When did you figure out what your favourite year was?

[candyfloss89]

TA here and not sure what to do, having a bit of a crisis of confidence :(

So we've been asked by SLT over Easter to think about if we have a preference for where we'd like to be next year 😳 Super early given that we've still got over a term left, but there we are.

Thing is though is that I've no idea what to say. I've been around and about KS1 and LKS2 over the past few years, but I'm still not quite sure where I fit in. I've never been in the same year more than once, and at varying points in each year I've been in, I've wanted to move.... but when I've got to the end of the year and I have moved, I've missed certain things about the previous year and wanted to move back! Sometimes I'm not even sure whether I fit into the role at all, although I need school hours and it is fundamentally a decent place to work, so I don't want to actually leave. But I'm not sure whether I should ask to move next year to see if I can find my niche, or ask to stay where I am (which is alright I guess) in order to try and feel settled in one specific year. I'm feeling quite stressed about it all, I want to do the right thing and feel confident in what I'm doing for once.

If you've TA'd or taught for ages, did you find your niche straight away or did it take a while, or have you always been chill with whatever year you're in?

I wouldn't say it's too early to be asked. Depending on the size of your school, it can take weeks and weeks for SLT to place staff for next year, so it's good for them to know in advance if anyone has a strong preference.

I'd say the fact you don't have a strong preference is good. It means you're less likely to be disappointed if you don't get what you ask for. It does sound like you might be craving some stability though, if you keep being moved and don't really feel like you 'belong' in a particular year group. So maybe this time it could be worth asking to be kept in the same year group if possible? It's totally up to you though.

As a teacher, I have a strong preference and would be gutted to be moved from my preferred year group. I find it a real headache being moved, what with having to move all my things and learning to get my head around the different planning. If I was a TA, working under the direction and guidance of someone else, I think I may find the idea of changing every few years more appealing, to experience different year groups.

I'm sure you'll grow to love whatever you're given. Good luck.