Teacher leaving due to bullying SLT

[Teachergoing]

I just want to tell people. I have no one to tell.

SLT have been very sneakiky bringing me down over the last few years, and finally I've cracked.
A member of SLT was rude, shouted at me and just generally unprofessional. They blamed me for something they had never told me not to do (something pretty minute with little effect on anything).
I complained about the manner of SLT and was basically told it was all my fault, that I misread the situation because of 'how my brain works' (they know I'm autistic).They invented witnesses and made up stuff.

There's nothing I can do. I can't see how my union could help here. They have 'witnesses' and all SLT just defend each other and back each other up.

So, as I can't imagine working for these people any longer, I'm going to leave ... I will miss the children and my TAs desperately but I cannot stay somewhere I feel has put a target on my head.

I will not be applying for any other teaching jobs. Maybe a TA in the future when I've recovered from this, as currently I'm all over the place.

There, thanks for reading. Just wanted that off my chest.

I'm sorry this happened. I would chat to your union just to discuss your options.

I am so sorry. I hope you find something where you are treated properly. I am an ex LSA myself so I know it’s possible to thrive after leaving education!

I'm sorry. This is a very common story unfortunately. There's no winning when the SLT are like this. Best to get out asap with your mental health intact. I wish I had left sooner. Took me a long time to get over the bullying. I've never gone back to teaching and never will. Hope you're ok.

Sounds awful my sister went through something similar, she was managed out because she was the longest serving staff member and therefore very expensive
Fortunately she's found a role in early help that have utilised her transferable skills, she's taken a pay cut buy is a lot happier

Oh @Teachergoing you have all my sympathy. It's a horrible situation to be in. If it's any comfort, I left teaching 8 years ago. I had taught for 30 years had never wanted to do anything else and it felt like the end of the world. 8 years on I am really happy, so much more relaxed and enjoying my new life.

I'm SO sorry to hear this OP, no one deserves to be treated like this, and losing yet another teacher from our education system, because of bullying, just seems incredibly wrong to me. I hope that you are able to find another job that you can enjoy, and receive the respect that you deserve. Sending a hug your way.

I've been there. I'm so sorry you've had to go through this.

Who are the SLT?

If they're so desperate to get you out, your union will be able to advise you how best to go

As an experienced teacher you will have a lot of transferable skills ,when you are feeling up to it you should think about them and other roles that you could fill.

Senior Leadership Team

Senior leadership team >I think?

Sorry to hear this OP. Sadly all too common it happened to me with a new HT and also several other people I know.

Please speak to your union anyway.

This was me a year ago. And my friend the year before they. And two other colleagues this year.

It's very common.

Get out. I'm so glad I did.

Don't go leaving straight away - go sick with work related stress as your reason - take some time to gather your thoughts before you leave

Thank you all. Your kind messages are very reassuring to read tonight.

I will probably end up going on sick leave and then leaving. I do want a good reference for wherever I end up, so need to leave on decent terms.

Yes, this is what I'm planning to do. I've read many threads on Mumsnet about this over the last few years and I never thought it would happen to me, but they always say take sick leave first.

But what can they do? The situation can't be helped :(

My sister did the same she had 25 years experience as a teacher and was treated terribly but as I said has found a role in the council as early help ,you might not think it now but you will have loads of transferable skill, s to use in a different role 0

Of course it can. It is absolutely unacceptable for you to be shouted out by SLT. But the union can't help unless you ask.

Too common in teaching, I wouldn't go back to it in a school setting. Could you set up tutoring business?

Your union may support you in going for Constructive Dismissal. That can be when you resign because of your employer bullying you or breaking their contract with you. You would end up being compensated if the case is won. Please write down what has happened to you clearly and contact your union.

@MrsHamlet and @Sillysoggysheep

But what about the 'witnesses'. No one will believe that I was shouted at. It was myself and a member of SLT alone in a classroom and these witnesses apparently walked past (I was watching the door and didn't see anyone pass).
It's my word against hers and SLT have gone with her version.

Is there anyone else that they’ve been treating badly?

I don’t know what your union can do, but if you don’t ask them, you’ll never know. I bet they hear lots of stories like yours (which in itself is awful).

Please look after yourself though 🌷