Advice from teachers desperately needed please! with union UPDATE!

[Head_in_the_clouds]

I know that there are lots of teachers on the DIS and I really am in need of some help. I'm 25 and an actress and singer and I have also taught private and group drama lessons in theatre and dance schools since I was 19 after I gained my LAMDA Diplomas and whilst I was at University studying for a degree in English and Drama. A couple of months ago I was playing the lead role in a musical and a message was left for me at the Stage Door to contact the principal of the local college. What transpired was that she had seen my performance and wanted me to work for the college as a teacher on the BTEC in Performing Arts as she felt someone was needed to up the standards. I agreed to come for "a look at the department". When I arrived the Head of Performing Arts and his deputy basically locked me in a room for 3 hours and decided to spring a formal interview on me for which I was completely unprepared. They also asked me to teach a singing lesson so they could assess whether I had teaching ability. I did express that I had never taught singing before, although I have sung professionally, as I cannot play the piano to a good enough standard. Therefore, I would need an accompianist.
Anyway, what happened is that I was offered a 0.5 job as a performing arts teacher and they are paying for my pgce over two years. I went in to meet my mentor who is the deputy and I have been made Course Leader for Acting and Singing. I will not be having a pianist, I have to teach with CD's . With it being a BTEC, I also have to set all the assesments myself and I have been given all these "schemes of work" to come up with myself and they want me to turn up on the 24th August with all my lessons up till christmas planned . I will also be teaching things I have never learned myself and I don't understand exactly how I am supposed to strike the right balance between theory work and practical performance. My mentor says its up to me to get the standards up and he wants them all to get the top two grades. I have no idea what I am doing! Is all of this reasonable to ask of someone who doesn't even have a PGCE or any experience in a normal school/college? My mentor is also not answering any of my e-mails . I think I'm being expected to organise theatre trips and everything too, and again, I don't even know how to do this as I don't know how many students I will have! I don't even know my hours or how long my lessons are - I only know I'm teaching 8 lessons a week.
You are probably wondering why I have taken this job . Well, as much as I love performing, acting it is a very uncertain business and also a pretty lonely one. My parents still help me alot financially and I want to be able to stand fully on my own to feet now and so I need a "career". I would like a bit of stability in my life but still working within the performing arts. I have had alot of success in theatre schools as a teacher, the kids love me, I get good results and I enjoy working with them and get alot out of my job but 30 minute one to one acting lessons or one hour group improvisation lessons are very different to what I'm having to with this job. I suppose I didn't realise I would be thrown into the deep end so much and I don't want to pack in the job before I've even started as in the long term my career prospects are really good. I am, as you can see totally clueless, and panicking. Have any of you got advice for me? Any websites or support groups for new, terrified teachers? I'm not used to paperwork at all!

 

[joolz1910]

It sounds a bit overwhelming to say the least. I would expect them to be giving you schemes of work for the BTEC, not the other way around. Perhaps you could ask for them to forward you all of the materials they have been using? It sounds like they are looking for someone to run a mini department! Are you currently attached to a university as part of your PGCE? They should be able to advise you on reasonable expectations. As you are not fully qualified, it does seem to be unreasonable and I would query it.

I didn't do my PGCE 'on the job' so I'm not sure of the rules. I've never been asked to show all of my lesson plans for an entire term You should find out which days you are working as 0.5fte should be 2 and 1/2 days. You will be entitled to PPA and non-contact time. I would join a union too. As for theatre trips, I'm not sure you would be insured to be the lead teacher. Perhaps you should ask to see your contract, because I doubt whether you have one at present!

 

[Head_in_the_clouds]

Thanks so much Joolz! They have made me course leader for two modules this term . I know I must sound ignorant but what is PPA? I was going to join NASWUT. Another problem is that I don't start my PGCE until almost a month after I start my post so its not like I even have a tutor myself that I can turn to for advice. Its supposed to be my mentor who is supporting me at the present. But he isn't answering my e-mails! They have sent me a contract so I'll go and have a look at that now...

