Undermined at work-what to do

[Allaboutyou222]

It’s almost 2 am and I’m wide awake, grappling with a work issue. I believe a colleague’s actions undermined me. I’m a teacher and a student complained about something I did. Rather than talk to me about it and get my side of the story she acquiesced to them. There is no grounds to the complaint. Even if there was, the way she’s handled it is poor. This person isn’t even my manager although she has a school leadership role.

I’m so angry. I could escalate it but tbh this would serve no purpose. The damage is done. I’ve sent this colleague an e mail expressing my dissatisfaction at the way the matter had been handled. I want it on record. think I will just have to move on. She’s made me look a fool with that student and I have nowhere to go with it.
My line manager is useless in any event so no point in going to him.

How can I move on? I don’t feel I can be civil to this person.

Can you take it up with the college the student studies at? Surely there is a process they need to follow.

You need to raise it with higher than line manager (if you think they won’t deal with it) to protect yourself. Go to HR to log it if necessary. My advice is not to email the colleague directly again in relation to this issue.

It’s a lesson learnt. Watch your back, be civil, move on.

@Justilou1

Can you take it up with the college the student studies at? Surely there is a process they need to follow.

Sorry I work in the college. It’s a FE college. Should have been clearer.

@Jamboree01

It’s a lesson learnt. Watch your back, be civil, move on.

I think ‘watch my back’ is exactly what I need to do. Horrible to think colleagues will sell you down the river to appease students. I’m fuming but escalation will serve no purpose. I sent her the e mail as a form of insurance in case she escalated it.

I do have to live on but I won’t forget how this colleague has treated me. Karma is real.