Hi BabyQ – I have been reading your posts regarding your teaching position. It sounds really awful and by the sound of it you wouldn’t enjoy working there regardless. They have treated you with little compassion or support. It is disappointing that the union were unable to better assist.
If I were you I would try to see what else is out there. I don’t think this is typical of schools (although I am not a teacher!). Hopefully this experience helps you identify what you don’t want to see as qualities in a school / principal for future employment. In my opinion the principal creates or allows the culture of a school to develop. So your principal, by allowing bullying, not supporting you or even inducting you properly has allowed a certain culture to be part of the school. When you look for another school, keep this in mind.
As far as letting them know about how you feel about the situation, personally I would write a letter to get it all clear in your head first. Last year I left a job that I was very passionate about, partly because of the culture of the organisation and I wanted them to know exactly why I was leaving and have a think about the potential for other good staff to leave for similar reasons (although I can’t say it has worked – the place is leaking like a sieve with people ready to get out – LOL!). However, it did make me feel happier that I had clarified the issues in my mind and made them clear to the regional manager.
As I said, I first wrote a letter to him to clarify in my mind why I felt so awful about the job. Then I made an appointment time to discuss with the manager why I was leaving. We did this fairly casually over a coffee. I made sure I had the letter with me (not only to help me out, but this guy is notorious for missing meetings, having them late, needing to leave early etc.). Having the letter there and in concise paragraphs of the issues I wanted to address meant that I could bring up each point rationally with him. And to my surprise he really listened! He added comments where he knew there were issues and also showed surprise when he wasn’t aware of certain things. So I definitely felt very understood (unfortunately for the organisation, it sounded as though very little was actually done about things, though, but that’s their problem). I then left the letter with him, which went into more detail.
I guess, think about whether this is a way you would want to go, but it certainly felt good for me to be heard on this. And the least they can do is be appreciative that someone actually cares enough about their job and the school to come in and make an effort to do this. Good luck!
Star has made some great suggestions! I can get off track and emotional so I like to use email (partly as I am also a bit paranoid and like to have a record of discussions regarding changes of condition etc). Depends onwhat you are comfortable with and what is common practice. A simple and factual explanation of what occurred and why you are disappointed is probably best. Keep it concise and to the point. At least you will feel like you have stood up for yourself too. xx
Ok, wow. First, thanks so much to everyone for their support. After I read Star's message it gave me the little oomph I needed, so I went away and started drafting my letter. I basically said thanks very much for keeping me in mind when you were looking for someone, however i felt very unappreciated and undervalued by their actions. I also said I would appreciate it if they kept me in mind for short term replacement work and left it at that....
I had started going into detail and it got waaaay out of the short succinct point I really wanted to make. So when and IF they call (knowing them they will probably have forgotten about me by Wednesday!) I'll be sure to let them know what has been pointed out by you all that I didn't even realise- with the huge turnover they see at the school every year it might be worth their while to acknowledge the few people that care enough about their job to make an effort to be accommodating to their needs.
Thank you again everyone, you've given me the push I've needed for about 3.5 years now to seek employment where I am appreciated
I receive an email this morning saying they were anxious to hire someone and well, I'll just post the rest
"tried to find out whether you were available, ringing you and emailing you. Unfortunately X couldn't get in touch with you. I'm sorry for the mix up, but when you didn't response to X phone calls etc we moved on to the next plan"
WTF?!?!?!?!?!?!! ...I waited around for the phone call on Friday which didn't come by the time they said they'd give me a call..but had my mobile on me (which they seemed to remember the number for when they needed me desperately earlier that day)
and by the time i got home that night everyone would've gone home! So as i said before i called monday twice and didn't get a response so called back tuesday...
SO NOW it's MY FAULT ...or am I reading this incorrectly? LOL this is just fantastic....glad to see their true colours ...just sorry it took so long..
Argh how frustrating! Some people never accept responsibility for their actions etc.
My first reaction would be to point out that you made contact, were available BUT I really doubt that you will get the response you deserve and want (given the history etc). So I would get out there and find the perfect job knowing that you have given it your best and couldn't have done anymore. It really sounds like their loss and that you may be much better off elsewhere. xxxx
Registered User
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks