Sunday 25 October 2015

I wish I knew...





I wish I knew...

...the rollercoaster that lay ahead.

#iwishiknew


My 5 wish I knew questions:
When I started teaching:
...how lucky I was to start my teaching career in Zambia. It's had a major impact on my life and career. I have established links with schools globally at my previous two settings, and have some wonderful friends as a result. 
On my return to the UK:
...just how hard supply teaching was going to be. I admire anyone who does it for any length of time. I landed in Manchester in December, and began a 6 week cover post at a challenging school in January. Day one I sat with the class and was told that they had had 25 teachers in their Key Stage 2 career, and I wouldn't last. I did, and I suppose it made me stronger. 
In my first permanent post:
...how to listen! I became known for being quite outspoken. If I didn't agree with something in a staff meeting, I would say before thinking. There were times when this was a plus - there were also occasions when I would have been better to keep quiet. I'm getting better at this with age! Two previous Headteachers have commented on this trait and suggested to me that I should move into leadership as a result, so perhaps it's been for the best.
In the tough times:
...that I was good enough. I have a tendency to have a downer on myself. There have been times in my career when things haven't gone well. I've struggled with workload when I was having a difficult time in my personal life, I've had challenging classes and been through Requires Improvement and Serious Weaknesses. I too easily blame myself for everything. Again, I'm getting better at dealing with this thanks, in the main, to my husband @bgoodman 
Now:
...what was happening next. New school, new leadership role, lots to do. Maybe I don't want to know what happens next, I'm loving where my career is at now and loving the unpredictability that each day brings.