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Was hoping someone could help me. I have changed this post slightly as I'm quite fearful of someone I know reading this.
My school is becoming an increasingly hostile environment. My HoD is very unhappy with SMT (lots of disagreements on both sides) at the moment, and I feel as though I am being dragged into it. When he applied for jobs elsewhere management approached me to take over the dept. I have NOT told him this as I thought it was quite inappropriate, also I knew he would tell SMT he knew which would in turn get me into trouble. When I was asked I sort of brushed it to one side, and didn't really respond (very shocked at how it was all conducted). He ended up not getting a post and is staying. Since then, SMT have asked me to take on extra responsibilities, which I am happy to do as it's great for my CV and I can develop and progress in my career. HoD has now said that the reason they have given this to me is because they have fallen out with him, as he would normally have been asked first and that this is their way of trying to push him out. I am excited to have this responsibility, but he is really dampening what is supposed to be a great opportunity for me. I am looking to leave next year, so this is great for my CV. I have told him this, and now he says he will kick up a fuss if he is not given the same courtesies/ provisions as myself. I feel like I'm being dragged into a very uncomfortable position. My HoD is getting very controlling and i'm fed up by all the negativity.
Last week I was given some lovely news, and all he has done is say that it is favouritism and that i'm being kept sweet. I'm sat here in tears because I can't face him or any more negativity. I don't know what to do - I can't even approach him to tell him to stop as he just makes things so awkward and uncomfortable. Any advice?Sorry to rant. Nic
I'm so sorry you feel like this. I don't have any useful advice for you but really don't want you to be sitting in tears over it with no one to help you.
Try to focus on the lovely news you've had and all the good things that will come from the extra responsibility - as you say, it will look great on your CV - and ignore the comments that come from your HoD. It's hard, I do know that, but he obviously has other issues going on and is trying to make you feel as bad as he does. Go home, have a glass of wine and start counting down the days (if you haven't already) until the holidays!
xx
Well its good news for you, and if you were bloody minded enough, chances are you could stay put and watch your HOD being forced out or leave one way or the other for you to take the reins completely!
I think you need to see things from your HODs point of view though. If you were in their position, how would you react? Probably quite similarly. However, if working relationships deteriorate, go to SMT who sound like they are on your side.
princesslegend Ok, perhaps I was only chosen because things have gone sour between him and management, :(
Folk are very fickle; not so long ago, possibly, in your school the colleague you reference probably got on very well with SLT. Now they are subjecting him to the treatment you have described.
Do you really wish to be "valued" by such as they? How long before you become expendable and a new star is rising (and you are not it!). That is not to say you do not deserve what you are being given, but just remember that wherever you tread, someone else has trod before! Neither does it execuse his behaviour.
ChuffchuffFolk are very fickle; not so long ago, possibly, in your school the colleague you reference probably got on very well with SLT. Now they are subjecting him to the treatment you have described. Do you really wish to be "valued" by such as they? How long before you become expendable and a new star is rising (and you are not it!). That is not to say you do not deserve what you are being given, but just remember that wherever you tread, someone else has trod before! Neither does it execuse his behaviour.
I completely agree.
Princess Legend - are you sure you're not working at my school? It sounds exactly how our SMT (two of them anyway) operate. Keep your own standards high, be as professional as you can and always try and see others' point of view - which I'm sure you do anyway. The only way to survive and possibly thrive is to stay professional and try and keep your own hands clean. Enjoy your new opportunities, but stay aware and don't be surprised if the wind turns in another direction.
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