Page 97 - She's One Crazy Lady!

Getting ahead
Having walked away from Victoria Junior School in the most
undesirable way, with no goodbyes to the children, to the staff, to “ the parents, but with my head held high, there were many who
said I should have pursued my Appeal and obtain legal advice to
submit a case for constructive unfair dismissal. Quite honestly, I
just wanted ‘everything’ and everyone associated with the ordeal
completely deleted out of my life. My energy levels were low, and
my mind was all over the place – my trust in the Local Education
Authority very, very much in doubt. How could the ‘Powers that
be’ allow such ‘victimisation’? I loved my job and had always
given it my all.
No. Taking this further wouldn’t have got me anywhere, not without a lot more stress and hassle. As sad as it was, it was time to move on. To where? Who would want me? Would I get the references I needed? Was this the right decision? Was I now considered a ‘failed teacher’? I felt very isolated and disappointed that I should be in such a position. I was hurt. I felt angry, knowing I was only 44, my career in jeopardy – my future unknown. Friends and family were amazing with their love and support. They gave me the confidence and urged me to ‘get out there’ to show ‘them’ that I was a good teacher.
The opportunity came when I, surprisingly, received a phone call from the LEA, midway through the summer break, asking if I would be willing to step in as an Acting Deputy Head at a school in Kettering that was, at that time, ‘struggling’. I had my doubts and wondered if this would be just a holding job, as there was talk in the community of the school being closed, with numbers having dropped. Would I be at risk of being without a job if this were to be the case? On the other hand, I saw this as a challenge that could work in my favour. At least the LEA hadn’t forgotten about me, or thrown me on the rubbish heap! I accepted the challenge and was told I would be assisting a fellow Deputy Head from another school in Kettering who had been asked to help out and who would be the Acting Head.
With just two weeks before the start of a new school year I was to meet the Acting Head outside in the car park at Highfields Primary School. He was holding a huge bunch of keys. We laughed at the surreal position we were in. We shook hands, introduced ourselves and, with a deep breath, nervously unlocked the doors and, with apprehension, entered
Was I now considered a ‘failed teacher’? I felt very isolated and disappointed that I should
be in such a position. I was hurt. ”
97