How to cope when your hod is a -complete bitch- not very nice

[Igglepiggleisblue]

I started on a maternity leave cover in January with said school. My hod has been nothing but cold and distant since I started. She is very unapproachable and has no people management skills. Whenever she talks to me she makes me feel like a tremouring nqt. I have behaviour problems with one of my year 9 classes. They are very low ability and mainly SEN with behavioural issues. She has now taken it upon herself to scrutinise every lesson I teach to this class, before, during and after the lesson. Part of me just wants to tell her to screw off but the the other part of me is making me act all humble and needy in front of her. She is making me feel physically sick when-ever I see her. Through speaking to other staff members it has very slowly evolved that they all have a problem with her. AIBU not to want to continue working in this environment?

Why are u letting her scrutinise every class you teach to that group, does she actually attend part/all of those classes? If so, speak to your u ion rep as there's guidelines re classroom observation.
She's a control freak

I really don't know how some people become HODs.

I had this at one school - in hindsight I should have left at the earliest opportunity. She just got worse and worse until I eventually had to leave, or have a nervous breakdown. The only other thing I thought I could have done was complain to the Head BUT the Head thought she was great, so not sure that would have got me very far.

This is tough, I had it nqt year...I would suggest making notes of meetings, how often, how long, what is said...would that make her realise how she is being?? It would at least be a record for you if you need to take this to SLT/union? Or speak to someone else in school (SLT in charge of T&L should be able to suggest ideas for the class / someone to help) then you could shut down HOD? honestly though, just keep contact to minimum and professional at all times - i can't believe she has time to do all this!

I have had a similar experience. It is horrible, particularly when you know they are trying to make things so unpleasant to try and get you to leave. Other people have had issues with this person, but nobody ever says anything so they continue to get away with appalling behaviour.

I suppose at least with Maternity cover it is temporary? It's unfair that you are being subjected to this if only temporary. Sorry not much help but lots of sympathy.

Thank you so much for your replies, things have not got any better since my original post. I'm counting down the days left...