Anyone resigned from their TLR?

[Irishgene]

I cant handle it anymore. I have a few personal issues that are massively taking up time in my life, time and energy that I used to put into being a head of department. I'm letting my department staff down and just csnt do my normal teaching job as well as the HOD stuff.

The stress involved on top of the workload fills me with dread regularly.

I'm head of a department that contains a few subjects but I'm the only teacher that teaches my subject and non of the other staff will/can do the TLR aspect. Therefore, the school would need to hire another teacher within the department to replace the TLR aspect.....but that's the problem. I need another member of staff with my subject, it just being me with no one else is part of the problem (it's a practical subject so it's quite demanding for lesson resources etc). I'd happily do 4 days instead of 5 if neefed and dropping the TLR would only be a drop of £160 so well worth it.

Has anyone handed in their TLR and could give me any advise please? I just need to invest in myself and not my career for once.

[juliej00ls]

I have stepped down from TLR once. Best thing I did. So that the school can plan let them know in plenty of time. I had a conversation with my head around Easter for a September change. Don’t be over emotional or over share. Work life balance is not right and I wish to spend more time with my family. I’m telling you early so you can plan. Give the school enough time to plan for the change. Be happy with your decision that will bring positivities.. You may still be made to do some of the tlr stuff for your subject but compared to being a HOD and managing others it will not be as stressful. Good luck

[Jaffapaffa]

Yes, I stepped down as Head of Faculty earlier this year after nearly 20 years in the role . Put yourself first and keep your letter and discussions with everyone at work as neutral and non-committal as possible.
It's not been as easy as I thought it would be, but it's getting better.
My mental health is so much better - I sleep well, have time for friends. And my teaching is back where it should be.

[fartingrainbows]

Yes, although a different scenario as I teach Primary. I came back off mat leave, the school had changed beyond all recognition, then we had an awful OFSTED then my baby got seriously ill. I got to the point where I just couldn't do it any more. It was a great move for me. I formally resigned and worked my notice. Went back to mainscale teaching and did much better. Go for it, if you feel that will impact on you positively.

[PinkSparklyUnicorn]

I was wondering the same thing. I find it heartbreaking because for me, it feels like a step back: all this hard work, commitment and experience to move up the career ladder and get better financially, to then realising that work life balance is inexistent and I ve been signing my life away to the detriment of my kids, my partner and my health. The thing is, I am not even sure to get some form of work life balance back just as a teacher...

[olivo]

I dropped my middle leader responsibility but knew I wouldn't be able to stay where I was and step away, so I changed schools. My mental and physical health are so much better, I have more time for my children and I love being a teacher again.

I gave over a term's notice so they could get someone else. I don't know how it works if you still work there, but good luck, it is a wise move.

[MsJaneAusten]

Did you apply for the job with the TLR, or get the TLR later? I've known people resign TLRs when there have been others in the department to pick them up, but when a HOD I used to work with tried to resign his, the head wouldn't let him; it was 'resign it all' or 'keep it all'. It sounds like noone in your department wants it, so the school might not allow you to drop the TLR, but keep the teaching job. It might be worth checking your contract and speaking to your union before you try to resign the TLR.

[MsJaneAusten]

(Oh, but I stopped being a HOD last year and it was the best decision I've ever made!)

[sarahC40]

Stopped being head of year after a serious issue with family. Head avoided me for a while because he didn’t want to address me resigning. However, I had two tlr positions and only resigned the ridiculously time consuming one. I had two hours a week for that and in my worst week, it consumed 19 hours. Not worth it. HoY now have 3000 a year more for the same post and more hours.

[LolaSmiles]

MsJaneAusten
I was going to say similar.
The whole post is a teacher + TLR / HOD so the staffing and timetable is done around that post existing.
If someone wants to drop a TLR then there often needs to be someone else internally who can pick up the TLR to make it like for like, otherwise the school has to look at over staffing a department and paying 2 salaries when there's no timetable need for it.

I second union advice before making any formal moves or requests

[Shadowboy]

I’ve just posted this same question- interesting to see I’m not the only one who wants to do this!

[Irishgene]

Hi everyone, thanks for all your responses. I think I'm going to give it until Christmas but I know my mind is made up. SLT are generally very supportive so I'm hoping it will work out!

[Yourownpersonaljesus]

Sorry I don't have advice as I can't afford to give up mine but a friend did and doesn't regret it one bit. She does a bit of tutoring to make up her money. Good luck with whatever you do.

[grafittiartist]

Would they split it, so you retain head of your subject, and are under the umbrella of a new head of dept?
Like, head of food, within a d+t dept for example?