Bullying head of dept?

[Catseyesgrey]

I am fairly new to a school as a supply history teacher. Everytime I mention pupil behaviour or difficult classes I am presented with a barage of things I need to do. There is no support from the Head of Dept.

Even if I dont bring it up he goes on about it especially when its just the two of us. He refuses to take any pupils and I have that in writing.
He is very kind and friendly but I feel attacked.
Couvert narcissism? I just need small bit of back up especially one class.

What things is he telling you to do?

Just basic stuff I know. Like plan your lessons well, circulate the room. sort of stuff you would tell a NQT Patronising at best.

I think with behaviour I would be expecting more support from the pastoral team rather than the Head of Department. If you're supply is he not providing you with the lessons? Surely he should be supporting with the planning as he would want consistency of experience across year groups.

If he's on his PPA time I'd expect a little drop in maybe, but other than that - I'm not really sure what he can do.

I would also only involve others after I'd made phone calls home and adjusted my lessons for the child and done everything I could. I also think if you're supply, how much supply have they had already as this might colour their behaviour throughout.

I have found many people actually don't know how to support with behaviour - as maybe he doesn't know how to do it himself?? Maybe he's just simply out of ideas!

Supply? Remember - you can walk away. I rarely do but this situation won’t get any better.

In the meantime… he’s unsupportive but it’s you and them. What’s in the school behaviour policy? If it’s refer to HoD , get out. It’s obviously not gonna happen.

Pick 1 or 2 battles. Concentrate on those and your lesson planning in case it all gets nasty.

Not a pleasant situation to be in. I stuck things out once in a similar school. School got rid of me on a day I called senior staff in. They did nothing after responding to only the first call out . (And I hadn’t used call out before). A fight broke out in my room. They didn’t respond to that call out until pupils parents rang school that evening . Pupils had got message loud and clear I was on my own.

Yes to HoD. He sends me emails saying how to improve but not how he can support. I sent an email saying I want practical support. Was told not allowed to call or send pupils anyway. Union involved so at least got support. Cant walk permanent supply there till June.

It is unacceptable and seems very short sighted that they don't wish to support you. Says everything you need to know. Get out as quickly as you can.