The hardest year of my life.

[Miyazaki]

I have just over a week left until I find out if I gain QTS. (qualified teacher)

For those that don't know, I have been training to become a science teacher of 11-18 year olds since September, and it has been a really hard year.

For those thinking about becoming a teacher, don't go into it half-hearted as it is a really demanding job, both mentally and physically.

I think it has been worth it, as I have a job lined up for September, but it will be a massive load off my mind if I actually pass!

For those that think teachers have it easy with long holidays, some days I have been working 16-18 hours, and I haven't had a single day off for ages, without some marking, or making resources or writing lesson plans.

Just thought I would unload a bit of stress and hopefully receive some sympathy.

I am currently compiling evidence for my portfolio to prove my competence as a teacher!

I also have a year 10 revision lesson to plan for tomorrow on chemistry before their exam next tuesday.

[overkill]

Originally Posted by Games Guru

I have just over a week left until I find out if I gain QTS. (qualified teacher)

For those that don't know, I have been training to become a science teacher of 11-18 year olds since September, and it has been a really hard year.

For those thinking about becoming a teacher, don't go into it half-hearted as it is a really demanding job, both mentally and physically.

I think it has been worth it, as I have a job lined up for September, but it will be a massive load off my mind if I actually pass!

For those that think teachers have it easy with long holidays, some days I have been working 16-18 hours, and I haven't had a single day off for ages, without some marking, or making resources or writing lesson plans.

Just thought I would unload a bit of stress and hopefully receive some sympathy.

I am currently compiling evidence for my portfolio to prove my competence as a teacher!

I also have a year 10 revision lesson to plan for tomorrow on chemistry before their exam next tuesday.

Ah, stop moaning. I've got six dissertations to mark and write up, 38 files to mark, the Q/F to finish, eleven analysis to type up, and 14 projects to mark before the moderations next week!

I agree Games, the missus never has days off, has to work for most of the 'summer break' either marking, doing paperwork or preparing the classroom for next year. We really get about three weeks off. About the same as everyone else.

You're right it is hard work and needs dedication, but, as you said yourself, those moments when a student achieves makes it all worthwhile.

Good luck games, and here's to many fulfilling years of teaching.

[pjclark1]

I hate to rain or your parade but feel I must point out the first year is even harder than the training.
Watch out for the class that is so bad you have to lock yourself in the toilet and cry for 1/2 hour.

(normally year nine)

[Miyazaki]

LOL. Thanks for the encouragement.

I have been working at a "challenging" inner city comp since the beginning of march and have worked with some core (thickos ) with kids literally f'ing and blinding, throwing work around, trying to set fire to stuff and beat up other kids.

The school I got a job at ( 70% A*-C, hardly any free school meals etc) should be a picnic compared to this one. (I hope )

And remember, the last thing you do before going into class is ......


















check your fly!!!



( or if your a lady check your skirt's not tucked into your knickers)

This was the first piece of advise given to us when we were at teacher training college.

oops sorry about spelling.. but I'm a Physics teacher not an English teacher.

[IronGiant]

Oh and don't come on avforums going on about how hard it is being a teacher
Don't know how you got off so lightly tonight

Dave

(not a teacher, just sympathetic)

[valhalla]

I've been thinking hard recently about going into teaching myself.

However, I have no idea how one would go about this.

Unfortunately my time at University was not a pleasant one, and I had to cut my time short (personal reasons).

I've been thinking about going back to study, but I am very vague of the step that follows a degree.

What are the options open to me?

Thanks.

[Miyazaki]

You need to register with the GTTR and apply for a place at a training college you want to go to.

First thing I would do is get in touch with a local school about doing an SAS (student associate scheme). You get paid £40 per day for 20 days (4 weeks) and get to experience what it is like to be a teacher. You don't do any teaching for obvious reasons, but you get to observe teachers, and help out as a TA during lessons.

You do need an undergraduate degree in the area you want to teach, but when you qualify as a teacher, after your training year, you also have a probationary year called an NQT (newly qualified teacher) year, after which you are qualified to teach.

There are three routes that I am aware of, B.Ed - Batchelor of Education which is a 4 year programme, PGCE - Post Grad Certificate in Education, for those who already hold a degree and finally, GTP - Graduate Training Programme, for those who hold a degree, but prefer a less formal, in school training approach.

I have done the PGCE, which is recognised internationally, so hopefully I can teach abroad in the near future.

Cheers for the sympathy lads

[mh123]

Well done GG! I'm sure you'll pass. You would have found out by now if you weren't gonna...

My Mrs is in exactly the same position... she's about to finish her NQT year as an English teacher and has her final interview next week.

Only problem is that this year she also wrote her MA diss (2nd year of 2-year course which also overlapped with PGCE year) so she has been extremely busy!! Thankfully we just received her assessment a few days ago and she passed with a distinction.... phew!

And yes, Year 9 are the worst apparently, even down here where we still have the 3-tier system!

[Mrs AutomanUK]

I have utmost respect for any teacher. I could never do that job ! I am a nurse and would rather lay out 20 dead bodies than go into a classroom of kids and try to teach them. Noooooooooooooooooooooooo.... I like kids, but i could never eat a whole one !

[GJC]

Originally Posted by Games Guru

LOL. Thanks for the encouragement.

I have been working at a "challenging" inner city comp since the beginning of march and have worked with some core (thickos ) with kids literally f'ing and blinding, throwing work around, trying to set fire to stuff and beat up other kids.

The school I got a job at ( 70% A*-C, hardly any free school meals etc) should be a picnic compared to this one. (I hope )

How do you stay calm, I would kick them out little s!!!!

[Mr Cat]

yeah, I lived with a woman who started a PGCE and a level 4 adult literacy course...that was demanding, and ultimately the downfall of our relationship...she was stressed ouyt all of the time and didn't have time for anything other than her course and the part time teaching jobs she had (she had to teach 150 hours in that same year)...

anyway, I'm much better off without her now

[Miyazaki]

Well I gradute tomorrow and start a new job in a new town in September.

Very exciting at the moment, getting drunk tomorrow night after watching the footy and going up for an induction day at my new school next week.

Will be viewing a few properties, and will hopefully have a new gaff sorted by the following week, and me and the missus can finally move out from her parent's house!

Can't wait!

[Singh400]

Wahhey congrats!