New placement woes

[fluffyslipper1]

I'm just wondering about some things. We weren't allowed to go in during lockdown as the school had a policy against trainees coming in.

However the last 3 weeks since half term we were told we need to step up and come in. So I have. Although I did offer before and was told no.

So I've been in and these last few weeks have felt weird, I don't feel like I'm part of their team at all really. I'm just a bit focused from them.

There was one other trainee but she dropped out so I'm just a bit alone in sharing the experience with someone too. It would be nice if I could have a companion again.

I just really feel the divide, I just feel kind of ignored. Yes I could talk to them but there's not much to talk about because all their convos are about organising lessons, taking about students they have in common, and lots of other things they have in common.

I thought I could email my university and tell them. But they just sort of said get on with it...

What should you be doing? Observing? Planning? Team teaching?

@MrsHamlet

What should you be doing? Observing? Planning? Team teaching?

I was saying I don't feel part of it. It feels like trainee vs staff

I get that. But you want to feel part of "it"... what is it?
When I was a trainee, we had a table in the staffroom and woe betide us if we raised our heads above the parapet! I certainly don't expect that of my trainees but I'm not clear what you think should be happening.

@MrsHamlet

I get that. But you want to feel part of "it"... what is it? When I was a trainee, we had a table in the staffroom and woe betide us if we raised our heads above the parapet! I certainly don't expect that of my trainees but I'm not clear what you think should be happening.

Okay that's fair. I don't start putting my 10 pence in or anything. I'm just saying it normal to be a bit excluded from the teachers and be an us v them kind of thing. I'm the only trainee as one just dropped out so its hard not having a support group.

It depends on a lot of things. Normally my trainees would be based in the dept from their first day, but would have a second mentor in another dept so they'd generally be part of things.
Are you primary or secondary? Which placement is this?

@MrsHamlet

It depends on a lot of things. Normally my trainees would be based in the dept from their first day, but would have a second mentor in another dept so they'd generally be part of things. Are you primary or secondary? Which placement is this?

I'm secondary. So we don't really move around. We're fixed in one dept all day.

Do you have a form group?

@MrsHamlet

Do you have a form group?

Not yet I will in 3 weeks

Then your year group team is another opportunity. Get involved in the year group - find out what you're doing in form; ask advice; ask to observe other colleagues.
Things are manic at the moment - I was really cross about not having trainees this year but I don't have the capacity to support them - so you'll have to try to get yourself involved rather than hoping they'll involve you.