From the Teacher Support Network, www.teachersupport.info.

TEACHERS TELL THEIR STORIES: TIM
"Most days were a real struggle with them: nearly 30 teenagers with no desire to work."

To celebrate National Storytelling Week (30 January to 6 February), we asked teachers in Scotland to tell us about the good, the bad and the downright ugly of teaching. We'll show a different story every day. If you feel inspired to tell us yours, do so in the form at the end of this tale, or by clicking here.

Tim was an English teacher for two years. He then left teaching to go back to church work, and is now employed as a Pastoral & Outreach Worker in Edinburgh.

Here’s his story…

Having been a Youth Worker, I went into teaching to carry on working with children and to use my degree in English Literature.

I had a bad time with a 4th year class who had already passed their Standard Grades a year early but could not leave school as they were not old enough. Most days were a real struggle with them: nearly 30 teenagers with no desire to work.

My Principal teacher and colleagues gave me tips on how to manage the class, how to lower my own expectations of them, and gave me moral support. However, the staff in general couldn’t control many of the children and ultimately it was up to me to deal with them.

A day when there was cooperation from the kids was a real bonus. There were few like this, but sports day was one of them. The children were happy to be out and supporting their friends and competing. At the end of the day, I felt a part of a community.

I left because I was offered my new job, and because I realised I wanted to do that more than teach. A big part was the stress and pressure of the school, constant marking and deadlines, and a beleaguered staff.

Having a sympathetic ear is useful and I would probably use the telephone Support Line for that. But the real help is needed in the department.

In partnership with Fife Council and supported by The Scottish Government, Teacher Support Scotland have developed a tool for schools and local authorities to improve organizational wellbeing for staff. This is called StaffWise. Click here for more information.