 

[scojos]

right, 1st - for h and s reasons, you know covered for off site visits alone for a normal school, check.
yes you can train on the job, the GTP graduate teacher training programme is prob the best option, a pgce can also be followed on the job.
obtaining QTS (qualified teacher status) allows you to do alot of things that a trainee teacher cant. call your union, they ll be able to help and they are used to those sort of questions.
i teach btec (different subject) my BFF is a music teacher however, pm with any specific questions and ill get in touch with her.
which board are you following? we use edexcel, they have good resources and course guidance (why re invent the wheel..?
check out their web site.
consider getting the college to buy a btec in a box, yes sounds wierd, but contains all you need, they re great!
if you want i can send you some examples of my btec assignments, they might inspire you.
is there any SOW in place already? check...
i think a sow until xmas is normal, i always had to provide 12 months sow, its a massive thing to do break it down into small units - honest its not as intimidating as it looks.
btec is "real world" based, which is why they wantt you and not a "teacher"...
PPA = planning preperation and assessment = marking
loads of good websites, TES is good, but not a PA specialist - sorry
HTH tracy
xx

p.s dont panic, you ll fine,

 

[Head_in_the_clouds]

Yeah its Edexcel, I'm responsible for "Principles of Acting" and "Singing for the Actor and Dancer" until christmas and then after christmas, I'm in charge of something else. There are no schemes of work in place - I've got to do them! I did see BTEC in a box but was worried I might be being a bit cheeky asking for it as its £229 and I've not get my foot in the door. I'm already buying some books I myself too.
Will try to chill, hehe! Thanks for the advice .

 

[Danauk]

DH and I are both teachers who did full time PGCE's after our degrees. DH was a former head of music but he switched to deputy head of ICT. He is however currently the GTP (Graduate Teaching Program) student coordinator for his school and mentors the trainee teachers. As a trainee teacher you would not normally be expected to write schemes of work. On the course DH mentors they write one scheme of work as an asignment. In terms of lesson planning you are explected to plan but with guidance, GTP students are also not expected to teach full lessons until November half term. Even though you are on a 0.5 contract you should still have a reduced timetable as a trainee teacher in addition to your PPA time. Also regarding writing lesson plans up until christmas that for me would not be a possibility as the lesson you taught should inform exactly what you are going to do in your next lesson. You should write a medium term plan setting out the objectives you want to cover each week (this will be from your scheme of work), but not the details of each individual lesson. As a trainee teacher you should be given a lot of support, you should never just be left to get on with things!

If you need any more help feel free to PM me and either DH or I should be able to help.

 

[scojos]

As a trainee teacher you should be given a lot of support, you should never just be left to get on with things!

i totally agree, i had a waste of space as a mentor, however i got amazing support from the rest of my dept.
if you have your contract and you are def having the job, call as to see someone, and no £300 for a new course is nothing, you can but ask, keep us informed
tracy
ps for a teacher, my spelling is awful

 

[Danauk]

ps for a teacher, my spelling is awful

Mine too and I teach literacy every day!! I guess though that is why I am a leading maths teacher and maths coordinator, not Literacy!! Looking back at my post I really need to check my typing before hitting submit. Like I say to my 8 year olds, "Read through your work before you hand it in!"

 

[irongirlof12]

just wanted to wish you good luck- if you are worried then you are concerned about doing the right thing by your kids- which means you will get the funding you need, and don't be afraid to ask. prepare a list of you needs and hand it over- be direct - no-one can avoid that whatever the profession - sounds like they were 'head hunting'- so they should be happy to support you!

 

[Head_in_the_clouds]

Thankyou so much everyone for your support . The DISers always come through! I have a feeling that I may be doing my mentor's job for him re the schemes of work. Typical! I think I will call the course leader for my pgce and ask for some advice too. I think I've got to learn to be a bit more assertive too! I'm so nervous as it doesn't seem that long since I left sixth form myself . I also don't have any "teacher" clothes or sensible shoes or anything but have to say that is the least of my worries - I feel a bit like legally blonde...except I'm a brunette!

I AM worried about the kids! I didn't get much out of my uni course because my tutors could not be a-r-s-e-d to put anything into it and I don't want my students to feel that way. That is why I'm getting worked up TBH, I want to teach them and prepare them well.

Just again, thank you all you have been so wonderful and I don't feel so alone in this anymore ! Will keep you posted on how things go . Also, I have a degree in English Lit and loads of what I've written doesn't make sense and is spelled incorrectly! Just blame it on stress !

 

[Head_in_the_clouds]

So this morning I joined NASUWT. I then contacted the Regional Centre for advice and the union rep did his nut!

