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The staffroom

Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

10 years teaching and...

7 replies

oneandonlygreg · 01/12/2024 14:47

I've never felt the hatred I feel for my job at the moment.
To put it into context, I've taught in many different troupes of schools. Started in east London, went to a private school for quite a long time and ended up as slt. When I had my baby, I didn't want to be in slt anymore, so went back to classroom teaching, but hated the constant emails from parents demanding XYZ. But, still loved teaching. I then moved to state for a year and absolutely loved my job. The school was very relaxed and supportive, there were 2/3 kids in the class who were tricky, but the rest wanted to learn. I loved doing things for them, making them excited etc.
I relocated in the summer, and in turn, needed a new job. However, since starting in September, I just hate the job. The school itself has no money and is understaffed. I don't have the support I need for the children's needs. They don't trust you with anything and everything is checked and monitored to the nth degree. The children themselves are very tricky. Unlike previous classes where one or two were tricky, most of the class are very hard work. Very poor work ethic and don't listen at all. Very emotionally draining and there's always some drama after break or lunch. We are expected to pay for a lot of things from our own money which I don't like at all. The children have destroyed most of the things I've bought and have little regard for shared resources or how their environment is. I've watched them sit there and snap rulers in half for fun because "it makes them feel nice". I know "all behaviour is communication" but I just can't deal with it anymore.

I'm just feeling so down about it all. I used to pride myself on how much I cared and how passionate I was no matter how tough it was, but I just can't do it. I now have a 2 year old and I just don't have the time or energy to spend on my class this is requires. Is it time to give up teaching or do you think a different school might be the answer?

OP posts:
BG2015 · 02/12/2024 18:39

I totally get you.

Schools, children and parents aren't what they were. I've been teaching since 1996 and I've seen a massive change in education.

I'm now mortgage free so taking my pension next summer and going to get a part time job to top up my pension.

I just don't want to teach anymore.

toobusybee123 · 10/12/2024 18:32

I'm not sure of the answer... having worked in a few different schools myself I think that the issues are largely the same and everywhere has it's flaws.
I think there is a lot to be said for teaching in a school where you feel largely appreciated and supported, but that still doesn't change the kids, the workload, the expectations etc.
Sorry that I haven't got an answer to your question, because I'm asking the same thing myself!

spirit20 · 12/12/2024 17:15

This does seem to be just one bad school out of some very nice schools that's you've worked in. I would start looking for other jobs. The longer you stay in that job, the more you're accepting their treatment of you.

Deerinheadlights · 18/12/2024 20:25

I completely know what you mean. I’m so unhappy and hate when people say just leave teaching then. I’m on a high salary and can’t afford to lose tens of thousands. I’m so so sick of the behaviour. The sixth formers are the worst at my school. The school will take anyone for the money (state funding) so we have students who behaved terribly all through KS3 and 4 and who we now expect to do a-levels. The absolute lack of support from pastoral is so depressing. I absolutely hate the school I’m in but am terrified that I everywhere is just as bad.

rungichungi · 19/12/2024 08:05

Start looking for new roles in January. A different school is definitely the answer!

I’ve worked in state and private schools and they vary immensely in terms of attitudes towards behaviour / teaching and learning. The best of these, not necessarily the easiest, have had supportive SLT whom everyone admires. I went full time with two young children a few years back and loved it because I’m in a great school with great colleagues/students. They do exist!!

The profession needs dedicated, hardworking people like you - don’t give up yet.

GallyGaff · 21/12/2024 03:40

The profession doesn't deserve hard working teachers like the OP.

To some extent being a teacher is like being in abusive relationship and some people are trapped.

Pythag · 31/12/2024 20:44

I think the profession does deserve hard-working people!

I tend not to agree with the OP about all behaviour being communication. Some behaviour is poor and needs to be sanctioned and called out for being poor. Everyone deserves an education without disruption. There are some schools which achieve this well.

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