What to do...

[donttalktomeaboutcarinsurance]

How do you deal with SLT and a head who enjoy micromanaging?
I've only ever been a good or outstanding teacher and I'm becoming increasingly distressed that I am being made to feel less than.
I always feel like they are trying to catch me out, so I always feel very defensive when the conversation topic turns and so then the experience becomes rather negative.
In the seven weeks I have had my new class, I've been getting to know them, developing working relationships, understanding their ECHPs to meet their individual needs (I'm in a SEN school) and base lining them.
I wish they would take a step back, give me some room the breathe so that I can take ownership of my choices and help my class to flourish.
I feel so disheartened. Does anyone have any advice? I'm happy to give more details (as long as it doesn't out me!)

Anyone? I'm dreading going into work tomorrow.

Are you new? Perhaps they just want to check you're getting on OK?

What kind of things are they doing?

I had a head who micromanaged like that..i lasted one term!

@teachermaths No, I've been there 7 years (this is my 4th as a teacher) I returned from Mat leave in Dec.

Things like asking my to justify an activity as they didn't think it was appropriate but this was in the middle of my Performance management meeting (it was cutting out to develop fine motor skills. On all their ECHP's, fine motor skills needs lots of developing and rehearsing. It was a warm up activity which matched the theme of the lesson and was on topic. It was a five minute activity designed to help them warm up their fingers to move on to a writing activity.)
It was just fired at me out fo the blue after they asked me how the year had gone.

Meetings scheduled for that day with no prior warning and no agenda given.

I don't think they understand the profile of the children and believe that quantity equals brightness. They are a bright group but so anxious and need time to settle etc

Oh that sounds pretty invasive and unprofessional with your performance management meeting.

Is getting out an option?

You apply for other jobs

It is this lack of autonomy and lack of professional trst and space to be allowed to make your own judgements and decisions that has driven so many great teachers out from the classroom unfortunately, and s one of the reasons I wouldn't encourage anyone to start what ought to be a fantastic job.