To go back on a job I've already accepted?

[Faffandahalf]

I accepted a TLR post (A responsibility for a subject key stage) at my school. No one else was going to go for it and I had to be convinced by my HOF and colleagues. It's been 15 years since I've held a post as I went PT but I felt a desire to do something different and love teaching this key stage and everything that goes along with it.

However, I have had to compromise on so much. The pay is pro rata which I wasn't expecting. I'm planning on doing the full time post in 3 days I felt I should be renumerated as such. Nope.

On advice of my HOF and colleagues who were outraged on my behalf, I went back and said well I felt there should be an udnerstanding that on PT pr rata pay I won't fulfil all duties of the position. Fine but won't be included as an addendum anywhere to protect me in future from accountability. HOF is temporary and Head is leaving in September.

I agreed to change one of my working days to attend specific meetings. But the days I've got back have been shifted around so it means my week is really bitty. I work on a 2 week timetable. One week I'm off 3 days in a row which makes such a difference with kids and school and clubs. This won't be possible any more. I'll be doing a day on and then off and then on again. So annoying.

I've already accepted the position and waiting on an official letter, but I feel like reneging and saying sorry, it turns out this doesn't really work for me.
How awful would that be? I'm a long serving member of the school...almost 20 years and I agreed to doing the interviews and doing the post because they needed me so badly...I'm not interested in career progression at this stage. DH thinks I'm making my life unnecessarily hard. I was looking forward to being in charge of the subject key stage and putting my stamp on things but now I feel like I cant be arsed. It would be seen as very unprofessional. I haven't signed a new contract.

I'm not a teacher, and I'm not in the UK, so I don't get a lot of what you've said, however what if I understand it correctly they're expecting you to do a full time job in 3 days, paid 60% of the salary, but 100% of the duties?
I think you're right to pull out. Companies want blood from a stone these days!
Is there a reason no one else went for the job?

You applied but the finer details that you didn't know at the time don't work for you. I'd say unless you can do xyz, I'm not doing it.

Yes that's basically it. Apparently the norm in a lot of schools to be paid pro rata including mine but I (and my department) had no clue that would be the case.
I accepted even after this knowing it was a job that needed doing and I could do it well. The dept really needs me to step up for it.

Reason whys no one else did: combination of other PT teachers, Teachers already have posts, teachers too new to the profession to take it on.

But now, they have added this thing about my days that I can work and it's turning out to be more hassle than it's worth. It will make me look really bad.

No way. Say sorry but when you read the fine print you would be working for free and messing your life up, for what. Don’t do it.

It seems to be the norm for schools which is shocking really. It will be very poor form to go back and say no.

Can you actually do 100% of the responsibilities in only 3 days without it impacting your main teaching responsibilities?

I don't know any part timers with TLR getting 100% of the TLR but only working part time. Sorry but I think that's a bit mad.

The other points though, around the timetabling etc, are perfectly valid. If the hours just don't work for you you don't need to accept the role.

What reasons do such bad pay terms and working schedule appeal to you, OP?

The problem is I have accepted already.

Why? Because we need someone to do the post, because I wanted to do something more stimulating and challenge myself, because I think I would enjoy the role, because I feel stuck in a rut after 20 years of teaching.

Also because from looking at teacher forums it seems pro rata pay for TLR is the norm.

But now I feel so conflicted. Pulling out is extremely unprofessional. I’ve never heard of anyone who has done that.
At the same time I feel stressed about what I have let myself in for.

if they change the days to what I want , I would give it a go but it’s basically for peanuts. Like travel costs and a couple of coffees!

This is just what education is like.

Allowing PT staff to do a responsibility post is also new. Like just in the last two years.
When I had my first child a decade ago I had to give up my TLR responsibility as did most women who came back after having kids and going PT. It stunted all our career progression.

So I feel it’s a step forward to allow PT staff to apply for a role. I just wish we didn’t get screwed over with the pay.