Teachers' Toolkit

🗣Anyone else here a “spoonie?” 🙋🏼‍♀️

In 2017, aged 33, I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. I quite quickly learned that things I’d been able to do before I couldn’t do anymore - and as a teacher you can imagine how frustrating that was!!

But I adapted, continue to adapt, and have started to learn what my body feels like before it flares, I’ve really had to learn to say no to some things that I really want to do and I also went part-time (Mon - Thurs) to give my body time to recover.

Spoon theory is a great way of explaining it and I actually use it to explain my arthritis to my classes, they are all wonderful about it - I’m a very lucky teacher. I also have AMAZING, supportive colleagues who do things like help me move my classroom tables or run to the photocopier for me in the morning as the two flights of stairs might be too much. 💜💜

After a solid 7 weeks of pretty good rest I feel raring to go for next week but ask me again a week on Thursday 😂😂

🙋🏼‍♀️ Has anyone used Padlet in their class? I’m planning on using it this year to have the pupils contribute to things such as the class charter. ✅

But I’m keen to hear how others have used it. 😄

⭐️GIVEAWAY ANNOUNCEMENT! ⭐️

As part of my August giveaways in the run up to term starting I’m giving away my start of the year checklist completely free! 😄

If you would like a PDF copy just DM me your contact email and I’ll get it sent to you ASAP. 🥰

Start your NQT year as you mean to go on, confidently! 💜

I created this course with Scottish NQTs in mind. I had a lovely student teacher working with me last term who was discussing things that she felt uncertain about and we talked about how useful a course would be and Teachers’ Toolkit was created!

I’ve decided to offer half off the Silver Membership to 100 people, this means that instead of £12 a month for a year, you’ll pay £6.

Those who have already purchased the course have said things like “I think this is a fantastic resource that will be really helpful for other NQTs.”

If you want to take advantage of this discount you just need to select Silver Membership and put in the code HALFOFF. There are only 100, so first come, first serve. If you have any questions feel free to DM me.

www.teachers-toolkit.teachable.com

Talk to me about your school diary!! 📔

I love this one. It’s well laid out, I can put my basic plan in, I can track pupils progress and it’s purple 💜

But what do you use?

📚

For some of us, today marks a week until school starts back. Do you know what you’re doing for the first week yet?

👀 I’ve noticed a few new faces, so thought I’d re-introduce myself. 👋🏼

I’m Katie, I’ve been teaching in Edinburgh, Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 since 2009 and my experience is mainly in upper stages/second level. I’m the current STEM leader in my school and am a big believer in the ethos of a classroom having a big impact on behaviour.

I love purple, even dyed my hair that colour during first lockdown (anyone else with me on that one?) I live with my husband and two cats. And cake is life.

I love supporting students and NQTs on their teaching journey and that has a lot to do with the wonderful staff I met when I first started teaching and how they were with me. I never understood the mindset of letting people struggle. Kindness is very much my approach to most things in life.

I’m preparing to go into school next week to sort out my new classroom, the last 12 years have meant I’ve accumulated A LOT of stuff! So my first tip for all new teachers - don’t do that 🤣🤣🤣

👩‍🏫 When I started my probationary year in 2009 I felt bad 😔 for relying on more experienced teachers to guide me but as I’ve progressed through my career and have supported students and NQTs myself I’ve realised a few things. 💭

Most experienced teachers love getting the opportunity to work with students and NQTs. 💜

Here’s 3 reasons why:

1. We get to learn all the latest tricks and tips of education, one of the most recent things I’ve been learning about is play in the upper school.
2. We enjoy getting to impart our “wisdom” but it’s important to remember that what works for us, might not work for you and that’s perfectly okay!
3. NQTs are full of enthusiasm that is contagious!

Are you an experienced teacher? What do you enjoy about working with NQTs?

NQTs what are you looking forward to when working with experienced teachers?