#ukedchat Archive
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Thursday October 6, 2016
Joining this evening, talking about the wobbly teaching career ladder? Please remember the # tag π
Welcome to - This evening talking about the Teaching Career Ladder. 6 qu's to follow Q1, Q2, Q3 etc. Reply with A1, A2, A3 etc.
- Question 1:
How happy are you with your teaching career to date? Why/why not?
I think that there's nothing wrong with a so-called "flat career" ... Teaching is in hearts, minds, feelings ... Just do it!
A1 - generally good. Time gives perspective on 'disappointments'
A1 https://t.co/vhPLx03NXZ
I think that there's nothing wrong with a so-called "flat career" ... Teaching is in hearts, minds, feelings ... Just do it!
Pretty happy. Aspiring to be HOD. Love teaching + inspiring others if poss. Love the variety + challenge
A1) Love teaching, in my 2nd yr. In yr1 I worked insane hours. This yr I find I have eves&weekends +feel guilty. Is this normal?
I wonder how much expectations and goals change from before entering the profession to now. https://t.co/n6MByfPrfd
- Question 1:
How happy are you with your teaching career to date? Why/why not?
Indeed, and if 'teaching' is what you went into the profession for, then all is good?
happy student-only just started, taught RE for the past few weeks in year 6. Have also taught phonics in reception/y1 π
Completely. Those disappointments can lead to better things?
A1 Generally yes however there is often limited opportunities for progression
That's brave / foolish / inspiring (Delete as applicable π)
Guilty for what? Having a life?
Exciting times ahead then
Really? Are they limited, or do you limit the opportunities? (see what I did there? π)
Haha, a difficult question ...
Teaching for 9 years now - mostly upper primary. No ambition for promotion, just love closing my classroom door and teaching kids!
Progression usually means a management position. Are there and should there be other ways to progress?
That's the idea asks hard questions to focus upon reflection of practice - well, that's the idea anyway π
Great to hear It's what it's all about IMHO!
Pretty much. So many teachers always busy, I wonder if I'm not working hard enough? Is work/life balance achievable?
V happy with my career which has been v twisty turny and landed in a unique place for now... Could do with more Β£ though!
my PDGE course leader made me promise I'd never leave the classroom haha, still there and no plans to...
Question 2:
What are the challenges for climbing to the next step in your career?
What do you need to do?
love fe teaching. struggling to decide/face new direction but hours and progression highly limited in local fe sector
No. It's an illusion. You either commit fully to work, or commit fully to non-work Trying to balance = stress
Absolutely - also realising that one school would have been a poisoned chalice. π³ https://t.co/dof4SjIhN7
Completely. Those disappointments can lead to better things?
I think so, there should be the opportunity to take on roles looking at particular aspects eg HA
That's my point. Opportunities are there. It depends upon how flexible you can be
You and me both Kristy Have you been in control of the twists and turns? https://t.co/1gzgZtvdEA
V happy with my career which has been v twisty turny and landed in a unique place for now... Could do with more Β£ though!
Leading to success, having whole school impact π
Proving what I can do, and showing impact π
pretty much yes! Though wished I hadn't felt obliged to climb the ladder earlier in my career
Absolutely, and it depends on your philosophy and reasoning when you went into teaching
Well, happy with this and there's a chance of promotion by setting good examples to starters (= promotion?)https://t.co/thwn2xCdLG
Absolutely no problem with Tch's loving the job and staying at 'the chalk face'. Inspiring + takes courage too imo
Continue loving my work, learning + taking opportunities where they present themselves
Thatβs interesting. Where did that obligation come from? Inward or external pressures?
Agree, completely. I meant geographically actually. Moving from one region to another.
Is that frustrating for you?
Having a house & a mortgage effects things to an extent as well as where my wife works ect
exactly - my total motivation was to teach kids - have discovered I enjoy delivering CPD to staff too but teaching is #1
not too worried about progressing into management role yet, want to get more involved with delivering CPD though esp around EdTech
What does 'promotion' look like for you? What is the next step in your career?
Probably not! Depends if opportunity presents itself, I guess. Always learning so not a challenge just good pract
Therefore, explore opportunities before family commitments make it difficult?
I find it's not about the money I'd just like the opportunity to make a bigger impact
Keep the focus It's truly great to hear.
