Leaving a job I have just started
Discussion
I work as a Primary School Teacher. Last term, I was on supply for a few weeks at a school, made a good impression and was put forward by the head teacher for a position in another school in the local area. It is a fixed term contract to Christmas but may be extended (it is covering a sickness but no one expects the teacher to return). I popped in to speak to the head teacher and 'got' the job. No interview, no observed lesson; they needed a teacher, I was available and came recommended, so hey presto, everyone is happy.
Having completed 2 inset days before the start of school proper, I can see, for reasons that I will brielfy go into, that the school and job is definitely not right for me. I think if there had been a proper interview process then I may have seen this but it was all so quick and I was rather swept along with it. They have an inspection coming up and the school needs to improve. In a couple of weeks I will be being observed by someone from the local authority in preparation for this. Planning for the next 7 week half term needs to be completed in a fortnight.
I am a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) and this is my first proper teaching job. I am, to say the least, in over my head to an alarming degree. I have not been able to plan over the summer as the job was only arranged just before, so everything I needed to know I have only been able to learn about in the last two days. Without sounding like I am trying to make excuses, no one is going to come out of this well!
I have suffered from stress related illness before and know the warning signs. I have a 6 week old son now and I'm not prepared to have a meltdown and end up on anti depressants in a few weeks for the sake of a job that could be over at Christmas anyway.
As an aside, I can get straight back on supply and continue doing guitar lessons (which I would not have time for in this job) so financially I would actually be better off.
Does anyone have any experience of quitting a job so soon after beginning? I am leaving them in the lurch but surely the sooner I do quit the better.....? What are the potential repercussions? Any advice much appreciated! This was a poorly thought out process, both by myself and to a certain extent the school, but I'm not sure they will see it that way! I know that head teachers talk (hence me getting this job) and don't want my reputation ruined, especially as my name is becoming known in the area.
Having completed 2 inset days before the start of school proper, I can see, for reasons that I will brielfy go into, that the school and job is definitely not right for me. I think if there had been a proper interview process then I may have seen this but it was all so quick and I was rather swept along with it. They have an inspection coming up and the school needs to improve. In a couple of weeks I will be being observed by someone from the local authority in preparation for this. Planning for the next 7 week half term needs to be completed in a fortnight.
I am a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) and this is my first proper teaching job. I am, to say the least, in over my head to an alarming degree. I have not been able to plan over the summer as the job was only arranged just before, so everything I needed to know I have only been able to learn about in the last two days. Without sounding like I am trying to make excuses, no one is going to come out of this well!
I have suffered from stress related illness before and know the warning signs. I have a 6 week old son now and I'm not prepared to have a meltdown and end up on anti depressants in a few weeks for the sake of a job that could be over at Christmas anyway.
As an aside, I can get straight back on supply and continue doing guitar lessons (which I would not have time for in this job) so financially I would actually be better off.
Does anyone have any experience of quitting a job so soon after beginning? I am leaving them in the lurch but surely the sooner I do quit the better.....? What are the potential repercussions? Any advice much appreciated! This was a poorly thought out process, both by myself and to a certain extent the school, but I'm not sure they will see it that way! I know that head teachers talk (hence me getting this job) and don't want my reputation ruined, especially as my name is becoming known in the area.
Edited by scrubchub on Sunday 4th September 04:14
Flooble said:
Um, just out of interest. If you have a six week old child [assuming you aren't the one who physically had the child] won't the mother be going onto Statutory Maternity Pay now? Or is it a decent Occupational scheme that keeps the maternity pay nearly as high as the actual salary?
Otherwise quitting a job could result in being just a tad skint.
Thanks for all the comments, I'll try to address some. Otherwise quitting a job could result in being just a tad skint.
In regards to money, you are right my partner is going into statutory maternity pay. As mentioned in my post, the alternative to this is back on supply which I can combine with guitar lessons I am already doing. Stay in full time teaching and the £30 an hour guitar lessons go! So I'm taking a financial hit by actually being in the full time position!
Simes205 said:
If it's any consolation I'm about to start new job in a different school (head of music). I had the same role In my last for 6 years.
I feel like an NQT, I also have the most amount of work to do which doesn't even include lesson plannning.
Teaching is a stressful and time consuming job.
