Normal Customer Service Resumed

Post by **Charles** » Fri Jul 29, 2011 12:32 am

A few of you are aware of what's been happening in my life over the last few months but I felt the time is right to share a few things and apologise to a few people about the way I have handled my moderator role here.

Last September I took the momentous step to change career and went back to University to train to be a teacher. I have now qualified and also secured a teaching job starting in September. However the last few months have been extremely stressful as I applied and applied and applied for jobs only to be rejected with no useful feedback whatsoever. 20+ applications and only three interviews - but it was third time lucky last week

I've been a moderator here for many years and have always prided myself on applying a gentle hand on the forum - only stepping in when really necessary. However, I am also aware that over the last few months I have been grouchy and short-tempered and have snapped more and more frequently at things that I would normally let pass.

So, to all those who are still on the forum that I have upset, I apologise.

And to those on the forum who have tried to steer me back to "normal", I thank you.

ade and liz flint · Post by **ade and liz flint** » Fri Jul 29, 2011 12:59 am

Never noticed any difference - wish we could have coped as well as you have.

Congratulations on the new role. Hope it's everything you wish for in your new career. They're a lucky school to have chosen you.

B10BRW · Post by **B10BRW** » Fri Jul 29, 2011 1:12 am

Many congratulations Charles, and all the best in your new career.
Who says you can not "teach" old dogs new tricks

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As far as I could see you have only replied in a slighty brusque manner when it was warranted

ALPB1033 · Post by **ALPB1033** » Fri Jul 29, 2011 4:18 am

Congratulation Sir!

Chas · Post by **Chas** » Fri Jul 29, 2011 1:55 pm

"Normal" isn't a word I'd use to describe you but glad you're feeling more like your old self again

Post by **Charles** » Fri Jul 29, 2011 2:04 pm

Chas wrote:"Normal" isn't a word I'd use to describe you but glad you're feeling more like your old self again

It is a well known fact that scientists score quite highly on the Autistic Spectrum so a hint of Aspergers is not uncommon!

John_C · Post by **John_C** » Fri Jul 29, 2011 2:33 pm

Congratulations Charles,

Competition for teaching posts is extremely fierce at the moment so you have genuinely done extremely well to get somewhere as an NQT.

Primary or secondary?

Post by **Charles** » Fri Jul 29, 2011 2:36 pm

John_C wrote:Congratulations Charles,

Thank you John - and everyone else who has said so.

Competition for teaching posts is extremely fierce at the moment so you have genuinely done extremely well to get somewhere as an NQT.

Don't I know it! It may only be a one year temporary contract but at least I am now into the system.

Primary or secondary?

Secondary - specialising in Chemistry but I am able to teach all three sciences to GCSE.

Kyle · Post by **Kyle** » Thu Sep 22, 2011 1:25 pm

First and foremost, very well done and congrats on your new role!

Secondly, in the last 3 days, between things, I've managed to go through the last 10 months of posts on the forum that I've missed out on. I didn't notice any specific issues with your moderation! Nevertheless, I'm glad your back to normal!

Lastly, I'm jealous of any youth that is lucky enough to be in your classroom. Given your approach, depth of knowledge and method of getting info across to people.
At highschool, I was most teachers worst nightmare! Not an easy pupil to work with. I didn't fit the system. If you have any hard situations or kids to deal with, don't hesitate to post here for peoples feedback and ideas on solutions!

PLEASE watch this video if you haven't already!

Ken Robinson says schools kill creativity

Let us know how your getting on!