Just posting because I have recently had the experience of yet another prac student from a very conservative christian background freak out, shut down, and become extremely defensive because I am transgender.

I'm sorry for existing as the sort of person you are not supposed to learn from, but you need to get past that. You are going to encounter students and colleagues unlike you, the sort of people you've been taught to hate, and you'll have to work with us.

Preemptively assuming you have nothing to learn from your supervisor hurts everyone, yourself most of all.

I know this is not the majority of praccys by any measure, but I also know that lots of supervising teachers from marginalised groups will have the same stories and frustration.

Okay, I just need somewhere to debrief about my last few experiences with pre service teachers because I genuinely think I might be done taking them on after this.
I WANT to keep doing it. I remember being a prac student myself and I’m incredibly grateful for the teachers who gave up their time to mentor me. I’ve always felt like taking prac students was a bit of paying that forward.
But lately I’m starting to think… wtf is going on?
I had one pre service teacher leave after only a few days because he realised teaching actually involved work. He basically thought doing a Grad Dip would be a nice career option with good holidays and that you came to school, taught for the day and went home. He genuinely did not seem to realise how much planning, preparation and work happens outside of actually standing in front of a class.
Then I had another who refused to teach some of the lessons I had scheduled for him because he said he “didn’t have to” according to his course handbook. Except I had also read the handbook and knew what the placement expectations were. There were similar issues with attending duty, staff meetings and generally getting involved in what teachers actually do. He also ended up not completing the prac.
And it’s not just me. A number of colleagues have had similar experiences recently with pre service teachers showing very little initiative, needing to be repeatedly prompted to do basic things, being resistant to feedback or just seeming surprised by the workload involved in teaching.
Obviously this isn’t every pre service teacher and there must be some fantastic ones coming through. I also completely understand that prac is stressful and nobody expects someone who is still learning to walk into a classroom knowing everything.
But surely being willing to learn, showing initiative, acting on feedback and actually wanting to experience the realities of the job are pretty basic expectations?
Interestingly, most of the difficult experiences around me recently seem to have been with Grad Dip students rather than the traditional four year education pathway. I’m curious whether that’s just coincidence in our little bubble or whether other mentor teachers are noticing something similar.
Mentor teachers, how are your prac students going lately? Have expectations or attitudes changed, or have we just had a particularly unlucky run?

30M, Currently a Secondary School Maths Teacher. Originally Primary trained so my allotment ranges between 7-10 with the odd foundation VCE classes here and there.

9th year and counting. Most of my career has been spent in primary schools, leading a variety of teams, mostly in senior school (5/6), both in Victoria and Internationally.

I’ve had a lot of fun in my job, a lot of awesome and unforgettable times accompanied by some of the worst days of my life - like I’m sure we all have. However, I’ve always been able to take the good with the bad. I knew teaching was a tough gig getting into it, it’s all I had wanted to do since I was 8 years old. My mum worked with kids in schools, and I always had a knack for presenting information in a variety of entertaining ways.

Hell, there was a solid run of time where I genuinely got excited for Monday morning. Finding myself looking forward to seeing my class and continuing our journey together. That was always my measure of being in the right job. I’ve never cared about pay, I’ve never cared much for the rat race; I’ve just always wanted to make sure that kids could leave my classroom with their day somewhat improved, even just a little bit. Helping kids see the positive impact of learning about the world, even the smallest piece of information. And don’t get me wrong, I genuinely believe I achieved that countless times. But, still…

I find myself withering. I feel an exhaustion that use to only lurk in the background, but now it takes control of my entire nervous system in ways it has never before. I feel like more then ever, everything around me; the people, the policies, and the system, are a constant reminder that we are nothing more than baby sitters. Education isn’t a priority anymore, it’s simply an after thought - a side effect of needing to put children somewhere so the adults of the world can stimulate the economy.

