SLT line manager is bullying.

[GottleOfGear]

I'm not SLT, a middle leader, nor do I have a TLR but an aspect of my job means that my direct line manager is SLT.
I do understand the pressure of leadership, I've been an HOD in two previous schools and previously held other TLR posts.

I've been in post since September.
Going into detail will out me, I've NC too.
To give you an idea this person makes a lot of mistakes and quick decisions that backfire then tries to blame me when things go wrong.
They make a decision, don't follow it through with the correct procedures.

I'm keeping a record of everything, my line manager communicates by email so I've got the evidence.
They have humiliated me by blaming me for their mistakes in front of other colleagues.
I've told their line manager today and wheels are being put into motion, I don't know what will happen next and I'm worried about it.
When I spoke to their line manager they weren't surprised and it's clear that this isn't the first time.

I could leave but even though there are plenty of jobs in my area and I teach a shortage subject I don't want to hop from job to job, I'd like to stay for a few years.
Aside from this I like the school, the job and it fits my life well.

If it's relevant, I'm secondary.
I'm beginning to wonder whether this is just how SLT are now?
Should I speak to my union? I'm wary of doing that in case it all spirals and in reality could make things worse.

I've got to the point again where I'm dreading going into work.
I'm concerned the situation will make me ill if something doesn't change.

I wouldnt make any big decisions about leaving etc just yet.

It sounds like this is a problem for that particular person and is probably well known about so you bringing it to their LM and a trail is probably very helpful to them. I would let them do their job, give them a few weeks and speak to them again to see if they have taken any action.

In the meantime keep logging everything. Id also be sure to calmly but confidently point out when you can that they are incorrectly blaming you. It doesnt have to be confrontational at all but will make you feel better but also make it clear to them that you wont take it.

It really sounds like the issue is just your LM, not even (at this stage) the wider SLT and its certainly not reflective of SLT generally (speaking as one and someone who was a ML for 10 years before).

I would wait and see how it resolves itself. Can you request a change in LM if it doesnt change?

This was me last year.

I have 25 years experience and was bullied by someone with half my experience. Both of us were new to the school.

I knew early in September that it wasn’t going to work, but it took me till December/January that I was actually being bullied. SMT were useless, giving mixed messages. They preferred my way of working, but had to support her as HOD (as if I didn’t count).

I resigned without a job to go to, and they announced that I was retiring. I am now HOD at another independent school so it has all worked out for me.

My advice is don’t let yourself be bullied, and have faith that you can get another job.

I was bullied for a whole academic year, but I coped with it by just getting on with the job. It is possible in teaching to be your own independent practitioner and just make it between you and your students. I say this looking back - it is not easy when you are in the thick of it.

The SLT person I discussed it with has said I will have a new line manger for the new year and this does seem to be correct as I was approached by a third member of SLT last week who said they had been asked to line manage me from January and they thought it was happening.

Thank you to both of you.

I'm glad it's not everywhere smurfy. Maybe I just need to bite the bullet and look for a new school for September.

Sucks, doesn't it Fffion?
I know there is plenty of work around though I'd rather stick it out for an academic year if I can as that looks better on references.

I will still log everything.
We break up on Thursday, it's going to be a long four days I fear.

If they’ve given you a new line manager they are at least taking things seriously. Keep logging things and make sure you raise issues with your new LM.

Definitely contact your union. Good luck.