Very happy! π I love my job and am lucky to be traveling around the world π while doing it.
You say 'yet'. Does that mean there is a temptation in the back of your mind?
Difficult, : I have been bullied in my previous job (polytechnic) and now have a position @ university: is it promotion?
Question 2 again:
What are the challenges for climbing to the next step in your career?
What do you need⦠https://t.co/qw3VGYR3Jw
Probably thought s/he was doing you a favour I bet your learned loads from the experience though. What to do with it?
very happy. Have been so fortunate to develop in so many ways a1
But are there opportunities to challenge yourself?
Question 3:
If the next step of your career involved a location move, would you consider it?
How far would you travel?
It's fascinating I wonder where that impetus comes from. It's in us all
the challenges for all are that our profession is very limited for progression; not all want to go into leadership.
Learning to say no a little more often and being comfortable with delegating.
yes, I'm love teaching these groups and I'm good at it. Either I move city or move sectors. Scary having to decide.
a2 depends on openings at your school. Being too narrow in what you want to become. Being prepared to work doubly hard.
That's probably down to perception?
because of this, schools do not think widely enough about what progress could look like as a classroom teacher.
and sadly very little money is given to appreciate those who want to stay in the classroom & become awesome-er teachers.
a3 absolutely. In fact it would encourage me... aiming to teach abroad in next few years.
oh yes, it's all been me seizing the opportunities rather than chasing the Β£ and promotion, once was a HoD and hated it
And would you pass that tip on to colleagues early in their career. Take it slowly? https://t.co/oLQ7ZBPXK1
I learnt that I really didn't want additional responsibility as it took me away from what I adore - chalk face with the kids
Check out 's investigation into UK supply teachers. Our online program allows current teachers to retrain themselves!
teachers are locked into way of thinking that says progress=management role. They need to break out & be creative.
A2 I hate to admit it but I've found it's more about who you know than your ability
Question 3 again:
If the next step of your career involved a location move, would you consider it?
How f⦠https://t.co/2sbS2ElXna
Often promotion in schools means less teaching and if that's what you love, it can discourage. Many want to be excellent teachers
became deputy within 5 yrs qualifying as teacher. Been given the chance to develop my interests in many areas.
A3... V much depends on the opportunity, as a single parent I need my support network, tricky balancing act
teachers can have the power to carve their own career path by identifying their needs & petitioning for t⦠https://t.co/nMgBtU0AMd
teachers are locked into way of thinking that says progress=management role. They need to break out & be creative.
Oops https://t.co/jLG76G58nR
Agree. In England, the AST role was good for people perfecting and teaching in their subject. All but gone now!
Relocation is more difficult if you have a family, would need to be some major pull factors (you can tell I teach Geog)
Which institution is valued more by society? Poly or uni?
Who knows. Don't know what future holds. Just teaching for now though as only in 2nd year but maybe in a few years?
Agree, but the structures are no longer there?
My ambition? Just to keep improving at what I'm doing in class - try new things, improve old things and keep innovating
yep - that was my plan at one time, just before they got phased out. Sad I didn't get a chance to do it. https://t.co/pwVElldE7t
Agree. In England, the AST role was good for people perfecting and teaching in their subject. All but gone now!
a3. Still trying to make that decision!!!
Completely agree So what are the opportunities to develop? Do they exist anymore?
Very Happy! Nothing can take me away from the classroom! Always looking to opportunities to make an impact
structures don't need to be there. Structures are what limit us to only leadership and management roles. https://t.co/UKUucihGmE
Agree, but the structures are no longer there?
Were you happy with that fast rise? Did colleagues respect you?
We have Advanced Practitioners which comes with small Β£rise. I think I'd look to that first
which is a sad state of affairs - unfortunately a reality in almost all walks of life
the fact there are no structures means we can be creative, and school leaders can too. https://t.co/UKUucihGmE
Agree, but the structures are no longer there?
What factors would sway you? For example?
Such a shame. We need teachers in classrooms not boardrooms. https://t.co/wbexD4bJlj
True. Personally, I have no interest in leaving my classroom, but any 'progression' seems to demand it.
A3: not now - family circumstances but would commute an hour or so for great job! Happy where I am though. π
How do you access those opportunities to improve?