How did you get supply work last term if you are going into your NQT year now?
Are the music specialist in your school?
How do you know they have an inspection coming up? Do you mean they are due? My last head kept on banging on about that, it's been 3 years since the last etc; 18 months on from that, Ofsted never came.
What state is the school now?
It is the norm to give 3 months notice in teaching.
As an NQT you are entitled to a lot of support, at Secondary your timetable should be no more than 90%, I imagine the same at primary.
The job does get easier.
Thanks for the reply. In regards to the timing of my NQT year - I qualified last year, did a year of supply and now I'm here. This is the first time I have been in a job that will last an entire term so it is the first time I can tick off time going towards my NQT year (you have to complete 3 full terms to complete NQT year). Would have looked at jobs last year but we were moving house just after I qualified. The flexibility of supply was perfect at the time.I feel like an NQT, I also have the most amount of work to do which doesn't even include lesson plannning.
Teaching is a stressful and time consuming job.
How did you get supply work last term if you are going into your NQT year now?
Are the music specialist in your school?
How do you know they have an inspection coming up? Do you mean they are due? My last head kept on banging on about that, it's been 3 years since the last etc; 18 months on from that, Ofsted never came.
What state is the school now?
It is the norm to give 3 months notice in teaching.
As an NQT you are entitled to a lot of support, at Secondary your timetable should be no more than 90%, I imagine the same at primary.
The job does get easier.
Edited by Simes205 on Sunday 4th September 06:41
Edited by Simes205 on Sunday 4th September 08:04
I'm not the music specialist in my school, no. Role already taken!
The school "needs improvement" and OFSTED will definitely be back either just before or just after Christmas, or so I have been told.
Butter Face said:
PurpleMoonlight said:
Seems to me you have chosen the wrong career.
Sounds pretty close.
TBH you're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't. It does look really bad on you taking a job then walking (I've done it) but you're just as well walking now.
I did plenty of work experience before applying to train (working in the evenings as a guitar teacher allowed me to give my time for quite easily for this purpose). It wasn't an easy decision as I basically closed down what was a fairly thriving music teaching business to pursue it. As such, it isn't easy to admit that I perhaps made a bad decision!
In fairness, I really enjoy the supply teaching. And not just because I'm lazy and don't have to deal with the paperwork haha! A new school everyday, a range of ages, different subjects, keeping your subject knowledge in tip top shape as you never know what you'll have to teach - it is, in my opinion, a great way to earn a living. And of course, it leaves me with time to do guitar lessons, which are great and really bump up the income!
Anyway, yes, you are both possibly right.
castroses said:
OP - you sound exactly like the worst kind of teacher that this country already has far too many of.
Self absorbed much.......?
No wonder a large number of kids leave primary school barely literate/numerate.
Do EVERYONE a favour and wrap it now and return to your poncy middle-class life giving guitar lessons. God forbid that you'd ever have to do a hard days graft.
Fair enough, I can take it! Self absorbed much.......?
No wonder a large number of kids leave primary school barely literate/numerate.
Do EVERYONE a favour and wrap it now and return to your poncy middle-class life giving guitar lessons. God forbid that you'd ever have to do a hard days graft.
Plenty of experience doing hard days graft - I've not just taught guitar my whole life. Spent a long time doing solo 24 hour care shifts for the severely disabled, and worked in numerous other sectors. Fell into guitar teaching as the numbers were building up and all of a sudden it clicked that it could be a business. I ran my own business (albeit small business) for a long time as well, it never felt particularly 'poncy' to me!
In defense of my teaching, with respect, your comment is unfair. I have taught in dozens of schools over the past year and never had a bad 'review'. My agency receives a lot of requests for me in personally, so I am fairly comfortable that I am not "the worst kind of teacher"!
Edit to add - sorry, I don't know how to quote more than one person in each post. And also, I think that is the first time I have ever been referred to as middle class!
Edited by scrubchub on Sunday 4th September 10:14
Edited by scrubchub on Sunday 4th September 10:16
joshleb said:
My partners sister just completed her NQT teaching a pretty rough year 6 class, and it was tough, but she is now looking forward to the challenge again this year and recognises that the tough experiences put her in a better position to overcome challenges in the future.
So whilst it's not the ideal situation for you, with a lot of work needed over the next few days to plan everything, there are so many resources online and help you can ask for for it to not be as bad as you're expecting.
Sorry if I've missed where you said it, but what year will you be teaching?
Year 3. Not my comfort zone! So whilst it's not the ideal situation for you, with a lot of work needed over the next few days to plan everything, there are so many resources online and help you can ask for for it to not be as bad as you're expecting.
Sorry if I've missed where you said it, but what year will you be teaching?
Edited to remove details that might link to the school.
Edited by scrubchub on Sunday 4th September 11:00
N Dentressangle said:
21TonyK said:
Get a formal meeting with the HT and explain as per your original post. They can always get supply in to start the term, it's really not the end of the world for the school.
You might not think it will do you much good in terms of reputation but being decisive and taking action that is in the schools (and your) best interest is not a bad thing. Being appointed without interview or assessment shows a degree of desperation on the schools part.
I'm not a "teacher" but I do work in a school and I see the stresses and strains from early years right through to FE. As an NQT you need support and someone to guide you through the job. Not be thrown in at the deep end when the water is choppy!
I'd take your time until the right job comes along. Teaching is a long career path and getting the right start is important.
You might not think it will do you much good in terms of reputation but being decisive and taking action that is in the schools (and your) best interest is not a bad thing. Being appointed without interview or assessment shows a degree of desperation on the schools part.
I'm not a "teacher" but I do work in a school and I see the stresses and strains from early years right through to FE. As an NQT you need support and someone to guide you through the job. Not be thrown in at the deep end when the water is choppy!
I'd take your time until the right job comes along. Teaching is a long career path and getting the right start is important.
Joey Ramone said:
Not really. I'm senior faculty at a top university. I teach almost exclusively at masters level and above, and because of the nature of the courses that I teach my students are all highly intelligent, often quite abrasive senior level individuals, often with around 20 years experience in the fields of defence and security. I am expected to continually publish world class research, design and run courses, and of course lecture in front of audiences of hundreds on a regular basis.
I also suffer from depression and anxiety, and underwent a very painful breakdown a couple of years ago when I was on furlough, some of the symptoms of which are still with me.
I manage fine. I just make sure I don't put myself in a position where those symptoms will be exacerbated, that's all.
These are the sensible replies.I also suffer from depression and anxiety, and underwent a very painful breakdown a couple of years ago when I was on furlough, some of the symptoms of which are still with me.
I manage fine. I just make sure I don't put myself in a position where those symptoms will be exacerbated, that's all.
Think carefully about what you want to do, and the best way of looking after your own health and longer term career.
A chat with your headteacher, sharing your worries, might be useful, depending on what kind of person they are.
You should also make sure you're in one of the unions, although I'm sure you know that. They can also provide decent advice, if you find the right person.
Those who have been a little more personal, questioning "what I'm made of", thanks for the input, as I said, I can take it and I certainly won't be starting an argument on the internet because I can't take a dig! I certainly know how this might come across to some people and that it could appear flaky and weak.
The fact of it as I see it is that both parties went into things without the due diligence to see if it was a good fit, and I'm just worried that is the problem. I don't want to end up quitting the profession (like so many others do) because of a bad choice in my first job. If it is the wrong career then I want to find that out in the right school, if you get my meaning.
The Char said:
Speaking also as a teacher, I would stick it out. It's only one term which will pass much quicker than you think. Is it one form entry? As if not you will have other Year 3 teachers to plan and prepare with. You will definitely get an extra morning/afternoon out of class on top of your ppa as you are nqt. This will help.
I started my teaching career in Year 3 and did 4 years in that year group in total. If you would like any planning advice or resources feel free to pm me, there's so much out there that the actual planning isn't that difficult. Ensuring you build a positive relationship with the class (and gain support/trust from parents) is the important part, and it sounds like you'll do well at that.
I personally wouldn't pull out at this stage as I would be worried about the impact on my future teaching career. Plus I think you only get so long to complete your nqt year?
Whatever you decide, good luck.
Yes, it is one class per year so no other teachers in my year. You get 5 years to do your NQT year (I think that as long as you are in a position at the end of those 5 years then you are fine), so no great rush for it but it is something that is on my mind.I started my teaching career in Year 3 and did 4 years in that year group in total. If you would like any planning advice or resources feel free to pm me, there's so much out there that the actual planning isn't that difficult. Ensuring you build a positive relationship with the class (and gain support/trust from parents) is the important part, and it sounds like you'll do well at that.
