New teachers starting in September

[Tea432]

How much training and work are u doing at the moment? I’m due to start in September, will also be getting paid from 1st September BUT I have done weekly meetings, training sessions and other stuff since lockdown began. I’m getting rather pissed off now with constant meeting and training requests . Is this normal?

Are you an NQT? As you are not working at your new school yet I would say feel free to turn down any training etc. if it is inconvenient.

In the other hand, I have an NQT starting in my department on the 1st of July and have invited them to every staff meeting and training since lockdown began, on a completely voluntary basis. I figure that’s the least I can do as they are not going to have an easy ride.

No not an NQT. I’m not getting paid till September either. I feel I have to say yes as it might come across unreasonable? Last week I had 3 sessions one hour each. I feel they taking advantage of covid as no way would they be asking me to attend meetings in normal times.

I might start saying no then! But the requests to join meetings come across as I have to attend, it’s not worded that it’s voluntary

Traditionally around here your current school lets you attend one INSET day in the new school in July. I would just politely decline anything that doesn’t sound useful! Just tell them you’re busy.

Thank you @penorpencil

I'm starting at a new school after the summer holidays. They haven't asked me to do anything so far. I have induction during the final two weeks of the holiday, though.
No way would I be available to do anything at the moment. I'm way too busy at my current school.

I’ve received 2 more emails (on my personal email) with deadlines of completing 2 pieces of work (not SOW). I’m getting very annoyed now. I have 2 options

1. ignore and look at when I actually start getting paid (September) - I feel a bit worried if they start chasing me for it that I will look bad

2. do it as I won’t be stressing out about it,

Any other suggestions?

What pieces of work are they asking to to complete?!

Who is sending you the emails and are they coming to you specifically or to everyone?

Are you already working at another job? If so, just say 'sorry I don't have time to do that'.

If you're not already working, then I think if it was me, I'd just do them. I wasn't working last year when I had this job starting in September. As soon as my DBS came through I went in to school a couple of times a week. And then obviously 10 days in the holidays to set up a classroom.

ohthegoats - did they pay you from September or earlier?

Appuskidu they are sending it to the staff address list and including my personal email in the To field as well. They have specified on there that new staff are to complete it too by the deadline which is next week.

On a relationship thread we would be talking about red flags and appropriate boundaries, I think

Unless you are going to be the new Head of Year 7 or 11 or similar, ie a key role, highly impacted by the current situation, I would say stand your ground.

Are you working at the moment? Easy: sorry, I already have a job and can’t do 2 simultaneously.

So many variables here. Are you currently working? If so I'd say no because you are still working.

It would also depend on the tasks.

@onthegoats 10 days in the holiday

We have new staff starting in September, both experienced and newly qualified. We would not expect them to be doing work for us now.

They have their timetable and access to resources so that if they choose to do some personal planning they can, however, it is entirely their choice.

The only meeting they have been asked to attend is a zoom session in place of the usual face to face induction day.

I rather not give too much details otherwise will become identifiable! I think I’ll do what I can and leave the rest. There are other new people on the correspondence and I have seen them in meetings but they seem like NQT’s so very eager. I don’t want to be the only new person not sticking to deadlines. I just feel they could have just said “btw new staff you can have x number of extra time”,

If you don't have a day of induction before the summer holidays then I'd do 5 hours at a push to show willing.

I would definitely reply with something about the fact you are still working in your current job (if appropriate). It may just be an oversight.

I think this is typical of teaching and not something I've questioned in the past but it is madness isn't it?! Why are we expected to complete work long before we are contracted (and paid)?