Teacher training... can you answer a few questions for me?

[harimorrychristmas]

I started on a teacher training course in September and, since it started have felt... how do I put it... somewhat less than supported.

I am on the flexible (distant learning) course and don't hear a word from any of the tutors from one week to the next.

I'm struggling with both my placements (the university is supposed to sort my placements for me, but as they are concentrating on the FT students and there are a shortage of schools I'm having to sort my own). I had one lined up for the summer term but I've now been told that this is unacceptable because my course leader doesn't agree with independant schools. I know that I am allowed to do one placement in an independant school and when I challenged him on it, I was told that I could do this placement but that if I struggled with future placements, I would not get any sympathy from him - Let put it that I was left in no doubt that taking this placement would cause me problems.

And, I'm struggling with my assignments. I have handed in my first assignment (I was the only PT student to hand it in on time, and deadlines do not seem to be adhered to). That was 30th October. I have now had an e-mail (no other communication) saying that I have to go for 'a formal interview' to discuss my assignment. Is this normal? I have written to him several times to see if there is a problem, but he never answers my mails (or his phone )

I'm just really fed up with this now. He's offered me one appt. for this interview which I can't make (without some serious re-organisation) but I really don't want to leave it all until January, if there is a problem, as I'm quite a way through my next assignment.

Any advice would be appreciated.

bump

Sounds awful!

I did the pgce full time course so I can't really advise on your specific situation but am bumping for you.

Do you have a link tutor who comes out to the schools to see you?

No, I have to go to them.

I haven't done any schools placements yet (only voluntary stuff I've arranged personally)

In fact, if I hadn't done that (off my own bat) I don't think I'd even know I was on the course.

There has been zero feedback / communication about anything.

I'm really naffed off about it - these guys were my first choice and are well thought of.. It's not some weird and wacky place no-one has heard of!!

thanks,

This is probably too late now... but what about a GTP placement within a group of schools? They sort out your training and you start to teach after about a month or two? Plus I think you get a little bit of money whilst you train.. about £8000 (? not sure exact figure)
If you have a degree/ been working for a while then the GTP scheme is a thought. You can't guarantee a good tutor which ever method you use to train, but at least you would see your mentor everyday being based in the same school.

Do you know what I would do? Kick some ass in the department (I sure hope it's not the one I work in!) This is not up to standard for university administration IMO.

We have a rule that emails must be responded to within 2 working days unless there's a compelling reason. If they are helping f/t students find placements, then it is discriminatory not to be helping you as well, and btw it is the TDA which decides whether independent school placements are allowable, not some opinionated and rather subjectively biased tutor. FWIW I did one of mine in an independent school and it proved to be very valuable.

I think a formal complaint through the proper channels about what is going on would mean you actually manage to get your PGCE before they have made it so difficult for you that you find yourself off the course (and believe me, this happens, and the human fallout is terrible). You would be surprised how much power you have in this.

It's just pathetic now.

I've e-mailed him twice now in the last 24 hours (I know that he's on site) with direct questions and NOTHING.

thanks for the information on the TDA... Thing is, it's been made abundantly clear that me taking this placement will cause me problems.

I'm only days away from jacking the whole thing.

Is there any chance of contacting his superior? In a sort of 'I've e mailed Mr So&So X amount of times with no reply, I'm just checking I have the correct details for him? Also please clarify I'm trying to do my placement at X school I'm wondering what the policy is on going to an ind. school'

You're right it is totally pathetic and teacher training is stressful enough without this lack of support.

What a disappointment when you are so keen and committed. I was a prof mentor in a couple of schools for PGCE/GTP students and some link tutors were shoddy and had to take them to task over their treatment of students and their observations. I wonder if it's any I know?!

Do you have a prof mentor or any other point of contact?

I had this problem with my distant learning course. You don't happen to be studying in a Liverpool based uni do you? I often found that the staff in the education deanary reception knew where the tutors were and how to contact them. I also found my school based tutors very helpful as was the tutor that came into schools to visit me.

No, It's not Liverpool based. Can I say who it is?

I don't have any other point of contact as I've yet to do my first placement (which I was hoping to do in the summer term of 2010).

Email me at boffinmum at hotmail dot co dot up and I'll guide you through what needs to be done in more detail.

Just because you have an incompetent tutor does not mean that you have to jack this in. They need to comply with TDA requirements and the standards expected of their institution. This is not good enough.

You can turn this to your advantage.

I have sent an email with a strategy in for you.

{{{harimorry}}}

It is so important on your PGCE to feel supported.

You are on this course now and have to see it through. This means jumping through the hoops that you need to jump through.

It sounds horrible that you are being asked to come in for an interview when they should have called it a tutorial. Use this face time to dicuss your concerns, however.

There is nothing wrong with doing part of your placement in an independent school. This environment offers a valuable teaching experience for you, alongside placements in state schools.

If you need extra support, there are loads of teachers and PGCE students here on Mumsnet.

I think all UK teachers should have to do placements in both maintained and independent schools, so there is more flow between the sectors. Currently the polarisation and class snobbery that exists between the two is divisive and helps nobody IMO.

Snowyboff - thankyou for your help. It is so much appreciated.

Amerryscot - thanks for the virtual hug!!

It really is appreciated.

HMC! x

harimorry - when I was doing my b-ed course, I did my main placement at an independent school. There was no problem at all. My previous placement had been at a really tough state school which taught me lots about classroom management, but very little about teaching. The independent school placement was exactly the opposite!