Hope the school supports you. Often means a non-paid role first-working parties etc..Show enough passion and be rewarded
it would seem that the dollars will never be enough though - not compared to Leadership scale.
It would be very difficult to relocate just now - young family & teach 8 minutes drive from home, family time is so important
Oooohhhh. It's not an easy decision to make
If the right job came up I'd consider moving
Would love to see more outstanding teachers rewarded! Those who are an asset as teachers, not necessarily as a leader
yep. Even showing others how to teach well might not be someone's desired career path.
But you already do Trust me, you do. How do you seek the opportunities though?
my ambition: try new things and further improve.
Indeed. I was referring back to our AST role opportunities
Question 4:
What advice would you offer to colleagues who are just starting out on their career, based on your experience?
not sure exactly how much, has been mentioned to me in conversation but nothing official. Β£2k extra?
Twitter, personal CPD, trial & error, stealing ideas, sharing ideas/resources, , & others
happy tho still love teaching. Yes, got/get respect. Staff knew I worked hard and had/have ultimate focus on students.
Perhaps we should recruit UKEdChat AST's who go around schools advocating T&L in their specialism
Don't worry; you'll get better. https://t.co/83TVLUXAck
Question 4:
What advice would you offer to colleagues who are just starting out on their career, based on your experience?
An excellent ambition that will take you (and me) a lifetime to achieve
. Sorry I'm late. Excited to listen in. Have missed the
relocated abroad and found it wasn't as hard as I thought, promotion and better work life balance
Yes, we are aware of this π We have reported the issue to
I tell them i hope you are ready to work extremely hard and spend a lot of your time on this career! Passion needed!
Many schools mirror large corporations now The business of education
Being on the L scale would be a lot more than that look on the NUT website at payscales
This is a terrible thing! Leaders - we need to cherish and develop those who love the classroom! https://t.co/cEfhKLZ7nO
Performance management chats always lead to discussion of it, I worry I come off as unambitious
Question 4 again:
What advice would you offer to colleagues who are just starting out on their career, ba⦠https://t.co/NIlwk8sHxg
A4 Don't be in a rush, savour the best days, reflect on the worst, in a (hopefully) long career there's no rush to take on a TLR
https://t.co/69kH5pqZc8
We do have 'lead practitioners' but even those come with a fairly hefty loss of time in class
now we're getting creative! I do believe teachers can start to think outside the box a bit and create opp⦠https://t.co/PyW1Tc3Gad
Perhaps we should recruit UKEdChat AST's who go around schools advocating T&L in their specialism
Don't climb the ladder the stress isnt worth the pay
mine too, & have done since my 1st year teaching! Always same answer, happy where I am
Absolutely. Dare I mention the 'Mindset' word Oh no, I just did. So many in the profession are fixed π³
join on Wednesdays! (Shameless plug)
I don't think I would move, but in case someone is reading this who really wants me to, huge piles of money....
don't be afraid to ask questions or ask for help. Steal as many ideas as you can. Peer observe and Mark. Enjoy it.
https://t.co/NrJzAnnpcv
Quite: it often feels to me that schools have such a rigid structure that there's little room 'diverting' though.
https://t.co/wSEyYa8gcO
Don't listen to the disgruntled in the staff room . .choose who u can learn from. Ask to observe the best!
Once you're out of the classroom it's very difficult to get back in - enjoy TEACHING as long as you can, then consider promotion
On a busy evening could you retweet to help promote our class ( ) blog please
And we should celebrate these teachers - they are on the ground doing the job and we need them. So much. https://t.co/yYmOQhOSd2
mine too, & have done since my 1st year teaching! Always same answer, happy where I am
Today: shaving foam spellings, enjoying poetry, Maths trail outside, making a huge dragon & eggs. The best kind.
Find out what you are great at and love doing, then make that your role....
Once I didn't teach for a month and went straight into an observation. I was very average to say the least!
A4 Don't let work take over yr life. Family & friends are important so make time for them. Time in hols is not enough
q4 be open to new experiences tho don't feel you have to say yes to everything. Challenge yourself as often as you can.
A4 keep your focus on what really makes a difference for learners and how you impact positively on their learning
agree. Don't listen to the disgruntled on Twitter either!!
a4: watch and observe others. Review all the procedures.
