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

How to manage difficult colleague?

3 replies

Coffeeandteach · 30/06/2020 20:42

Hi, I've just been made head of year at my and was really confident and excited about this. This was until I found out that the woman who made my NQT year hell, is going to be in my year group. I am now doubting my abilities and don't know how I am going to handle her and her outbursts.

This woman used to be a headteacher (before she worked at this school) and acts like she is still one by bossing everyone else around. She has zero manners and never says please or thank you. One time she told me and my year group partner off because we did not remind her to send home the maths homework (she knew when it was to go out) one time when a parent complained about something, she told them it wasn't her and blamed me! She would never stick to deadlines and her last manager got into trouble because of this. Her two year group partners this year (pre covid) went on sick leave and were very open that she was the reason why.

I would love some practical advice and tips on how to make the year run smoothly when there is someone very disruptive in the year group. It has been a long time since my NQT year and I am now a very confident teacher/woman but this woman makes me feel like a scared child and I am worried I am going to be in over my head.

OP posts:
Juiceey · 30/06/2020 21:19

Poor you, rotten situation. All I'll say is LOG EVERYTHING. No matter how minor. Write it all down.

PenOrPencil · 01/07/2020 21:06

I second the detailed paper trail. Clear tasks and targets so that you can hold her accountable. Keep your line manager in the loop from the start.

Two pronged approach: Don’t be passive aggressive, set a warm professional and supportive tone. If this woman used to be a head teacher there must be some past issues. Try being kind. But keep the paper trail as backup. Good luck!

Tea432 · 01/07/2020 22:39

Yes definitely log everything and follow up verbal conversations with email

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