WWYD - work dilemma

Hmm, difficult one. I am not a teacher, but I do work in the SEN team of my local Council. I would say if being the SENCo doesn't appeal, and it would possibly impact on your ability to take up other opportunities that may come up, then you'd regret taking it, and that you're better off being straight with the Headteacher. Tell him that you really appreciate that he's actually listened to you and taken what you said on board, but that you don't think the SENCo role is the right one for you, and that you'd rather stick it out for a different opportunity. He's already said that if you didn't take it, it wouldn't impact on you being offered other opportunities.

Being the SENCo will take a lot of work, so it's a big decision. And the fact the headteacher said it's OK for you not to take it might mean he already knows you might not be too keen. There's nothing wrong with not saying yes to the first opportunity that comes your way.

Hope that helps some?

Um, gut reaction? No way! SENCo is a huge responsibility (I know the extent of the role will depend on the levels of SEN within your school) and I would think in addition to moving to a new year group, it would be way too much. Your head certainly has taken you seriously but seems to have jumped past the middle management stage, straight to a key role, which in the schools I have worked in, has been a senior management role. Also, if you are in your 2nd year of teaching, TBH, I don't think it's appropriate of him to ask you to be SENCo. I'm not saying you wouldn't be up to it, but it's a role that traditionally requires a number of years of experience beforehand and with good reason. Something like science coordinator is much more appropriate for a second/third year teacher willing to take on more. (I realise my opinion may be coloured by the fact that the school I'm in now has a huge number of SEN children and we have a full time SENCo.)

Well done to you for being so proactive but go with your gut on this one I say!

Hi,

I'm a primary school teacher & I have to admit that I haven't taken on many extra areas in my teaching, although I am currently co-ordinator for Art & display & P.E. but these don't involve any extra money. Being Senco appears to be a lot of work to take on, although this does depend on the percentage of children you have with special needs at your school. I would recommend talking to the senco & finding out exactly what (& how much work they do a week). I taught year 2 last year & know that sats comes with a lot more work & pressure. Are you th esort of person who can hit the ground running with both.

Its sounds as if you've made up your mind & if I were in your situation I'd say that the Senco postion isn't the 1 for you but that you would be very keen to lead.....subject.

Hope my waffle has helped a bit, good luck

I teach in secondary not primary, but I'd say don't go for a role you don't want. If you already have an idea what you would like to focus on long term, like the Science co-ordinator role, hold out for that either internally or elsewhere. It'll allow you to develop a much stronger career path which imho is more valuable than having had a finger in all sorts of pies. Also, you'll show your head some strength of character and that you have really considered your CPD and future career. Good luck.

Thanks everyone for your helpful comments. You're saying what I'm thinking and it's helpful to hear it in slightly different ways and from other people. I was really surprised when he suggested it...the SENCo at the mo is fab and I know I couldn't be as good as her...I also know she's giving it up because she doesn't really enjoy it so that worries me quite a lot! We're not a huge school and not masses of SEN but we are always pushing new things and it would be a lot of work. I feel pretty confident that I could do it but I don't think I'd enjoy it...suspect I'd always feel like I was one step away from it all ending in disaster!

Will just have to think about how I put it to him tomorrow since I've already tentatively said I may be interested...I've spent longer in his office in the last 4 days than in all my time at the school so far...people will start to suspect something is going on!

Thank you all.

Your last paragraph explains it perfectly so I would say exactly that to him. ?

Thank you Mal. ?