I personally wouldn't pull out at this stage as I would be worried about the impact on my future teaching career. Plus I think you only get so long to complete your nqt year?
Whatever you decide, good luck.
Thanks for the offer on resources, I may take you up on it! The planning and record keeping in these school is peculiar - far more in depth than any school I've been in so far. There are 7 sessions before lunch(!) all of which need to be planned for. No textbooks either in the school. And there isn't a scheme of work for English either, which is peculiar I think. I'm still sorting out Monday, god knows when I'll get to planning for Tuesday and Wednesday etc!
Hoofy said:
Just grab the bull by the horns. What is the worst that will happen? The contract doesn't get renewed? Well, at least you have the experience under your belt.
Not really - rushed/non existant application process and it turns out the job is not what I was expecting and I don't think taking a sizeable chunk out of my pay each month is worth it. I certainly know it doesn't cover me in glory, hence the post in the first place and I'm certainly not making any decision lightly. If you think that means I am going to struggle in any job without "corrective action in my life" then so be it but it is one hell of a jump to make. I've never been out of employment in one form or another so I know that statement to be demonstrably untrue. I won't spend too much time defending myself in that way to be honest.V8mate said:
Definitely.
I got as far as 'I am a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) and this is my first proper teaching job.' and thought well, grasp the challenge and use it as an opportunity to really show what you're made of.
Then I read what the OP is made of.
Without some form of corrective action in their life, I think they'll struggle in any job.
Harsh but fair!I got as far as 'I am a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) and this is my first proper teaching job.' and thought well, grasp the challenge and use it as an opportunity to really show what you're made of.
Then I read what the OP is made of.
Without some form of corrective action in their life, I think they'll struggle in any job.
130R said:
t's really not your problem, you have been in the job a week. You just need to do your best and listen to any advice you are given about what the inspectors are looking for in advance.
You are a primary school teacher, not designing a nuclear reactor containment system. I think you just need to relax a little bit.
Fair comment! Come to realise that the last couple of weeks.You are a primary school teacher, not designing a nuclear reactor containment system. I think you just need to relax a little bit.
Anyway, going to stick with it until Christmas and see how it goes. Contract is up 31st December but I don't think they are expecting the guy I'm covering to come back.
There's been a couple of older male teachers in the school on supply, both of which I've seen in schools before. Both are out of full time jobs by choice as their just sick of the job/career so are doing supply mixed with other things (one was a rowing and archery instructor) and both say they are much happier for it.
Edited by scrubchub on Wednesday 14th September 21:16
elanfan said:
How are
you getting on fella? Hope that your initial worries are in the past and that your confidence is growing.
Christ, sorry I missed this! Yes I'm still there, almost made it to half term. Slowly getting to grips with things. We've had the local authority in at the heads request to give us a bit of a pre inspection evaluation which went well and I've had my first NQT observation that also went really well (with some excellent constructive criticism of course). The head actually referenced something she saw in my teaching during a staff meeting as an example of 'model questioning technique' which was a nice confidence boost haha! you getting on fella? Hope that your initial worries are in the past and that your confidence is growing.
As expected, the person I am covering for will not be returning so they have to advertise the job which they will do in time to hire someone in the new year. They're cutting it fine - I thought that a teacher had to give a half terms notice if they are leaving so they won't get a huge number of applicants. I think the school is strapped for cash though so I'd guess they are hoping for a cheap NQT like myself who probably won't be in employment yet.
I don't think I'll be applying. I don't want to commit to a permament position at this point in time - with a new baby the flexibility that supply offers is ideal. I haven't told them that yet as I don't see the need to commit to that course of action yet and as they need to advertise and formally interview candidates regardless I'm not messing them around by playing it by ear for a while. I also stand by what I said that I don't think it is the right school for me permanently either. I have another 4 years to complete my NQT year so there's some felxibilty there but it is playing on my mind. Ideally there won't be any suitable candidates so there'll keep me on until the summer which would be ideal!
Enjoying the teaching, as always, but the paperwork is a nightmare. Children making progress, so that's the main thing.
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