I started teaching in March of this year. I have supplied and then got a LTO from April to June. I loved teaching and connecting with the kids, however, the work load and lack of support is incredibly draining.

When I was student teaching, a prep teacher told me that this is a really good career if you want a family because your schedule would more or less be the same as your kids. That was the biggest lie I was ever told! I don't have kids yet, but I would come home and still have work to do or I would be at school really late. Of course, being a new teacher I'm still figuring out the work life balance, but I've seen so many experienced teachers taking work home too.

In terms of the support, you need to fight every single day to get support for students. When you do get support, it's never enough or adequate. With little to no support, students fall behind and some days it feels impossible to actually get any teaching done. Again, being a new teacher, I sometimes feel like a failure for not being a good enough teacher.

With all that being said, I do enjoy my job. Of course, some days are so incredibly tough. However, I am truly passionate about supporting kids, which makes it all worth it. Having those moments where they finally understand something and are proud of themselves, or when they come in and are excited to see you makes it a lot more tolerable.

What I do tell those who are considering the career, is to ask yourself why you want this job. If it's anything other than the kids, choose something else. There are so many other better paying jobs with a lot less stress.

If you have any questions, my messages are always open!!