Have I backstabbed someone or not?

[Mymadlife]

I've just started a new job as a teacher and my year leader is stressed, angry, unpleasant and frankly puts a negative spin on everything. The assistant head pucke duo on this from other teachers in my year group I'm so she called me in to her office to find out what I thought. I ended up telling her the truth about how she is always stressed out and can be quite unpleasant etc. The problem is that there was another person in that room and she was on the phone but I know she was listening to what I said. I'm now worried that this could all come back on me, what is this other teacher leaks it out to someone else and it ends up back to my year leader. I don't want to be a grass and I'm worried that everyone's going to think that I am. I wouldn't have said anything if the assistant had had not called me in the office. Do I go to the assistant head and tell her that I'm worried that it might get out or shall I just stay quiet and hopefully nothing will happen.....Please advise me as it is my new job and I'm really stressed out.

I wouldn't do anything unless you have definite proof the conversation has been leaked.

Having said that, it's clear it's worrying you, so you can also be prepared in case it is raised. Think about what you will say if the year leader brings it up. Think about what you will say if another staff member brings it up.

If it does come out, don't lie - you did say what you said. If you can, try and give specific examples and the effects - "when Year Lead did this, it made people feel that," and try and be positive yourself.

You were put on the spot a bit there. That was a bit of a sensitive thing and the head should have had the forethought to ensure no one else was within earshot.

However, did they say themselves in front of this other staff member that it was other people who had said something already? Because if so, then if the other staff member was going to say anything then pinning anything on you would be real nasty because you were only called in for some confirmation, you didn't make the complaint yourself.

I feel for you, I'd feel shit in this situation also. I hope it goes OK.