I cried today

[Horcrux]

It just all got a bit too much! I’m new (NQT) and still figuring things out so when other colleagues handled a thing that I should be handling myself I just got so overwhelmed that I feel like I’m letting people down and not doing my job properly. It was to do with behaviour management in a really tough school.
I was trying to handle it but they stepped in and were much better at it than me, I’m still learning but feel like I’m fighting a losing battle with what I’m expected to do with the students I’ve been given.

Just feeling so overwhelmed, my personality had changed so much, I’m not the chilled out, calming person I once was.

This term is shit, enough to drive experienced teachers to tears occasionally, especially if you have tough classes.

Other teachers expect to step in occasionally to help out an NQT. You’re not expected to be able to do it all straight away.

If you’re struggling with a class, then ask for more formal support with them. You won’t be the first and you certainly won’t be the last!

I don't know if it makes you feel better, but I'm an NQT and I cried last week- also due to behaviour management and a class I am generally having a shit time with. My HoD has offered support and is also trying to get me a TA for that class, which would be amazing!

I was really scared of letting people know I was struggling, but so far it has only brought good things!

I think it is really hard when people step into deal with stuff for you and it can feel like you've failed, but equally think how much worse it would be to be in a school where more experienced staff saw you struggling with a situation and just walked away?

Not got a lot of advice I'm afraid, but from one NQT to another - you're not alone! I've had lots of ups and downs this term. So far, becoming a teacher has been one of the biggest challenges of my life (I worked in a completely different industry before this for 10 years). It's bloody tough!

I am certain you're doing a grand job - the fact that you're still thinking about it goes to show just how conscientious you are about the profession. Try and go easy on yourself. As my mentor once warned me, there's a big difference between reflecting and ruminating...

Tonight, for once, I'm following my own 'take it easy' advice as am currently loafing on the sofa with a cup of tea and no marking in sight. Hope you get to do the same too!

I have been doing this for 20 years and I felt like crying this morning! NQT year is tough. Be kind to yourself.

I am not a NQT and I could have cheerfully given it all up at around 2 o'clock.

This term is a hard shift. The kids are tired, it's cold, it's dark, we're tired, and we've all got a lot of shit to do before Christmas.

Chin up and keep at it. In a few years you'll help out a NQT yourself. It is helping, even if it seems embarrassing.

Our NQT mentor told an NQT at work that for the first term at least, you ‘borrow’ authority. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with a tough class, you won’t be the first to have struggled with them!

You’re not alone! I’m a good few years in and had the deputy head sitting in my Year 10 lesson yesterday to help me with behaviour management. Absolutely no shame in asking for help or crying.

I'm certainly not an NQT and I've cried this term! Don't let it get you down, you can do it. :)

There's no way you should be dealing with classroom management (esp in a tough school) on your own. Even experienced teachers will 'tag team' with discipline. If the kids manage to isolate you from your colleagues, it's going to be pretty difficult and lonely. The best teachers definitely lean on each other and let the kids know that the staff are a team.

I've been teaching for 25 years and I cried all the way home today. After being hit, kicked,dodged flying tables, spat on etc etc several times a day all term we called an emergency meeting with the local authority today. Their advice "have you tried taking them out and having a quiet chat with them?" Felt so belittled and patronised

As for you op, cry if you need to and don't feel embarrassed about it, we all have that odd day, And yes, more experienced teachers expect to step in a bit for an NQT, it doesn't mean that you're doing a bad job, it just means that you have supportive colleagues.
Cry if you need to, then be ready to face fresh challenges tomorrow. Good luck!!

i've cried as well this month, i have my lv3 and this year been asked to be 1-1 with a lad in nursery , the teacher is quite sharp and not v helpful (dont think she understands autism) and the TA swans around doing v little or fuck all and it all got too much and i cried on HT and the SENDCO on separate days. felt a right prat but it did help a bit
and the rest of the kids are bored because the T sets nowt up for them to do
aaahhh

I cried today too. I'm a trainee. Thought I was doing really well last week. Today was rubbish. So good to hear everyone has bad days.

I used to cry all the time when I was a nqt. There was a very convenient book cupboard when it all got a bit much. It's bloody hard. Don't feel bad.

If it's any consolation, I now work as an educational psychologist and I've seen parents, experienced teachers and even head teachers all in tears over the years. (Not because of things I've said, I hope!)