A long, long time ago...

[AnonyMouse_3307]

Well 30 years to be exact. I started as an NQT today 30 yrs ago. It was a hideous first year and probably shaped my approach to NQTs for ever after. (I learned how not to do it.)

From then, I have:

Taught Nursery to Yr 5 (managed to dodge Yr6 as class teacher but had to deal with them as DHT!)

Managed Music, Design Techology, Science, EYFS, KS1, Assessment, EAL and been queen of the stock cupboard (No pencil stub: No pencil sunshine!)

Been an A post and B post holder, main payscale, Upper pay scale, and all the other allowances you could be.

Lost pay and fought for y/our rights: non contact time, directed hours and every other right the unions have won since 1984.

Worked with LAs, national bodies and joined the dark side.

Watched Secretaries of state come and go in an ever changing tide of policy and directive from the DfE, DCSF, DoE or whatever it calls itself at any given time)

What a lot I never thought I would achieve back on that first day!!

Cx

[AnonyMouse_9650]

What a fab post Catma - well done on your achievements - too often we look at today and tomorrow and wonder why (in the face of some dire bureaurcracy) we do what we do. Sometimes it is good to look back over time and see what we have achieved - here's to whatever comes next :1b

[AnonyMouse_11396]

Congratulations Catma, no mean feat to stay in the education system for that long. As well as to continue to provide your forum buddies with accurate and consistent advice.

Thank you and may you long continue to do so.

Enjoy your day of reflecting on your Educational journey.

[AnonyMouse_13453]

Fabulous retrospective Catma! I've been doing a fair bit of that myself. You have a great wealth of knowledge which you very generously share with others and it is hugely appreciated. Thank you

[AnonyMouse_26037]

Wow! Congratulations and thank you - for all the things you've helped support along the way and the support you continue to give. Do you have 'best moment' from that time?

[AnonyMouse_5970]

Congratulations on your long journey in education Catma! I always find your posts thought-provoking and your experience has given you great insight.

Here's to the next thirty! :1b

[AnonyMouse_30128]

all that and she still looks 21! Well done!!!!

[Helen]

Congratulations Catma, from all of us here at FSF HQ! We all really appreciate you

[AnonyMouse_64]

Congratulations on your long career!

[AnonyMouse_5664]

Well, that explains why you are so clever and helpful to everyone on here......including me, your friendly stalker! Thanks for everything.

[AnonyMouse_19762]

What a super post - many congrats catma on all of your achievements - here's to many more in the coming years! :1b

[AnonyMouse_79]

Wow! Congratulations Catma!

Its a bit longer ago but not a lot since I qualified and my teaching career was punctuated with a career break to bring up the family but I do remember the 30 yr mark and it felt like quite an achievement.

[AnonyMouse_3307]

Thanks all!!

It's a bit of a milestone I think!
cx

[Guest]

Not to mention the wonderful advice & support you have given to people like me over the years - what a gem you are ??

[AnonyMouse_1027]

wow fab hun - keep the good work going ::1a