They have won. I have been bullied out.

[Downbutnotoutyet]

My title says it all. After three decades of sacrifice and dedication the bullies have won. I have left. But that still isn’t good enough for them. Now they are spreading the most horrendous lies about me. I have done everything I have ever been asked to do I have gone above and beyond every single day. I could not have done or given any more than I have and it still wasn’t good enough. I am beyond devastated at having to leave my career. I feel like my whole identity has gone. Now I find I have lost my reputation too and my name is in tatters. I am nearly sixty, alone and have nothing. My purpose is gone, along with my confidence and self-esteem. I just don’t know what I did to deserve this nor how I move forward. I didn’t realise I was so hated. It is going to be hard to survive this.

I’m sorry this sounds awful. Is it new management or an academy takeover?
Did you get Union support? Sounds like you are better off out of the situation longer term.
What a terrible end to your career. Were you planning on retirement or would you consider a related role?
Have you got family and friends to support you?

I’m sorry you’re feeling this way. I hope you had union advice? If lies are being spread then you can fight this and submit a request under freedom of information I think? It seems that teachers over 50 have a target on them. I hope that you have support irl - Exit the classroom Facebook group is a really good place for support if you haven’t already joined. Much love and strength to you x

No support sadly. Union are useless, no surprise there. I actually feel like I am grieving which sounds ridiculous. Thank you both for taking the time to reply. I was t going to retire but now have no choice. That has ruined all my future plans as pension is impacted. I loved the job and I know parents and children respected me, just not management unfortunately.

You’ve every right to feel like that. In time hopefully you can reflect on the impact you’ve had and the difference that you have made over the years to pupils and families.

It says nothing about you and everything about them.

Sit in a cafe with a lovely coffee and pastry and write a series of handwritten letters, addressed to each of the people involved in the bullying and its impact on you over time and how you are feeling, make copies and send them to the local newspaper/ social media and share on the school’s Facebook page.

Make sure the head of governors/ CEO/ Ofsted know what has happened to you.

Sending you all the love and I’m so sorry that your amazing contribution to society over decades had ended in this way. Thank you for raising the children of today, what you have done and your enormous commitment is of huge value and it’s not on you that our leaders don’t give a shit about education.

Try not to take it personally. People behave in very disappointing ways when operating in a toxic, scarce system.