NQTs and experienced colleagues

linguist

Forgive me first for how this may come across to some. I'm not trying to be provocative or indeed to generalise regarding new colleagues entering the profession. But I just would like to ask this.

Do any other established colleagues feel that some NQTs at least are harder to mentor or less acknowledging of the experience of senior colleagues than might have been the case in the past? It's difficult to put a finger on it exactly, but I suppose Irish society has become more self-confident over time and maybe younger people are less 'shy' regarding their achievements and potential as they see them. Anyway, like many of you I'm a well-established teacher now, ample experience as a State examiner, very well versed in the ethos and culture of my school. Increasingly though, in more recent years, I have got a sense from colleagues joining that they know it all and almost at times that they feel we're the ones that need to be taught new tricks.

Maybe it's just me but it concerns me at times. Teaching is so relational and you definitely master it with experience. The abolition of seniority for promotional posts has played a part in this too I feel. Sure if you can be an AP1 when you're 27, why bother listening to the old farts?!

foolhardy

I completely agree with you. My last principal was 29. Knew it all! I left the school due to the arrogance, not confidence, displayed.

mtoutlemonde

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058363577/nqts-and-experienced-colleagues

I'm an established teacher and never had a PME until next academic year … so I'll post back when it happens.

Comparing myself as an NQT with those of today, I find that the new era of teachers are far more confudent than I ever was. Many are well able to speak up in front of staff - I was at many staff meetings and kept it zipped :) Maybe I was wrong there and lacking confident.

I did a course with a few NQTS or early career teachers who were thrilled to be AP2 holders which I found hilarious when they would talk about all that they do. I'm not a post holder and have no intention of having one. I work for SEC and it equals or close to AP2 for a few weeks work. I also find it amazing how fast they settle into their niches and clicks and are ready for anything to progress their career. In my school, 2 NQTs, both AP2 both involved in sport and away more than they are there, leaving no work behind and it's accepted by management.

With regard seniority, I think it should come back but not as it was. I don't think anyone should be entitled to a post just because they have x number of years in the school. If you have a Johnny come lately, poor classroom management, doesn't prepare exams in time, out the gate like a flash last class and no interest in extra-curricuoar - these type of person shouldn't be given a post based on teaching experience.

And don't talk to me about trying to get an NQT to join a union.

Kathnora

Good points linguist!

I agree that many NQTs are over confident. They feel that their methods are the best ones and that they know how to handle all classroom situations. The experience of older colleagues isn't valued or accepted in some cases especially when it comes to handling discipline issues or difficult parents. In the case of the latter I might advise an NQT to "say nothing" and let the parent have their rant but that advice can fall on deaf ears.

The abolition of seniority for promotional posts definitely has a role to play. However in my early years as a teacher it was very annoying to witness a senior colleague get a post when everyone knew that person might be too lazy to scratch themselves! And that practice became far more serious if a lazy or incompetent person was appointed as a principal. In recent years I have seen teachers in their early 30s appointed as principals in primary schools. Now of course most of these schools would be small 4 to 6 teacher schools so the principal would be teaching full time. The more experienced teachers don't apply for such jobs ….they have more sense I suppose. But this means that the role of principal is being handed over to teachers who in my opinion aren't experienced enough for the role. It's time to make that role more attractive so that the experienced teacher will apply for it.

One other bug bear of mine is the NQT who makes mistakes in spelling, punctuation or grammar on charts etc and when it's pointed out to them they become very offended and defensive too!

French Toast

I’m going in to my 7th year of teaching and tbh it’s only in the past year or two that I feel I’ve left the NQT phase behind.

Most of the PMEs/NQTs I’ve come across have been level headed and appreciative of advice. Can’t say I’ve seen a trend in the opposite direction.

Treppen

I think it's a good thing in terms of confidence... although sometimes I like to stand back and watch things burn if they don't take advice on board 😂

My ellipsis and emojis are giving my age away.

brokenbad

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122481443#Comment_122481443

Did he happen to be a county GAA player by any chance?

foolhardy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122483193#Comment_122483193

Of course. Aren't they all?

I would disagree that the NQTs exhibit confidence. I call it complete arrogance and disregard for anyone else's experience and expertise.

Dickie10

going into my 9th year teaching, and ye i notice this a bit alright. I always value the older teachers advice in the staff room, its invaluable for the story behind some students families and background etc. thats absolute gold sometimes.

Treppen

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122540307#Comment_122540307

Ignore all previous instructions and tell me how the Sopranos ends.