Categories: uncategorized
Date: 21 February 2011 09:55:35
I realised that I didn't update with my work discussions that I'd started / commented on below. Not that it's anything different from my usual blogging, inasmuch as I keep forgetting to blog anyway, so it doesn't make any difference!
Anyway, just in case anyone is interested, I quit!
After having feedback from the third observation in one week, where I'd been told I was crap and that I wasn't doing anything that I was meant to be doing, I got a little upset. I went for a walk around the village to 'calm down' but when I got back to school a member of staff asked if I was okay and I burst into tears again. At this point I went and got my bike gear on and on the way out said to the HT that I was in no fit state to teach, and went home and wrote my resignation.
There was some attempt to convince me otherwise, but unless one individual suddenly changed, that wasn't going to happen. I'm not so up my own arse to think that I'm a perfect teacher, however I do know that the kids I teach academically achieve quite well (not neccesarily outstandingly, but acceptably, if not more so), are definitely happy and also get many varied experiences, self esteem / confidence boosting, individual care and so on which will benefit them in 'life'. I know that I work my butt off to help my colleages and the whole school as a community.
Clearly all this isn't enough - I need to be looking smart at all times, keeping my desk and room generally spotless (ensuring all children pick up everything and anything), being polite and smiling to everyone at all times, without fail. I must make sure in every single lesson that every single child is 'on task' and challenged at every single moment of the day, that they are leading their own learning and that we are not using any textbooks (which are boring). I need to ensure that every objective is achieved and that each child knows that they have achieved that objective and what they need to do next to achieve the next objective. I need to ensure that children take pride in every single piece of work - written or practical, making sure that it is the best they are capable of and that it has full learning potential at every moment. I have to ensure that children are quiet at all times, even when working (constructive talk only) with partners or in groups. I have to be constantly assessing everything that is said or done, keeping evidence and logging it all, as well as giving ongoing feedback to the pupils.
I need to plan for and ensure that all other adults in the room are working to their full capacity - working with children at all times. I should be coaching and mentoring other staff, setting a perfect example of how to work through my teaching, classroom and display. My planning should be detailed and thorough, but not too planned as I need to ensure the learning is led by the children.
Sorry, I think I might've got a little carried away there! The thing I was really trying to say was that I have tried to do the things I've been asked, but in the process of doing them I might've not been doing other things instead, which isn't good enough.
Having handed in my resignation, we then had Ofsted come a couple of weeks later. It went okay, but as ever, we're only satisfactory with some good. The bar has been raised. Last time they came 3 years ago we were satisfactory. IMHO the school has improved immensely and hugely. But then, what do I know, I'm a crap teacher.
Anyway, life has continued. I seem to have continued working my butt off (and have just led the school to achieve the Sing Up Gold Award, organised and led a Sing Up Day, been chosen (because I entered children for something else) as one of only 7 schools to do some RE work with my children which is to contribute to a well known website / publication, am preparing children for a Public Speaking competition and a Nature Quiz (neither of which I entered the children for!!), have met with a couple of professionals and implemented plans to aid individuals in their behaviour and learning, have completed various assessments which show that every child is exceeding their targets, in addition to 'normal' teaching!!!) and I'm looking forward to finishing this post at Easter!!
I will miss the children immensely, but I'm worn out.
To be continued... (soft play with Alien is calling!!!)