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The staffroom

Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

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Original poster

Imposter Syndrome

6 replies

Needtobuildabridge · 12/05/2020 13:08

Does anyone else feel like an imposter? I started at a new school in January and constantly feel that I've somehow conned my way in. I'm at the top of the pay scale, and so not a fresh-faced NQT either!
I don't think that SLT like me, which I have absolutely no evidence for. Working from home and trying to have discussions and convey meaning through emails isn't helping either when I'm still getting to grips with who does what!
Anyone else?

OP posts:

HaveAtEm · 12/05/2020 19:57

I do know what you mean OP. I used to feel like this (not so much now...I'm almost 30 years in the job) but for many years I did feel like you. Especially in certain schools where there were groups of teachers/TAs who were very close, which made the rest of us feel left out. I'm very lucky in my school now and there is a lovely community feel about it...I'll be here until I retire 🥰

💐 for you...you're not an imposter and the feeling will go away (mine did by about year 15 I think 😂)

mayaginger · 12/05/2020 20:10

Yes. Totally, at work and in just about everything else.

blueglassandfreesias · 12/05/2020 20:19

Yes. It’s a real dissonance and I don’t like it at all.
I just put it down to the fact that I’m not very compatible with my colleagues and hope to find a better match for me some day.
We all feel it. Don’t worry!

FinallyHere · 12/05/2020 20:37

The first time I ever opened up to a colleague about feeling like this was was gobsmacked to discover it was a 'thing' and a not uncommon one at that.

Now, I'm pretty sure anyone decent has these kind of thoughts. Except perhaps for the serious narcissists

All good.

bettybattenburg · 12/05/2020 20:48

I think it depends on the cause. If you learn as a child that you are inadequate at home, school or both then imposter syndrome is pretty much a lifelong given.

PumpkinPie2016 · 13/05/2020 07:26

I have suffered with imposter syndrome. I started a new school 4 years ago and for ages felt like I somehow wasn't good enough. Like you, I had absolutely no evidence for this. I hadn't been treated well in my previous job and I think my confidence was rock bottom.

I eventually told my HoD who was shocked that I felt that way! It took time, but I did gain more confidence and two promotions later I finally feel more secure. I still have moments though -I think everyone does!

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