I feel like I'm a rubbish teacher.

[MrConnell32]

So although I'm technically in my 3rd year as a teacher, I'm really struggling and feel like I'm still an NQT. Covid ended my 2nd year of teaching early and I got moved into a new key stage at the beginning of the academic year ( from Y3 to Y1). I feel like I've failed all year. There are 5 adults in the room (4 support assistants and 1 main TA). All year I've had criticism and moaning and bitching about me and my practice. I've had no observations from SLT; all we have had is a work and planning scrutiny which was highly critical overall as my practice was much more KS2 centered than KS1 (I've trained predominantly in Ks2). Without Covid, I would hope I'd be better than I am. I don't know. Can anyone offer any advice?

Is this criticism coming from the support staff? You mentioned you’ve not been observed this year which is understandable but do you have a mentor or a buddy teacher?

It is really hard doing your second year in another key stage in my opinion. I did my NQT in ks1, had a tough time and moved school (contract one year only) and was in a mixed ks2 class. It was hard and despite asking for support it wasn’t given.

Undoubtedly harder with all the COVID bubbles and school closures so no wonder you are feeling crushed. I did find the Educational Partnership helpline invaluable in off-loading my feelings.

Any idea if you are staying in that key stage for next year?

I never came up with a solution and in the end moved out to a support role as completely lost my confidence in my abilities. With hindsight I would have left and tried supply to regain some control. Don’t stay somewhere that makes you doubt yourself, it isn’t worth it.

Year 1 is a tough year group to teach! People assume that because it's not a data year (other than the PSC!) that it's not too hard but moving children properly from EYFS to independent learning is hard! Year 1 in autumn is nothing like year 1 in summer and you really have to change your approach as your class develop.

Have you read some books on year 1 practice? The Alistair Bryce-Clegg transition to Year 1 book is good, as is the Anna Ephgrave Year One in Action is great.

Also have you joined some of the year 1 groups on Facebook? The ones focussing on continuous provision tend to be a lot better IMO. Some KS1 groups are too mini KS2 for me but the best year 1 teachers tend to be ones that have a really good understanding of EYFS and how to transition properly from R to KS1 throughout year 1. There are also some great KS1 online courses from places like Early Excellence and a school called St Michael's.

Do you have a high number of SEN in the class with that many support staff? I have been in a similar position (new to teaching also) and also felt as though my teaching was criticised by the TAs I worked with. I don’t think they appreciate how truly difficult it is having the main responsibility for a challenging class and directing so many additional adults can also be hard.

I would suggest speaking to your line manager or HT about how you’re feeling and asking for some support. I felt exactly the same as you and regret not asking for help sooner. Things have improved massively for me after a change of class and having just one TA in class. Remember that it can also take a few years of being in the same year group to develop your confidence and expertise in teaching for that age group. Perhaps things will be easier when you change classes in September?

Thanks! It really is. I've not experienced having to collect data/evidence through photographs and other means like we are expected to. My SLT just seemed to assume I'd know. I will definitely read Allister Bryce Clegg

Do you use Seesaw? We use it across ks1 with a couple of iPads in each classroom. It means that the children can photograph, video, voice record etc their own work and as a teacher, you can tag it with the appropriate NC statement. It's so much better for documenting practical activities than having to take photos and stick them into books. The kids can easily be trained to do most of the work for you. Then when it comes to data points or work scrutinies, you can search by NC statement and see all the work documented in one place. It's really helped me to do more practical work because the faff of evidencing it has gone!

I've taught Y1 for most of my 25 year career. It's a tough year.

I've also taught EYFS and am currently in Y2 (that's a whole different ball game).

But Year 1 is hard! We have had an NQT in Y1 this year and she has found it very difficult. She has a tricky class with a few SEN children. I think our HT had realised that she's struggled and has offered support. She has a very experienced TA working alongside her who moved up with the children. So please don't think you're alone in this.

The first term is a massive adjustment for them and 2020 saw them missing a large chunk of their reception year.

Will you be continuing in Y1? I would join some Facebook groups and if you use Instagram search out some KS1 education posters.

DM me and send you my Instagram name