Feel like I'm being set up as a scapegoat.. Should I resign 6 weeks from the end of my contract?

[fancyanotherfez]

I work as a teacher in an FE college. The department that I currently work in brings in lots of money, but is administered appallingly. The management are bullying and money driven. Three of my colleagues have resigned in the past year.

After one resignation, I took over at short notice and with virtually no handover. I had never taught on this particular qualification before. I had lots on my plate already and expected just to teach the course. I have slowly been expected to do lots of other things. I have just been told I have an observation, with one days notice. I have a feeling that rhey are looking for an excuse to shaft me, and blame me for all the problems with the course. The observation policy at the college does not allow them to do this. I asked for it to be postponed because I had marking and reports to write and was told that the observation had priority. I am on a yearly contract which runs out in 6 weeks, but I feel like handing in my notice, even though I have to give 4 weeks notice just so that I can make the point that I feel I am being intimidated and bullied. I'm worried that 15 years of trouble free employment is going to go down the pan because of 6 month in a terrible job

Difficult one. You sound like you have been 'dropped in it' and need to definitively get out. But despite your situation I (don't forget it's only my thoughts..).would stick it out, grin and bear it and just think that in the long term picture it is a small time scale. Be extra nice to any degree possible and get your reference. It's all so wrong but have a good long think this weekend. Good luck.

If the observation policy doesn't allow them to do it then say you won't allow it without proper notice?

Or call in sick?

Definitely speak to your union.

Stupidly I was so annoyed I barely planned the observation and had terrible paperwork so have give n them ammunition. I then told them I felt I was being stitched up and I didn't care if they sacked me! I think im going to have to write this year off and just tell future employers I had a difficult time but I've learnt from my mistakes. Unfortunately my mistakes involved agreeing to management demands amd overcommitting myself !

Stupidly I was so annoyed I barely planned the observation and had terrible paperwork so have give n them ammunition. I then told them I felt I was being stitched up and I didn't care if they sacked me! I think im going to have to write this year off and just tell future employers I had a difficult time but I've learnt from my mistakes. Unfortunately my mistakes involved agreeing to management demands amd overcommitting myself !

Presumably there could be a variety of reasons for carrying out the observation. Even if there was an attempt to stitch you up, the high turnover, and no doubt plenty of other information, would suggest endemic problems within the department. It would be difficult to pin the issues on one person.

I think you should stay to the end of your contract. If there are any adverse outcomes, you can explain the situation to prospective employers. Rather than thinking that '15 years of trouble free employment is going to go down the pan', your 15 year record should stand you in good stead for future employment.

Thanks fascile I hope so! I have already had some shoots of maybe a new direction I could take, so fingers crossed!