Probably teacher will end up without TA on those occasions, or a passing mum will be offered a days work to cover the HLTA. That happens a lot in our school!!

That's terrible because then it belittles the role of the TA. The pay is rubbish and I'm wondering whether I should be bothering after today.

Have you had a bad day Jack? Here if you want to talk about it.

Thanks Lbee had a very bad day. Just feel like I don't matter at work. Some people are in the clique and some aren't. I ain't. So when I ask for help I really need it. Some people get loads of help and some don't. I don't and I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself and my get up and go has got up and gone.

oh no Jack, seems to be a trend, having similar problems, only have felt like that since late Jan, im beginning to wonder if i need a complete change.
keep your chin up girl and i hope you feel better about things soon.

I feel the same today but for slightly different reasons. Saw head teacher's report to governors today. Certain TAs get mentioned over and over again but the things they are being praised for are in their job description and very much reflected in pay.

I think I am am always working above and beyond my grade, particularly what I am paid and all the extra hours, work brought home etc. Not a word about me and the SEN kids I support and progress, all the focus on more able and SATs predictions.

The same TAs thanked for all their efforts in the early morning briefing. I don't like being singled out and certainly don't blow my own trumpet, but with all this praise being dished out not an egg-cup's worth for me!!.......suddenly feel very much taken for granted

know where youre coming from Lbee, it just seems the more you do the more you may. its not that were looking for praise, just a little appreciation, which would go along way.
as well as a hug thread i think we made need a scream thread.

That's the word I was looking for Jay......appreciation! Doesn't even cost anything does it?

The ones who will appreciate matter most the SEN kids.I have had come up to me with friends as teenagers and say ' Mrs* taught me to read.' It means more than anything to me as they are often the kids other people have given up on. I've just hit a real low and can't seem to lift myself out of it.I hope we all feel better tomorrow.I might try a walk before school.I love this forum everyone is so supportive of each other. to you.

yes Jack i agree, i love working with my SEN children too, the smallest sense of acheivement from them makes the job all worth while. But being taken for granted, not getting support when it is needed being made to feel your not important by other adults has led to a feeling of discontentment for me.
i wish i had a magic wand and could regain my push, and could then pass it on to others who need it too.

It's my SEN group that I am using.I wanted to try something different to try and push them on.Maybe that was the problem.

so tell me Jack as well as feeling unsupported, do you feel that your SEN groups progress doesnt matter to others.
my problem is, all the admin of sen is being thrown my way and the time that takes is taking away from those who need the support. In my view their needs should come before paperwork but i dont feel others share that view.

I handed in my report with previous and current reading and spelling ages for children on SEN register. Some juniors have gained 12 months or more in reading and spelling ages since September. Did I get any praise.....No, not a word of praise just a huge thank you from HT to the SENCO for organising interventions for SEN kids!!!!

Unfortunately even the kids don't seem to understand the progress, they are still years behind their peers. But for a 10 year old to have reading age now of 7 instead of 6, I think is a major achievement.

it is Lbee and at least they will move onto secondary with the skills they need to survive and not flounder

thats a huge acheivement Lbee, both you and them should be very proud of that.
Like DQ said this could make all the difference as they progress through schoollife.

well done.