Teachers: Science Vs Food Tech Vs Art/Textiles Vs DT
- Thread starter Emil Tac
- Start date
I think the grass is probably a yellow/green shade, a neglected lawn wherever you lay your tech hat.
Here we are school techs responsible for almost everything (we have a separate food tech). You name it we do it. There is always the argument that because you are a school tech then you dont have the specialist knowledge to support individual subjects. Not entirely true. Some of us may be more specialised in one area compared to others but we all have the skill base to support all departments. That is the theory although I do accept that at times this is not the case. Generally speaking, 95% of tasks can be undertaken by any school tech.
Personally, I feel our remit is too wide and I would be happy to see it narrowed but then again our elevated pay (in comparison to most other high school techs) reflects our wide range of skills/duties.
Here we are school techs responsible for almost everything (we have a separate food tech). You name it we do it. There is always the argument that because you are a school tech then you dont have the specialist knowledge to support individual subjects. Not entirely true. Some of us may be more specialised in one area compared to others but we all have the skill base to support all departments. That is the theory although I do accept that at times this is not the case. Generally speaking, 95% of tasks can be undertaken by any school tech.
Personally, I feel our remit is too wide and I would be happy to see it narrowed but then again our elevated pay (in comparison to most other high school techs) reflects our wide range of skills/duties.
Our DT tech is timetabled as if he is the class teacher for some classes. I have said he should be getting unqualified teacher pay as a bare minimum but he's not
. He also supervises the students if they want to work on their projects during breaks, again for no additional pay. i think I'll stay where I am.
. He also supervises the students if they want to work on their projects during breaks, again for no additional pay. i think I'll stay where I am.I have worked as a food tech and science tech.So we all know what science teachers are like
I have always wondered what it would be like to be a tech for other subjects. Would be interesting to hear first hand from other techs.
similarities are the amount of washing up
you will always have the staff that order alot and then those that want to make life easier for you (the best).
in food tech i had to interact with the students alot
in science its less students more staff
both are very difference roles, i prefer science
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clairelucas
COMMITTEE
We have the reverse- the DT tech is a semi retired teacher, so has previous teacher pay- I think- may be wrong on that!Our DT tech is timetabled as if he is the class teacher for some classes. I have said he should be getting unqualified teacher pay as a bare minimum but he's not
I am part Science/Food and Textiles technician - I have been predominantly in science the last 11 months due to being a lone tech (snr science tech is on long term sick). I much prefer the food and textiles as the department are more appreciative and I do enjoy working with the pupils, especially in a practical subject, they are always very proud of their creations. I always wanted to be full time in technology but this role has never existed; I'm not sure they'll replace the snr tech role - when/if she leaves and I definitely won't be training any new staff seeing as I am bottom of the pay scale. We are a dying breed here - no other technicians (apart from IT) they've all gone by the wayside.
and I do enjoy working with the pupils, especially in a practical subject, they are always very proud of their creations. I always wanted to be full time in technology but this role has never existed; I'm not sure they'll replace the snr tech role - when/if she leaves and I definitely won't be training any new staff seeing as I am bottom of the pay scale. We are a dying breed here - no other technicians (apart from IT) they've all gone by the wayside.Paul Murphy
COMMITTEE
As a senior tech in a sixth form college covering physics and IT. I was asked/forced to work in the art department.
I went to the head of art to ask what she wanted me to do. She informed me that she had not asked for my help.
The principal of the college was trying to get me to do more and more so I would leave and be replaced with a tech on a lower grade.
He got he wish a few months later when I moved colleges to become a IT tech on more money. The college closed a couple of years later due to "financial irregularities".
I went to the head of art to ask what she wanted me to do. She informed me that she had not asked for my help.
The principal of the college was trying to get me to do more and more so I would leave and be replaced with a tech on a lower grade.
He got he wish a few months later when I moved colleges to become a IT tech on more money. The college closed a couple of years later due to "financial irregularities".
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STEMTech
Dave
I am the STEM technician - I look after the sciences, engineering, technology, textiles, food and maths. Luckily the only thing maths ask for is exam printing a few times a year.
Food - I check the fridges and other equipment for safe operation, count and sharpen knives etc, clean the ovens during the hols and deliver food orders and materials to the rooms.
Textiles involves ordering stock, maintaining the sewing machines and getting them serviced during the summer.
Engineering and technology is mostly ensuring the rooms, equipment, machines, forge, brazing hearth and casting crucible are safe, replacing sanding discs etc., sharpening, maintaining the soldering stations, cutting metals and other materials for the students to use, lasercutting kits for class projects, ordering stuff...
Occasionally if time permits I have helped the music dept, replacing strings and tuning instruments, fixing headphones, that sort of thing, but it's 'unofficial'.
But science is a big department and takes probably 75% of my time.
Food - I check the fridges and other equipment for safe operation, count and sharpen knives etc, clean the ovens during the hols and deliver food orders and materials to the rooms.
Textiles involves ordering stock, maintaining the sewing machines and getting them serviced during the summer.
Engineering and technology is mostly ensuring the rooms, equipment, machines, forge, brazing hearth and casting crucible are safe, replacing sanding discs etc., sharpening, maintaining the soldering stations, cutting metals and other materials for the students to use, lasercutting kits for class projects, ordering stuff...
Occasionally if time permits I have helped the music dept, replacing strings and tuning instruments, fixing headphones, that sort of thing, but it's 'unofficial'.
But science is a big department and takes probably 75% of my time.
I'm sure that money was "just resting in his account"?
Been most techs and DT is the least demanding, Physics next, Chemistry seems to be lots of responsibility and knowledge for a kitchen porter. IT cable pulling is fun and after that its "turn it off and on again" and then call an expert. Theatre tech, so easy. Mad rush for shows twice a year and the rest of the time the odd bit of PA work, DT is much more hands on with the "hard of thinking" needing to be protected from themselves and each other. Scary how few can put a nut on a bolt or even draw straight line with another at right angles. Lots of income for future tradesmen to help them at home.
Caveat: Not everybody is good at everything. I always ask the less engaged ones if they have any interest in the subject and then what they do enjoy. What ever we chose to support its likely to be a passion for us, but not for everyone. Those that can draw and "do" PE will get my admiration as I'm not great at either. Absolutely hated History at school. Bored. Boring. pointless. and yet now its becoming almost interesting.
Caveat: Not everybody is good at everything. I always ask the less engaged ones if they have any interest in the subject and then what they do enjoy. What ever we chose to support its likely to be a passion for us, but not for everyone. Those that can draw and "do" PE will get my admiration as I'm not great at either. Absolutely hated History at school. Bored. Boring. pointless. and yet now its becoming almost interesting.
I can only about deal with science... You got a hefty job description there. A jack of all trades.
Respect for keeping the lid on that lot. I do hope they pay you exceptionally well.
how on earth do you manage all of that ?? do you have a team of people that you oversee or are you on your own? is it a small school? my four form entry secondary school want me to take on DT as well and i am currently a lone science tech. not sure how to juggle it!
STEMTech
Dave
I'm on my own. I have got all the STEM teachers to use Lablogger to request materials etc. I just go where the demand is. It is hard work but doesn't seem so hard as I really enjoy it. We have 950ish students including the college. We do BTEC and A-Level.
I rely on the cooperation of teachers, to minimise the amount of clearing up after practicals, to be explicit in what they are requesting from me, and to accept that I'm not omni-present! The science and tech departments are at opposite ends of the school - a 40 acre site.
I should get a bicycle.