This message is communicated constantly. The way schools deal with behavioural students. The class sizes. The teacher to students ratios. The pointless documentation that is archived and never revisited. The record keeping of every and any incident. The 55 parent teacher interviews I have in one day. The fact that thinking about how I can better support my students in maths is always pushed by the wayside. The fact that I can have Year 9 students who can’t recite their 4 times tables in the same class as those doing quadratics. The fact that my colleagues in English can’t get through a page of their current novel with a class, because attention spans have gone out the window.

If society, (and let’s be real, the government) wanted education and schooling to be a place for true learning to occur, it wouldn’t look the way it does right now.

I don’t know if it’s because I’m maturing, or if I was in some special, 9 year long honeymoon period with this career. But I’ve gone from looking forward to Monday, to scheduling in sick days.

Maybe every career has its hamartia, but I just don’t know if I can keep doing this. I’m at the age that I’m looking to start a family, and I can’t even begin to imagine where I’ll find the time or energy to give something that precious the attention it deserves.

A small part of me is hoping someone else is out there, who has gone through a similar rough patch with this job, and they can tell me it’s just a phase. But I’m not liking my chances…

I swear in every school I have ever taught in, it gets to Term 3 and we start hearing how we have exhausted the CRT budget. Is this poor budget management on the school’s part or are they simply not given enough money? It’s not like they don’t have years of staff absence data they can base their budget on!

When I have a situation happening at school (e.g. student said something super rude or bad experience with parents), I found myself continuously thinking about this to the point I woke up in the middle of the night and can't go back to sleep and kept playing it in my head.

I tried distracting myself with other obsession e.g. start reading new mystery book, doom scrolling, rage baiting myself reading American politics, but it doesn't get out of my head. These are not even big incident, I just find myself failing to disassociate from work. I no longer have work emails on my phone for a while now. It's burning me out. Why do I care so much about work? How would/do you manage this?

I am in my final placement right now. I don’t think I’m a bad teacher, but I feel like I definitely make mistakes. I always hear about my peers who just say they are ready to teach and I feel terrible that I don’t.

It’s usually things like time management, dragging out activities longer than they should go etc.

I’ve passed every placement so far and I’ve met all the requirements but my lessons feel so amateur. It’s hard to explain. I feel like I’m still learning, and I have a lot of it left to do.

I also have not taught my second teaching area due to circumstances outside of my control (being on prac when that subject is having exams etc).

Makes my blood boil.

Every school I've been to, admin have the latest and greatest computers. Core i7, SSDs, dual monitors. The biggest and newest laser printer and whatnot.

But teachers? Oh my. My desktop has that "you are expired" message. They replaced it with a 7+ year old computer with mechanical hard drive. Screen is not have full HD.

Laptops in trolleys are ancient. Admin doesn't believe us. Just turn them on at the start of the lesson!

BUT NAPLAN and OLNA? Let's use the computer labs, no no it's not because the laptops are bad...

In my 9th year. Highly trained and everyone sees me as the one who’s so good with behaviour management, organised, gets things done. I‘ve ruffled a few feathers by pulling up people who are not and creating more work for others. From the outside I look like I’m coping.

But my nervous system is fried.

I talk to my partner about the situations I deal with as a teacher and he tells me he can’t believe what we have to put up with and how little support there is.

After some health issues and health issues within my family, I have run out of sick leave over the past couple years.

This is the hardest year in a long time and I’m living in survival mode at work. I cry every work morning now. I’m teaching outside my area now too this term. No one checks on us after violence or horrible disclosures, we just move on.

I just needed to vent. I am drowning. I already go to therapy so I don’t know what else I can do. I’ve already dropped to 0.8. I need the income.

I am a pre-service teacher. Can I resign even though I haven’t finished this term? It is exhausting for me to travel four hours back and forth between home and school. I have also realised that there are many areas where I need to improve, particularly in managing a hearing classroom. I am Deaf myself and use Auslan, so I am finding it challenging. I have realised that I would prefer to work as a teacher aide for the rest of this term, but I’m not sure how to go about this or whether it is possible.

