Opinions Wanted Please

Chilli Con Kearney

Hi all

I have discussed my situation with some colleagues and friends but would like to get some independent views on this.

I am working 22 hours in a school this year, with few classes in my subjects. I am basically a filler and do whatever needed to be covered when the timetable was set in the Summer - CSPE, SPHE, etc.

One the one hand, I am delighted to have a job and the income to go with it. But on the other, I am frustrated to be 'filling' and not teaching my subjects. I am not working anywhere near my optimum - I am not teaching what I am best at. I feel that I have a lot more to offer.

I want to teach more of my subjects next year. But when the 'chat' arrives before the holidays, I don't know if I will put this out there or just take what is going and be happy. The principal could say "Well go get your subject hours" knowing full well what the jobs market is like.

Sometimes I am frustrated, but then on other occassions I feel guilty as others are crying out for work and here I am moaning about the classes that I get.

Are there many other people in this situation? What do others have to say about this? Am I being greedy? Or should I ask for more?
Many thanks.

gaeilgebeo

Chilli Con Kearney wrote: »

Hi all

I have discussed my situation with some colleagues and friends but would like to get some independent views on this.

I am working 22 hours in a school this year, with few classes in my subjects. I am basically a filler and do whatever needed to be covered when the timetable was set in the Summer - CSPE, SPHE, etc.

One the one hand, I am delighted to have a job and the income to go with it. But on the other, I am frustrated to be 'filling' and not teaching my subjects. I am not working anywhere near my optimum - I am not teaching what I am best at. I feel that I have a lot more to offer.

I want to teach more of my subjects next year. But when the 'chat' arrives before the holidays, I don't know if I will put this out there or just take what is going and be happy. The principal could say "Well go get your subject hours" knowing full well what the jobs market is like.

Sometimes I am frustrated, but then on other occassions I feel guilty as others are crying out for work and here I am moaning about the classes that I get.

Are there many other people in this situation? What do others have to say about this? Am I being greedy? Or should I ask for more?
Many thanks.

To be very honest, I do think you are being a bit greedy.
I understand your frustration at wanting to get your teeth into your own subject(s) but ;
Do you realise how lucky you are to have 22 hours?
Do you realise how many unemployed teachers would switch places with you in a heartbeat, not to mention teachers who only have 5/6/7 hours of "fillers" per week?
If I were the principal, I would think it very cheeky of you to make timetabling demands. The hours in your subject are obviously not there or need to be allocated to permanent/CID staff.
Why rock the boat and risk losing the years you are building up in the school towards a CID?
I assume this is your first teaching job.

implausible

You are lucky to have a job and yes, it can be frustrating when you really want to teach your subjects. There is nothing wrong with saying that you would like to teach your subjects if you're asked or requesting it if there is a request form to be filled in at the end of the year. There would be a problem if you were demanding them "or else".... Lucky you, if you are 100% guaranteed of a job next year. You might get a few years in your subject this year, a few more the year after and so on....but don't go expecting 22 hours!

As for the frustration - do grinds. That way you are keeping yourself in there professionally and earning a few quid.

Chilli Con Kearney

Thanks for the replies.

Interesting to hear other opinions. It's my second job. I also do grinds to keep in with my subjects.

I would never demand or expect hours in subjects. Nor do I assume I have a job next year! Hopefully there will be room for me though.:o

Nice to get some perspective. In the current climate, I guess all young teachers have to serve an apprenticeship of sorts and bide their time. Eventually the subjects will arrive.

Terri26

I don't think you are being selfish at all. You seem grateful you have a job simply asked if it was okay to ask about teaching your own subjects. Everyone wants experience in their own subjects. In your end of year review just saw you love teh school etc and if there were any hours in your subject you would love to teach them as you are correcting the papers in it this year.
Second point apply to correct your subject and this is invaluable in experience in teaching your subject.

niall3r

Well it depends on your relationship with the principal really. IF there is a conversation being had and you mentioned that you are really grateful for your position but would really like to teach your subjects then its not that cheeky. Demanding is a bit ungratfeul but in the course of a conversation then I am sure it would be fine.