He was shocked that as an unqualified teacher I have been made course leader for two modules (and I'm not being paid for that added responsibility) and asked how on earth am I being expected to do schemes of work when I have never been trained how to do them? He also said I shouldn't be doing any work in terms of PPA at the moment as I'm not even on the payroll so I'm not contracted to spend my summer doing paperwork. He also said they should have provided me with a timetable by now as being 0.5 I should be able to work another job If I want to to supplement my income and if they have me on an hour here an hour there then this wont be possible. He wants me to send a copy of my contract to him so he can have a look at it. He thinks I'm being taken advantage of.

I called staff development at the college and told them that I am feeling overwhelmed and they have given me the e-mail address of the lady responsible for NQT's, so i've e-mailed her explaining my situation. I'm just worried that my mentor is going to hate me and I am going to end up working in a department where everyone thinks I'm out to get them in trouble.

 

[joolz1910]

I would rather start work and annoy my mentor than give myself a breakdown doing stuff that I'm not paid for! You have done the right thing. Your mentor sounds like an idiot. I have mentored PGCE students in my department and the idea is to enable them to pass, not to set them up to fail! Is your mentor in charge of all PGCE students or just a department mentor? Perhaps you should ask who is in charge of PGCE students? Glad you have joined a union I'm NASUWT too.

 

[Head_in_the_clouds]

Thats exactly what my mum said Joolz, she said at least I can recognise I'm cracking up and I am seeking help. I've just e-mailed the head of my department too and I felt so scared when I pressed the send button! I explained that all of this is making me wonder if I have done the right thing accepting the job and telling him my teacher friends (a.k.a the friendly DISers like yourself ) have said this isn't standard practice. The mentor is a nice enough guy but he did his pgce before getting a job so maybe he is confused . He is just responsible for me at this stage in terms of being a mentor. He has been teaching for ages though. I've just got images of me being sent to coventry on the first day .

 

[scojos]

ium with the nasuwt too
you have done the right thing. training to teach as about 5% to do with standing in front of class, i firmly believe either you can do that or you cant, its all the "behind the scenes" stuff that is hard work. (did you like the stage analogy then...)
keep us informed, you onlt sound young, and if your over your head before you start then you will drown...
we can help, if you need anything pm me.
tracy

 

[joolz1910]

Thats exactly what my mum said Joolz, she said at least I can recognise I'm cracking up and I am seeking help. I've just e-mailed the head of my department too and I felt so scared when I pressed the send button! I explained that all of this is making me wonder if I have done the right thing accepting the job and telling him my teacher friends (a.k.a the friendly DISers like yourself ) have said this isn't standard practice. The mentor is a nice enough guy but he did his pgce before getting a job so maybe he is confused . He is just responsible for me at this stage in terms of being a mentor. He has been teaching for ages though. I've just got images of me being sent to coventry on the first day .

There are plenty of idiots who've been teaching for ages. Don't mistake length of service for competence. They obviously wanted you and they aren't going to jeopardise this if it looks like you've got cold feet. Hopefully you'll get a supportive response.

I would ask to see your timetable asap. I teach 0.5fte and it's important that your teaching time is 'blocked' so that you are in for an entire morning or afternoon, and not period 1 and then not again until last period. This effectively forces you to stay in school, unless you live very close by. You don't want to be in school every day if you can help it. Also, remember that you should do everything pro-rata, including meetings, duties etc.

 

[Head_in_the_clouds]

Thanks Tracy and Joolz,

So now when I look at it ALL teachers are expected to turn up on the 24th August for training until the 8th September and I have been told I have to attend this mandatory yearly staff training. Actually, being 0.5 I am only obliged to do half of this? Joolz - I'm going to ask for my timetable tomorrow (today was results day so don't want to annoy the admin staff lol). The union rep said to be careful I don't end up doing things I'm not contracted to do as they may have looked at me and thought "she's young and passionate about the subject, she'll do whatever we ask her to." Tracy, did like the stage analogy thanks! I'm not THAT young - 25 and in someways I am mature for my age and in other ways I still feel like a lost kid who has been plonked in the adult world with no clue - like Tom Hanks in Big! Oh, well, you live and you learn! Its all in God's hands now so I just have to trust that everything will work out in the best possible way. NASUWT were really helpful too thanks!
the Dis teachers! Don't know what I would have done without you!

