New job, bad decision, now what?

[Lizziewarmington]

New job in lovely little village school is not what I expected - it's supposed to be a promotion but have less not more responsibility. Problem is the head who is change averse, have always worked for brilliant heads- dynamic and on the ball and now faced with imminent OFSTED and a school that needs so much doing but with a huge block. Staff are great but fed up too. If we get RI ....? Have made huge mistake but now what? Advice please.

Well, maybe RI would be the kick up the backside the Head needs?

Worst case scenario do the year and move on. I think most people would forgive a Teacher for having a short stint at a school that didn't suit them on their CV.

Best case scenario develop some amazing leadership skills by 'managing' the Head into thinking it's her/his idea to do a better job!

Ime, if you get ri, the head won't be there long and then you get to be part of the team that turns it around. Could it be a positive?

Thank you. That's what i want to do, just tricky not to seem too critical when I'm the junior.

You can't be critical- you would have to find some other way to effect change. Very tricky!

That said when I joined my school last year my section was in a bit of a mess (not the rest of the school- that was great) and I did give the Head a leetle bit of a pep talk. It was quite effective. She's not change averse though!

True but it would be awful for him to leave that way and that's the last thing I want, actually feel sorry for the head who has devoted his life to the school. But that's not helping the children.

Therein lies your problem! The Head has been there for years- it's HIS school. No surprise he doesn't want change and no surprise he feels he's doing the best for the pupils.

RI might be the saviour of the school (and you.) Yes, it's hard on the Head, but this is the way of the world now.

I wish I'd seen this thread when it was started. I was in exactly the same position last year, new job, 'lovely' village school, turned out to be a bit of a nightmare. I would love to know where you are at now, op. I did a year in my new job, am going elsewhere in September but don't feel good about it at all. What became of you?