Birmingham, September 1988. I was a young teacher beginning my career with a year 4 class described by my headteacher as “rather difficult and challenging”. At that time I would have given anything for the support and back up of more experienced teachers to help me build my confidence.
So it was a bit of a blow when I introduced myself to a time-served year 4 teacher in the staffroom, who slowly gave me the once over and, peering over the top of his glasses, said: “You do realise that just because we teach the same year group we don’t have to work together?”
Perhaps that “sink or swim” attitude was more prevalent back then. It certainly could not be more of a contrast to today’s world of increasing collaboration within, and between, schools.
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