Anyone else ‘just got to get through this?’

[Nuffaluff]

Anyone else? I only have 18 days left at this school and I feel so anxious. Don’t feel like I can do it.
The Head is being funny with me. Sarcastic smiles and pointed remarks. Whispering in the corridor, you know the sort of thing. The main reason, I think, is because I’m leaving. Also because the school is not in a good place. It’s gone into ‘ requires improvement’ - nothing to do with me because I came afterwards.
I’m in a position I’ve never been in before with a ‘restorative’ type behaviour policy, which in real life translates to kids with behaviour problems being able to do whatever the hell they like, including hurting other children and, not only do they not get a sanction for it, but they get a lovely chat with someone from SLT. To the child this ends up being a reward for bad behaviour. So the behaviour gets worse and guess who’s to blame? Me of course.
In a long teaching career I have never been expected to be spoken to like I am a piece of dirt on an 8 year old’s shoe. And the only thing I’m allowed to do is politely request the child to show me respect.
Thing is, I’ve got a great new permanent job lined up in a good school. Why do I feel so awful?
Has anyone else being a similar position? I know it’s such a short time left. Tell me to pull myself together!

At least you’re getting out of there, take no notice of the head. It sounds like his days are numbered too…

I’m in a very similar position in terms of the schools approach to behaviour. I only started at Easter but I’m handing my notice in in October.

You can do this! Sending lots of positivity and support for these last few weeks.

You won’t look back once it’s over! X

I am in the same position and counting down the days! I’ve been there a lot longer though. Behaviour is out of control, restorative approaches being used too and I totally agree that it is causing major issues. The head is also being vile as well but she is reluctantly agreeing to me leaving in September despite me only letting her know I was going last week. One of the perks of being an expensive UPS3 teacher!
It’s hard but marking the days off on my calendar! Good luck! You can do it!

Thanks for your messages. Makes me feel a bit better.
What is it about this restorative approach? It’s nuts. I’ve gone back to my own behaviour strategy that works this week. Ignoring bad behaviour as much as possible and praising good. I’m going to avoid getting SLT involved as the Head is only looking for opportunities to criticise me at this point.
Funnily enough I actually got praise for my behaviour management with these difficult children from an external person yesterday. I know that should make me feel better too but I feel sick with anxiety again this morning. @Disolusionedteacher And @littlemisspetite sending positive vibes your way too. You can do it!

This too shall pass! Not long now. You will make it to the end.

That sounds so stressful, just keep counting down. At least you'll have no lingering regrets about leaving.
The "restorative" behaviour policy is making me grind my teeth. The thing is so many school adopt this because it's fashionable and they end up being completely wet and ineffective with discipline as a result!!
I'm actually a big fan of a nurture based approach but done right there absolutely should be robust consequences for poor behaviour it's more about how these are handled that makes the approach valuable...sigh!

@drunkpeacock Totally agree! It’s a great idea in principle but not applied correctly. In my school kids say that they can’t wait to have their restorative meeting so they can sit there and launch into a character assassination of the teacher. There are no real consequences to their actions so behaviour just gets worse. Similar with nurture, it’s a dumping ground at my school run by LSAs where kids just go out looking for acorns and have a hot chocolate a few times a week. No programmes to regulate emotions, no targets or proper selection process. Makes my blood boil! 🤬

Our school is like this since New Head. Not long to go now, I hope your new job is better. It’s so disheartening isn’t it.

I was crawling to the end this time last year. Different reasons but basically boiled down to ineffective SLT. I was a middle leader and not supported (long story so won't type it here).

I got through the last few weeks by keeping my mind on my new job and knowing that soon, it would be someone else's problem.

12 months on, I am happy and settled in a new school. I hope that you will look back, this time next year, and feel the same.

Thanks for all of your messages. It’s all helped more than you would probably expect anonymous internet messages to help!
I made it!
I am so relieved to have finally walked out the door for the last time today. I didn’t think I would be able to do it but I did.
So many lovely messages from the parents and children and the LSAs in the school.
I walked out of there with a massive beaming smile which will have pissed off the horrible Head no end (who couldn’t resist getting a dig in at the end of term leaving lunch!).
I’m so looking forward to my new job.
For anyone out there who has found themselves in a similar position - there is something better out there for you!

Well done!😀Good times are ahead.