I’ve been a Head of Department for nearly a year. I’ve enjoyed the curriculum side of my role and trying to support others, but lately it’s felt like I’m constantly firefighting and the workload is getting heavier and heavier.
Today, I spoke to a school about a Lead Practitioner role. It sounds appealing because, obviously, there is no people-management headache when staff start to become frustrated or resistant. However, and this is a huge caveat, I’m not sure how I feel about it or whether it’s almost a step down. The pay is very good, but of course the workload would still be demanding.
My eventual goal is Assistant Headteacher, and I’ve even contemplated stepping down when my manager returns, just to get some breathing space. That, however, feels tied to the wider issue of a toxic culture.
I’m really unsure what to do.