Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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.

At breaking point with TA bully

2 replies

Fiftysome · 21/11/2023 21:38

Writing here in desperation. Having enjoyed a happy few decades of working life, I switched to a teaching career quite recently, and have loved working at my current school for the past 3 years. My previous TA was a delight to work with, and we had a great working relationship. This year however, has been an absoulte hell. The TA constantly undermines me in front of the children, appears to have rapid mood swings from one day or one hour to the next, so often shouts at the children in an inappropriate way, and when I try to speak with her about this, she shouts at me too. When I try to raise this with SLT, I am basically being told I am not managing things properly, and am told this in front of the the TA, as they will not speak with me alone. This has only fuelled her apparent euphoria with feeling in control, while I am literally at breaking point. I cannot go on with this, and cannot contemplate returning to school tomorrow. I have not been sleeping, feel dreadfully unwell and cannot go on. I don't feel my position is tenable, but don't know what I should do.
Just reaching out for some advice...thank you.

OP posts:
PrimaryTeacher123 · 21/11/2023 23:01

I sympathise and this is a very stressful situation. I have worked with one or two personalities like this too. What a weak and ineffective SLT!

I would in the first instance take charge of your TA, be confident and don't allow her to think she has control over you. Instruct her to work with a group of children as often as you can (keep her busy) and get her out of your hair if you can. Give her a lesson plan, some instructions, and "pretend" that you value, need her help. "I really need your help. You're great at.... can you take out these children to boost their reading". As bizarre as it sounds, a reverse psychology approach, might settle her apparent need for control. Keep your enemies closer as they say. I would also try giving her responsibility of something (a reading group, a times tables group) to keep her busy, and she might feel less of a need to try to take control as she has some control in the classroom as you have given her groups etc but there is a subtle message in that YOU have actioned this, as you're in charge!

Then if all else fails and I know that there are people who are just totally impossible, I would contact your union, you can do this by email if you want to, and see what they advise. I would hazard a guess that they will support you by stating that this "bullying" behaviour is not acceptable and will intervene if necessary. In the meantime, I would arrange to meet with SLT, again by email, (emails are evidence!) and explain that you are so worried about this that you have contacted your union for advice. This might worry them and may force them to act. I would also be documenting her behaviour.

It's difficult I know, I've been there.

Automaticforthepeople · 24/11/2023 18:36

Really sorry to hear what you are going through OP. Totally unacceptable response from SLT, particularly in front of the TA. There’s no way that you should have to put up with this.

It might be worth contacting the Education Support helpline:

www.educationsupport.org.uk/get-help/help-for-you/helpline/

New posts on this thread. Refresh page