Talk me out of leaving!

[TheBearAndThePiano]

I need some positives! Been teaching 10+ years and love my job. I'm good at it and really enjoy teaching. But recently I just feel like I'm failing and I'm thinking of quitting but know I'd regret it.

Moved schools in Sept so could be that. Although I do like the school, I definitely don't feel like it's the best fit but I should stick it out at least another year. Behaviour isn't great. I've never struggled with behavior management before so that's certainly knocked my confidence.

I probably will change schools again if it doesn't get better next year, but just need some motivation to not hand in my notice before summer!

Sounds exactly like me! Does it help to remember why you moved in the first place? That's what I focus on.

Having taught in nine different schools/ colleges, I can say that bar FE, behaviour was always an issue at the start, and I do mean the first year, though it was usually a particular class.

Do you mean a particular class, or behaviour in general? If it's the latter, then it means SLT don't have a grip on things and aren't backing teachers up, in which case I'd go, because they never change.

@WayDownInTheHole

Sounds exactly like me! Does it help to remember why you moved in the first place? That's what I focus on.

I moved because I wanted a leadership role. I loved my last school, honestly never wanted to leave, but no one else did either so there was no career progression.

Should also have said that friends still teaching (I've just retired) report significant issues with years 7 and 8 behaviour. Lockdown really affected social development for quite a few, leading them to behave as if they're behind screen - no filter. All you need is a tipping point of numbers and whole groups can go bananas.

@echt

My particular class it's that there are more than average 'characters', so I have to be hot, hot, hot on low level behaviour. I haven't got to the point where I can relax and they know the expectations. I'm constantly in 1st week of September mode.

Behaviour across the school is OK, not as tight as I'm used to but not bad. SLT are supportive from a distance.

I'm primary but I do feel like that is a factor. I'm Y2 so they missed 1/2 reception and a term of y1. SLT are adamant that we can't use covid as an excuse anymore as we've had a full year back (and luckily no class closures).