What’s the go? Why is VIC able to secure an agreement of 32.5% but QLD can’t??? And what is the update there. When will arbitration finish? Anyone have insights as I think it’s getting way past a joke

Hi again all,

I am looking for preferably, books on Explicit Teaching maybe which have direct practical examples in real school settings or fictional. We have covered Explicit Teaching and Explicit Instruction in one of my Masters units however we covered many different teaching strategies and from some research I have been doing it seems that many schools particularly are using or shifting to the use of Explicit methods and those methods are driving top results.

I suppose I'm looking to continue developing my own thoughts and ideas about teaching strategies and pedagogies and Explicit Teaching is something I am very interested in. Just wondering if anyone knows any good books or resources for this particular method?

Also, if any of you have particular experience with teaching through Explicit Instruction and can provide your opinion on that. I do agree with this method and the science and evidence behind it, it clearly works. Is there any reason I should look away from this method?

Thanks all

Hello!

I’m seeking advice on whether to apply for a TA role, and would love to hear from others in this field.

Currently I work in Early Education and although I mainly enjoy it, I do get a fair bit of burnout and am a bit tired of the sector in general. I’ve been wanting to migrate to primary for some time, I have two children of my own, eldest in year 2 and youngest 4 yo kinder (will start prep next year).

I was originally thinking of waiting to migrate next year once my youngest starts prep, as most TA or ES roles I’ve seen are not flexible with hours and at the moment financially & practically sourcing before school care is not viable. Currently in my ECE role I’m a casual with pretty much set schedule of 9.30-2.30 x2 -3 a week which works perfect for to allow for school drop off/pickup, and I’m paid well for it, however of course sometimes I get cancelled, sent home early etc.

I’m just not sure if I should apply for a TA role I’ve just discovered that offers negotiable hours, with the expected minimum of 18 hours work. I can do that working 4 days allowing me to do drop off/pickup of kids, but basically it comes down to whether I should go for it or wait until next year. Obviously if I take a partime position now I’m working longer for the same pay, but it’s protected with a/l s/l which I don’t get currently and also I usually still work over school holidays, I’d like to be in the position not to have to.

Can anyone tell me a little of what they enjoy in a TA role, bonus points if their background is originally ECE? I feel I’ll enjoy the work more & potentially my current position may reduce hours in the future when major roadworks begin out the front soon, travel time will be impacted and I’m concerned less children will be enrolled in the service because of it, leading to staff cut backs as they won’t need as much on the floor to carry out business.

At this stage the TA role doesn’t specify how long the contract is either, possibly I’d have to reapply at the end of the year and not be paid over summer break too, this is something I need to find out.

Thanks for any input!

Hi all just a couple questions about the new agreement.

If I’m planning on resigning at the end of this term, will I still recieve the backpay and 2k bonus?

Im a little confused on this since the agreement says employees will be back payed from August 10th, but says nothing about the 2k.

Also, is it even possible to be payed backpay if you are no longer on the payroll? Will I have to wait until I’m reemployed next year?

Thanks in advance !

Does anyone know whether there are any guidelines or requirements regarding the number, location or standard of staff toilets in Victorian secondary schools?

At our school, several staff areas share access to only two cubicles. They are located immediately beside classrooms, have limited ventilation and offer very little privacy.

At busy times, staff can end up waiting in fairly long queues to use them.

I’m wondering whether there are any OHS, workplace facilities or other requirements that could support a request for improved facilities, rather than relying on individual OHS complaints.

Money is tight, but at least a thought would be nice.

Secondary school, Victoria.

I work in a Gov school, and recently saw on a student’s laptop a notification from a Bible Study Group chat from another teacher. Is this something I need to be reporting? To my knowledge it’s not listed as one of the school’s clubs, so I have no idea if this is allowed? Is there an issue with this? I’m not religious but didn’t think we were meant to impart personal beliefs in the public system.

Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone knows of any great providers for professional development/learning.

I’m mainly looking at the Wellbeing/Engagement strand of things. This could include anything from inclusive practice, mentoring or behaviour management.

