Part-timers - do you feel included?

[Undeuxtroisquatre]

Ive been in my new job since September (3 day a week subject specialist teacher) but I still don’t feel like ‘part of the gang’ with my colleagues and I don’t like it! I know why I think - I’m part time and I’m on my own in my department so there aren’t those opportunities to make bonds with people. We are all so busy and there’s never more than a few minutes to chat. But I don’t like it!!! I feel left out even though rationally I know I’m not. There’s a few people I talk to a lot and everyone is perfectly nice to me but I’ve always had really close relationships with my teaching colleagues and I know others do at the school (eg they’ll socialise in their departments, Year groups etc). There are lots of staff changes in September and a new Head so realistically this could all change (for better or worse).
If you’re part time do you feel the same? How long does it take to feel part of the team, or does that never happen if you’re not a full time class teacher?!

I do, but it can take a while (I'm also 3 days, this is my 3rd year at this school). It must be hard when you are the only one in your department. Are you part of a larger faculty at all? Do you have a staff room/ office?
Do people ever do anything outside of school? We recently started doing things as a faculty that people can opt into if they want (with no pressure). It has definitely made us feel like more of a team IN school, which is nice. Things like karaoke, paddle boarding, climbing, out for a curry or just drinks.
I don't do all the events, they're my colleagues not my best mates but I'm definitely happier at work knowing that I'm part of a team.

Thanks for your reply @Clarabellawilliamson Im in a small prep school so there is no faculty, just me teaching my subject throughout the school. I have been to a couple of social things which have been good and I’m hoping from September I’ll feel more confident and brave to organise stuff myself. There isn’t a staff room really - it’s a room with computers and the photocopier but everyone stays in their classrooms to get stuff done in breaks. I think I just have to accept it’ll take time. Like you I’m not bothered about them being best mates but I do enjoy close relationships with colleagues.

Hopefully next year when you aren't 'new' any more will be easier. Or just go for it and organise something, get one or two on board first and do it together! Good luck

I do within my department (large team) but I was ft before I was pt. Don't feel part of the wider school though.