 

[joolz1910]

Thanks Tracy and Joolz,

So now when I look at it ALL teachers are expected to turn up on the 24th August for training until the 8th September and I have been told I have to attend this mandatory yearly staff training. Actually, being 0.5 I am only obliged to do half of this? Joolz - I'm going to ask for my timetable tomorrow (today was results day so don't want to annoy the admin staff lol). The union rep said to be careful I don't end up doing things I'm not contracted to do as they may have looked at me and thought "she's young and passionate about the subject, she'll do whatever we ask her to." Tracy, did like the stage analogy thanks! I'm not THAT young - 25 and in someways I am mature for my age and in other ways I still feel like a lost kid who has been plonked in the adult world with no clue - like Tom Hanks in Big! Oh, well, you live and you learn! Its all in God's hands now so I just have to trust that everything will work out in the best possible way. NASUWT were really helpful too thanks!
the Dis teachers! Don't know what I would have done without you!

You have training from 24th August until 8th September??? That can't be right! Is it a college or school? Either way, make sure that you are being paid from 24th and negotiate to be paid full time or attend pro-rata. Are you sure that all teachers in the school are required to attend this training? It takes 2 weeks out of the school holidays - to which you are legally and contractually entitled!

The way I see it, you could have another job in your non-teaching hours. You can't be made to work during school holidays, and definitely not before you even start being paid. You wouldn't do 2 weeks training at Asda for no money, so you shouldn't expect to do it at a school either.

What is your nickname / name? I can't be bothered to type 'head in the clouds' when I want to send you

 

[scojos]

we are all big kids, thats why we teach
is it a school, college or privately run academy? thats v important, accademy do not have to respect the red book (teachers pay and conditions) im not an expert on FE either, but im sure that they will ahve different terms too - you do not need to have a "education degree" (by whatever means you do TFT GTP or PGCE) to teach in FE....
im sure a fe teacher will be along to shoot be down in flames shortly
my old school go back on the 24th - it is possible.... however 2 weeks training, im up for 2 weeks without kids...
as i said before i was lead btec teacher for hospitality and whilst iwas neither our IV or EV i could help you if you like, if you pm me your email ill have a look round to see what ive got, btec was new for me, and i understand how intimaditing it is, i think i prefer 100% exam, and boy did i never think id say that
Tracy

 

[Head_in_the_clouds]

Joolz - my name is Natalie (yep ANOTHER one!). It's a state run sixth form college so I'll be teaching 16-19 year olds and yes, they are having this staff training like I said but I did think that I would be getting paid for that, now you've got me thinking! I think I need to have a chat with someone at the college but no one is getting back to me - I think they are all on holiday . I did think teachers got pretty good holidays too, but it doesn't seem the case at this job. My lovely mentor also told me I should spend October half-term holiday working on the next lot of schemes of work .

Tracy, will PM you my e-mail address. I'm not liking BTEC at the moment either - I'm used to having the security of a proper syllabus and external assessments.

I have decided that I am not doing anymore work for this job I haven't even started yet and am not being paid for. I'm going to enjoy what's left of my summer! If no one even has the courtesy to get back to me then why should I be doing extra work that I'm not responsible for?

 

[Head_in_the_clouds]

Well, I start on Monday .

My head of department sent me a lovely e-mail all about how I'm not expected to write schemes and how my mentor and I would work this out between us and how well I would be supported and how I could come in for a chat last week or early this week. Then my mentor e-mailed asking if I wanted to do some extra schemes to be extra prepared I e-mailed back and explained how stressed I have been and how every body says I shouldn't be expected to take on all this extra responsibility when I haven't been trained how to do anything and haven't even started the job yet - his reply was don't worry about it, you were always going to struggle without a pgce and all about how he was in charge of two groups during his first year of teaching. But he had a PGCE and had completed his probationary year. My head of department mysteriously never got back to me about meeting up until today and said come in on Friday and "we will go over the schemes".


ARGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! What do they not understand when I say I can't do them and everyone I know in the education field says they are being unreasonable asking me to do this?

I had my enrollment for my PGCE today and asked the tutors about this. To say they are shocked about what I have been asked to do is an understatement. The course leader said don't do it. You are there to learn and to be trained in your first year. So I e-mailed the head of department and my mentor explaining this once again. They haven't got back to me yet. I felt really resentful today because everyone else was turning up for their PGCE induction excited and looking forward to starting. I'm just dreading it and I'm exhausted. I keep bursting into tears and I am so annoyed that my summer has been ruined. And I haven't been paid a penny but yet all the responsibility has been shifted on to me. I feel like I'll go on Friday and they'll expect me to do a load of stuff over the weekend before I even start the job on Monday. I wish they had never head hunted me. I really feel like I don't want this job now.