified at the number of teachers, teaching A level subjects, without QTS.

@LakesandTarns you’re going to be great. Loved being an NQT as there is really not that much pressure. Just absorb everything and get the kids on side and you’ll be fine. It’s much better than teacher training year!

twinkletoesimnot · 28/08/2019 10:42

I'm going to be starting my first teaching job, as an NQT in a small primary school. I'm excited and terrified in equal measure!

fedup21 · 28/08/2019 10:45

I was at a sixth form college before and was horrified at the number of teachers, teaching A level subjects, without QTS

I think that’s appallingSad

LakesandTarns · 28/08/2019 13:00

Oh thanks @Geog1985 I keep thinking that they can’t expect too much from me! That’ll be next year 🤣

hen10 · 28/08/2019 18:03

Me too! No more scabby commute and moving from MAT to LA and things are very different. Nervous!

Its2oclockinthemorning · 30/08/2019 10:25

Me too. Going from a 50 minute commute to a 5 minute

Jinglesplodge · 31/08/2019 15:51

Depending on the subject, I'm afraid I can't agree it's appalling at all.

I have 15 years of experience as a professional in my (practical, performing arts) subject. My school will pay for me to acquire QTS on the job. The pupils get the benefit of expertise they'd never have access to from someone who hasn't actually worked in the field. Not appalling at all.

Moomooboo · 01/09/2019 07:23

What’s everybody wearing to their first cpd day?

I’ve been off on parental leave for a year (first child) and am starting a new job rather than returning to old job... have to navigate drop offs and also a new school. Most worried about what I’m going to wear. Do I go casual or do I go smart for cpd?

Nofunkingworriesmate · 01/09/2019 07:32

I’m having such massive panic attacks about tomorrow it’s ruining my life, I’m pregnant and didn’t tell them at the interview as I was desperate ! I can only take 2 months mat leave as not worked there long enough for longer funded mat leave , I’m so claustraphophic and the new classroom is the worst type for me, ie no window or natural light or view or escape route and all my lessons are in there ... really wish I could drink a bottle of wine for my birthday dinner today ( worst birthday ever got a teacher!!!). Good luck everyone with the new term, seriously we do a stressful job but at the end of the day, and the end of our careers we can smile to ourselves that we have made a difference in the world , I know that’s cheesy but it’s so true our riches are in our souls ( certainly not bank accounts ! ) 😁

Nofunkingworriesmate · 01/09/2019 07:33

What am I wearing ? Leggings and pink jacket so bit smart as I’m new but can take it off to be cool x

fedup21 · 01/09/2019 08:47

I’m having such massive panic attacks about tomorrow it’s ruining my life, I’m pregnant and didn’t tell them at the interview

How pregnant are you? Does the head know now?

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