Teaching

Hi

I need some advice, I've applied to start teacher training in September. Any teachers on here, what strategies do you use to help cope in school?

Thanks 

  • I have struggled a lot because i couldn't get the unwritten rules... there's this book "Unwritten rules of social relationships" by Dr Temple Grandin. It's an amazing book, you should read it if you have trouble in dealing with grown ups. This book  actually "saved" my life. You will be happy around kids.

  • I'm in a similar position to you except I'm male, I don't have a diagnosis but i am on the waiting list for an assessment. 

  • I assume you are on the spectrum, right? I have no formal diagnose but i'm sure i'm on the spectrum (asperger female) and as an aspie female i think you will need (as I did) someone to translate all the neurotypical language to you. You won't understand why that kid did that, you won't understand why that mother was so rude to you or why that collegue was so mean to you, you will feel sad and anxious and you will need a neurotypical person to tell you why those things happened to you. If you are on the spectrum you will need a good therapist on a permanent basis and perhaps some medication for the anxiety. 

  • Absolutely, I've been working i a primary as a TA since September and i absolutely love it. I originally wanted to teach secondary but since doing primary i can't imagine doing anything else. What do you mean about needing someone to translate? 

  • You will be okay. It will be easier for you to get children because they have no "filters". You will need a neurotypical person to translate things to you, though,  on a weekly basis. It will be a good investment. You will feel very happy around kids. (or animals). You can have both. You can have a turtle in your classroom. 

  • i want to teach primary school so 5-11 yr olds

  • You will be teaching what ages?

  • Remember your strengths and use them... I have been a teacher for over 10 years (in special education but I think the same applies) below are the things that have helped me and my students alike:

    A dislike of chaos resulting in an a drive to create calm in the classroom.

    An understanding of each individual as a unique entity with their own neurotypes, experience and interests so I can change my approach and differentiate to meet individual needs.

    Affective empathy (I struggle with cognitive) which enables me to identify who needs what support and encouragement to engage or calm ready for learning. 

    An ability to create and follow processes that result in solutions. 

    I tend to think rather than feel which enables me to cope well in challenging situations working out how to resolve the problem rather than getting caught up in the excitement/stress of the situation

    I can't emphasis this enough work out your strengths and use them and focus on them. 

    There are challenges for sure and some things that I do to help are: 

    Arrive early so that the exposure to lots of people is graded.

    Stay out of the work place politics as much as possible. 

    Create realistic to do lists. 

    Hope this helps.... Keep in touch on this forum and let us know how it is going. 

  • I'l be teaching primary if all goes well

  • I included it on my UCAS form and one of my referees asked if she could mention it because there was section about disabilities.

  • Make sure you get a break. Find a quiet spot where you can go.

  • What age groups are you teaching?

    You learn tricks with the children, the long stare, setting expectations and so on.  It really does stretch every ounce of my emotional intelligence though, when I have worked in schools. At the moment, I work privately. 

    Office politics can be difficult, the best is definitely private work on if you can pick up.enough of a clientele. 

  • I've been teaching 20+ years, most of them pre-diagnosis. 

    Key staff in my school are aware I am autistic and have been superb. Are you going to make sure your uni/placement schools know about your autism?

    Much of the generic advice for trainee teachers will be relevant to you, just more so - eg being organised, having a schedule, routine etc. Make sure you can follow instructions clearly - eg would it help if they were written as well as verbal. If you have sensory issues then seek out a quiet place you can retreat to - your car for example if there is nowhere in the building. 

    If you have deadlines, will you need extensions? extra help with assignments etc?