Yeah more probs - Change in teachers

[kawazuki]

i had this for a few years in primary school its really sucked as there was no consitency and you kept bakc tracking.

its just not fair on the kids at all. they need routine and stability especially in a learning environment,

hope it all sorts its self out soon.

[Turkish Delight]

i had this for a few years in primary school its really sucked as there was no consitency and you kept bakc tracking.

Totally agree. The teacher that left knew my son's capabilities and his socialising problems. Now a new teacher and more explaining to get them up to speed. The teacher that left really cared, she would call me and i would call her if i had any comments/concerns.

It really aggravates me.

[indie24]

My nephew (8 yo) is up to his 4th teacher this year. The first one to leave also left with no warning.

[Turkish Delight]

I wonder why teachers don't last like they used to?

Calling all teachers on BB.... WHY??

[*Ali*]

The school I teach at up untill this year has had a high turnover of staff, bascially the entire staff bar 2-3 teachers changed in just a 2 year period. When I started in June last year I was the 4th teacher in that class, the kids were actualley taking bets on how long myself and my tandem would last- and much to their suprise we saw the whole year out, and came back this year.

[Turkish Delight]

I might need to tell DS that he could earn money out of this teacher leaving business!

[*Ali*]

I don't know about other states, but part of the problem for me and many other WA teachers is it is sooooooooooo difficult to get our permenancy, so even if I want to stay at a school and the principal wants to keep me, if there is a teacher with their permenancy they get reference over me. I am only on a 12 month contract (and have been for my entire teacher career, been 12 month contracts at a time) so at the end of each school year I do not know whether I will be staying at the same school or not. I have to wait until the permenent teachers have been placed into positions before I will know if there is a spot for me.

As for why teachers don't last out the entire year- speaking from my personal observations there are a few reasons, but mainly it comes down to:
WORK LOAD & STRESS: teachers are just asked to do more and more and more these days, and it does get to the point where some people ask is it really worth it, we have so much responsibility, and sometimes it really does feel like it never ends.

I only work 5 days a fortnight, and have already decided it will be a long long time before I go back to full time teaching, it just takes up sooooooooo much time, and is so demanding. I love my job and wouldnt consider doing anything else, but I also won't be doing 5 days a week until all of my kids are well on their way to high school.

[Astrolady]

On the subject of back tracking etc. We had 1 relief (the same peron... amazing) for 2 of the 3 days while Lach's current teacher was sick. It came to light that all they did for those 2 days was colour in. No maths, no alphabets, nothing. One parent said "could have kept my kid in kindy for this"

[*Ali*]

Unfortunatley that is usually the way with relief teachers- the problem is that they get booked in advance, so where they may be available on Mon, they may be booked else where for tues etc- relief teachers are in very short supply (at least here in WA, and I live and teach 20 mins for Perth). As for the work, that is quite usual, if a teacher hasnt left any specific work then the relief just gives them things to keep busy, and while I used to try my best to include some maths, english etc, I had no idea what level the children are at, what they hve done previously, what the teacher had planned etc. Even when I know I am going to be away and leave work for a releif, it is not usually exactly what my normal program would be- partly because another teacher doesnt know what is in my head, what I am trying to achieve from a certain lesson, and what I am assessing, and partly because when I am teaching specific things I like it done my way and like to know it is done properly.

ETA- If I am away from work sick, then I am usually sick sick, so dont feel I should sit for hours at my computer typing lesson plans and emailing them in for a relief teacher- especially when the person taking my class is a qaulified teacher and being paid nearly $300 a day to be there, I expect them to be able to come up with 5 hours worth of lessons to get through the day.