I think a lot of teachers feel pressure to progress, almost as if staying in the classroom shows no ambition
Question 5:
Have you seen the wheels falling off the careers of colleagues?
What did you learn?
A4 Seek out the ones who work smartly & get their advice about how they effectively manage their time
Don't try and be all things to all people or you'll burn out. Look after yourself.
Been there done that...closer to home would be my focus now. https://t.co/cOU4EXrWAE
Question 3:
If the next step of your career involved a location move, would you consider it?
How far would you travel?
Q4 Keep a focus on your learners and motivate them. Don't listen to the 'We've always done it this way' brigade
It's good vent... It's not good to be consistently negative, it's counter productive
Q4 best advice would be don't let the pressure of accountability and statistics interfere with your vocational heart.
Question 5 again:
Have you seen the wheels falling off the careers of colleagues?
What did you learn? https://t.co/BcbMrfuhlt
A4 Communicate with the kids. Talk to them. Enjoy their presence. So many forget and just teach. Relax and have fun :-)
Question 5 again:
Have you seen the wheels falling off the careers of colleagues?
What did you learn? https://t.co/nI5meM1jLB
hmm, I'd say my academy chain seems to have roles and opps which normal schools wouldn't have. https://t.co/b2sYNA813H
Agreed. I worry that the change in ed, sometimes towards a 'business' model, has no place for that however.
admit where u need support and u have to want it for it to work
A4 Network with others beyond your school by attending teach meets etc. Helps you gain different insights & experiences
Q4 make sure you do something else in the evening, try not to mark at home. Cycle to school-frees the mind
A5 don't get involved in politics - if you live by the sword. . .
Pretty sure it would be - you never forget, just become a bit rusty maybe!
Gutted tmrw is the end of Kensuke's kingdom, I secretly love that terrible Japanese accent I get to put on for a few weeks π
Ah, a teacher's guilt. Everyone feels that! Honestly
I feel it often and I'm in class everyday!!
Easy to say. So easy to get embroiled with!
Deputy after 6 years. Need2look after the family!Miss teaching a class but love the whole school work
A5 yes. For some, but by no means all, you will always be a number. Look after yourself and your colleagues
Agree, but when colleagues are the protagonists Thatβs the worry. Schools are full of bullies. Not the kids!
I should work for you π
A5 Sadly seen too many talented people leave the profession due to stress, high workload, lack of home/work balance.
Question 6:
What is the ultimate goal in your teaching career?
Indeed. Very sad. https://t.co/AklM1cpBrJ
A5 Sadly seen too many talented people leave the profession due to stress, high workload, lack of home/work balance.
β¦have no power these days Simple, sad but true.
But I believe the work/life balance thing is a myth Itβs unachievable, and causes stress within itself.
What was the last question again? Oh yes... https://t.co/PIpR4XiRDR
Question 6:
What is the ultimate goal in your teaching career?
A5 Seek advice asap for challenging situations
We're looking for outstanding primary schools in central England to host a school improvement event with. Interested?
Question 6 again:
What is the ultimate goal in your teaching career?
Remember to reply with the hashtag! https://t.co/n3iqJ9kLV3
Question 6 again:
What is the ultimate goal in your teaching career?
Remember to reply with the hashtag! https://t.co/ZhL34sLkWB
So many possibilities that I am still deciding π
To have a few pupils look back in years to come and reflect that maybe I made a difference to their lives/careers
Need a way to signal lack of care or attention shown in tasks? Issue Speeding Ticket! (adap⦠https://t.co/TYI47mLr4y
A6 stay happy, keep learning, create an army of people like me working between school and HE
There truly are Especially for those brave enough to explore
Enjoyed the chat this evening. If you have any energy left, join me @ from 9-10.Free coding resources for participants
1-Don't be afraid to go off piste. 2-Appreciate the π‘ moments-they get you through dark days. 3-Never turn down advice
They will. You will never find out, but you will be positively remembered by the majority
Sorry Didn't mean for that to sound like an obituary π¬ You've still got plenty of years ahead.
A6. To have every child in my class happy and enjoying learning as much as possible.
brilliant - that's what the job is all about at the end of the day
a6. To be a great teacher.
Q6 to lead and teach without all of the other unnecessary rubbish
A6 Ultimate goal is to know that the children I teach are happy, safe, doing well and enjoying what they are learning.