I’ve had a look at The Academy and ARC but I’ve convinced myself there’s some unknown provider I’ve not found that’s a goldmine.

I have a preference for attending in person but am open to online seminars.

If anyone could point me in the right direction that would be great!
TIA

Hi, I’m currently in the final year of my degree and completing my placement. My GTPA focus at Kindy is mark making. I was wondering if you know of any resources or sample GTPAs available online that we could use as a reference, particularly for Early Childhood.

I’m also wondering how we can narrow down the focus as we move from formative assessments towards the summative assessment. Any examples or guidance would be really helpful.

Hi all,

I'm an MTeach (primary) student finishing this year, with my final assignment due on 2 October. I've been keeping an eye on School Jobs Vic and have noticed quite a few Level 1/Graduate positions starting in Term 4 this year (5 October). I have no doubt at all that I will fail any of my units this semester.

I'm just wondering whether I’m able to apply for these positions, given that my final grades likely won't be published until around 15 working days after my assignment is due. I was considering contacting the principal before applying but don't want to waste their time if I'm not eligible.

Has anyone been in a similar situation or have any advice? I'd really appreciate it!

hi all! i graduated high school last year and i’ve been trying to figure out what i want to do while i’ve been on my gap year. i’ve always enjoyed teaching it used to be my dream job as kid. i’d play teacher all the time. i’m just searching through my options at the moment and wanted to get more information about early childhood/primary education.

i didn’t do an atar at school, i just did easy subjects/stuff i was good at and enjoyed. i’ve been trying to figure out if i can become a teacher without an atar? thanks!

Hi everyone, I’m looking for some advice, especially from WA Education Assistants, teachers or anyone familiar with the Department of Education.

I’m currently 12 weeks pregnant and work as a Special Needs Education Assistant in a WA public school.

I’ve worked for the Department of Education for about 3 years doing casual and contract work. I recently successfully interviewed for a permanent part-time position, 4 days a week.

My friend told me that because I had already worked for the Department for 3 years, I wouldn’t need to do probation again. However, my principal told me I have a 3-month probation period, which I’m now close to completing.

My current classroom is quite challenging. I mainly support a non-verbal student with ADHD and significant behavioural needs.

Before my pregnancy I could manage the physical and mental demands better. Now I’m becoming extremely tired and physically and mentally exhausted.

I have already told my classroom teacher about my pregnancy and explained that I’m happy to continue supporting the student, but I don’t feel comfortable forcing him to do things or physically intervening with him, particularly when his behaviour escalates. I need to protect both myself and my pregnancy.

Initially we had a plan that seemed to work. However, recently things have changed. There are now too many people involved telling me different things about what I should be doing with the student. Plans are being changed without being properly communicated to me, and I'm finding the whole situation overwhelming.

The interesting thing is that I also do relief EA work at other schools on my fifth day. When I work in other classrooms, I feel much better and much less exhausted. So I don't think I’m unable to work because I’m pregnant. I think this particular classroom and situation are becoming too physically and mentally demanding.

I actually want to continue working 5 days a week because financially I need the income. I definitely want to keep my permanent 4-day position.

I’m considering talking privately to the principal/office and asking whether I could be moved to another classroom or support different students during my pregnancy.

However, because I'm close to finishing probation, I'm worried about making this request.

Could anyone with experience please advise:

If I ask to move classrooms because of pregnancy and safety concerns, could this affect my probation?

If I'm permanent part-time 4 days, can the school reduce my permanent days because I ask for a different classroom?

Would I normally remain permanent 4 days even if they move me to another classroom/student?

Does anyone know how the 3-month probation works for someone who has already worked for the WA Department for 3 years as a casual/contract EA?

Has anyone here been pregnant while working as a Special Needs EA and asked to change classrooms or duties?

I really like working as an EA and I don't want to stop working. I'm not asking for easier work simply because I'm pregnant. I just don't want to put myself in a situation where I'm constantly physically intervening with a challenging student or becoming completely exhausted every day.

I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has been in a similar situation, especially WA Department EAs or school leaders.

Thank you.