Totally replaceable

[Musicalmistress]

It's true what they say to focus on your family cos at work you're totally replaceable.
I've been off school unwell with long covid for over 4 months and have had next to know contact with senior management. I've just checked my emails before my 1st morning of phased return tomo & 2 things jumped out at me:
1 - despite my job not being class committed I've been timetables to cover 2 very boisterous classes tomo. Im really not sure how I'll cope with the return, never mind covering classes. If I was class committed I wouldn't be retuning just now.
2 - A colleague who has been off for a few weeks has been sent 'get well soon' flowers from the school. I haven't had so much as a check in phone call whilst I've been off.
I was anxious already about returning & now I just feel like nobody even cares that I've been so unwell or that returning will be a difficult, slow process for me & I know if I spoke to my doctor they'd sign me off again. Just feeling really deflated today.

I think that returning to work in teaching is difficult. Phased return or not unless you spell out what you can and can't do it is assumed you will resume regular duties. When I went back after a relatively long absence, I was struck by how busy and full on it was straight away. If you are not ready to teach then you need to say this. After tomorrow, have a frank conversation about what duties you think you will be able to do and what you can't do.