Don’t know why I want to talk about this but I just do

[Upacrosstheworld]

I had a really weird and tbh downright horrendous experience about a year and a half ago.

I started a new post, middle management, not my first MM post. I was interviewed by two members of SLT but not the head which I did find a bit odd as core subject but didn’t overthink it. I was offered the post on the phone.

Anyway, once I started I was told all new staff had a mentoring programme, it wasn’t critical in the slightest, it was purely so that new staff were supported. I thought it was a good idea (what a twat.)

I had a full on TT, six periods a day, so a lot of planning and marking. Then I’d been there two weeks and it transpired they hadn’t sent for references from previous school or my DBS. I couldn’t teach unsupervised so had to teach in the middle of the hall. My ‘feedback’ from my mentor was unsurprisingly bad.

Then when I’d been there five weeks I was asked in a friendly way to go to a meeting with the HT to chat about my DBS. No problem. Except the meeting was like an ambush. Why was there a different name on my passport. Why did I have more than one address. It was honestly the most hostile and aggressive meeting I’ve ever been in. I felt like I was on trial. The chair of governors was there and kept scoffing and making sarcastic comments.

I resigned. Originally for Easter but they pretty much told me to fuck off there and then.

I managed to get a temp contract (although I absolutely loathed it) for the duration of the year (2020) though only did 6 weeks as things worked out with lockdowns and so on.

I’m glad I don’t work there but I feel a bit vulnerable still in that it was so easy to get rid of me.

That sounds horrendous

WTF at them questioning a different name -have they never heard of people getting married before ditto more than one address - people move house all the time

The school sounds extremely poorly run if they appoint people without taking up references and applying for DBS.

I'd say you had a bloody lucky escape (though I appreciate it may not feel that way).

You teach a core subject so you will get a job - you've had a temporary one already.

Do you have a post for September?

Yeah I’ve a new (permanent) one sorted for September. And actually in a roundabout way it was the best thing that could have happened to me because I’ve made massive changes in my personal life. So much much happier.

But it does just scare me a bit how easy it is to get rid of a teacher … don’t know if I’ll ever feel ‘safe’ really.

That sounds utterly appalling

Great news that you have a new job for September! Congratulations

It will probably take a while to fully trust a new school but hopefully you'll get there.

I had a rough time at my previous place (though nothing at all like what you describe!) And when I started my current school, it did take a while for me to feel 'settled' but it came eventually.