Schools are full of adult bullies

[Anon331]

That’s how I feel about my new school. I’m not an NQT, I’m an experienced teacher. I don’t know why I was hoping this would be different. I’m really disappointed as I just feel really down and slightly depressed. I just don’t understand how people in power can be so cold and non-self-aware of how they make teachers feel.

I've worked in a school like that, but there are schools out there where the management are made up of normal non-bullying human beings.

Was your previous school just as bad, or is it just this one?

Yes they are, and my main advice to any teacher is to get out if your head (the bully's boss) isn't an ally.
My school (primary) has a male bully and everyone is scared to stand up to him bar the head.
When he is throwing his weight around, I speak to my Head about it and she unflinchingly puts him back in his place and that's how it should be.
If the Head is a bully, you just need to get OUT!

Any workplace has adult bullies and some workplaces are worse than others.

Some schools seem to turn a blind eye to this sort of bullying and some SLTs lead the bullies by example.

One department I worked in had a horrible culture and high staff turnover. Lots of brilliant staff left and the HoD genuinely believed that people leaving couldn't manage HoD's high standards. The reality was they were excellent teachers who had enough of being micromanaged.

I agree. It’s depressing isn’t it? Seems to be getting SO common. Same shit....different school !!

Mines the same. All the slt best friends and bullies. In the last three years I've watched them hound 4 teachers into leaving. I am constantly looking for a new job right now.

phlebasconsidered
How awful, but not surprising.

I've seen a few SLTs bring their friends in and hound good staff out.

Not all but definitely some. Bullies pop up in all work places. 😢

I could've written this post myself. It makes the job so much more difficult,no matter how lovely the kids are. Cliques, gossips and nastiness do not make for any sort of positive working environment. Like the OP, I'm not an NQT. I've been teaching almost 28 years. I'm very good at what I do,I'm kind, positive, hard working but school life is hard due to a few unpleasant people.

And the jealousy!! Those pathetic creatures who have to be the most popular, receive the best Christmas haul, get the best exam results, and, man! if you dare do better, you'd better watch it.