Tips for teachers who feel like they are failing at school

Feeling like you’re failing as a teacher can be incredibly disheartening, but it’s important to remember that teaching is a challenging profession, and everyone faces setbacks at times.

As specialists in education recruitment, Initial Education Recruitment have met many teachers, teaching assistants and SEN educators of the years. As a result, we have gained a good understanding of what can help you navigate those challenging moments and work towards improvement:

Reflect on your teaching methods

Take some time to reflect on your teaching strategies. Are there certain methods or approaches that seem less effective? Consider experimenting with new techniques to see what works best for your students.

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Ask for feedback from colleagues, administrators, and even students. Constructive feedback can provide valuable insights into areas for improvement and help you identify your strengths.

Set realistic goals

Set achievable and realistic goals for yourself. Break down larger objectives into smaller, more manageable tasks. Celebrate small successes along the way to boost your confidence.

Focus on relationships

Building positive relationships with your students is crucial. Make an effort to connect with them on a personal level, understand their individual needs, and create a supportive learning environment.

Adapt to student needs

Students have diverse learning styles and needs. Be flexible and willing to adapt your teaching methods to better meet the needs of your students. Differentiate instruction when possible.

Use technology wisely

Explore how technology can enhance your teaching. There are numerous resources and tools available that can engage students and make learning more interactive and enjoyable.

Collaborate with colleagues

Share your challenges with colleagues and seek advice. Collaborative problem-solving can offer fresh perspectives and solutions that you might not have considered on your own.

Take care of yourself

Teaching can be emotionally and physically demanding. Make sure you’re taking care of your own well-being. Get enough rest, engage in activities you enjoy, and seek support from friends, family, or a professional if needed. We wrote a blog in the summer about making sure you take time to relax – https://initialrecruitment.com/how-to-relax-this-summer/ that may provide some ideas for you.

Mental health and well-being is something Initial Education are really passionate about. You can read more about this in our blog – https://initialrecruitment.com/how-staff-can-help-each-other-with-mental-health-and-wellbeing/

Continuous professional development

Stay committed to your own professional growth. Attend workshops, conferences, or training sessions to stay updated on new teaching methods and resources.

Celebrate progress, not perfection

Recognise that teaching is a journey, and improvement takes time. Celebrate the progress you and your students make, even if it’s incremental. Focus on the positive aspects of your teaching.

Connect with a mentor

If possible, seek out a mentor teacher who can provide guidance and support. They may share their own experiences and offer valuable advice based on their own teaching journey.

Remember that every teacher faces challenges, and it’s okay to ask for help. Persevere, stay open to learning, and know that you have the opportunity to make a positive impact on your students’ lives.

If you’re looking for a new challenge in a new school, we would love to hear from you!

Complete our online form and a member of the team will be in touch! Click here for the online form or give us a call on 01452 740001.