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Mrs Town, a thread.
I was appointed in the summer term two thirds through my NQT year, to start in September to complete it in her amazing school (I’d interviewed before, but missed out on the role). I was broken by this point, but I was still excited for a fresh start. https://twitter.com/kateowbridge/status/1304906782305853445
I was appointed in the summer term two thirds through my NQT year, to start in September to complete it in her amazing school (I’d interviewed before, but missed out on the role). I was broken by this point, but I was still excited for a fresh start. https://twitter.com/kateowbridge/status/1304906782305853445
Then something totally out of the blue happened. In the midst of a drop-in parents’ evening, I was asked to go to my currents head’s office by my mentor. They went on to tell me I had failed my second NQT period, and handed me a damning report... some of which simply wasn’t true.
I was terrified. I was sure my new school would rescind their offer. The next moment, there’s a knock on the door and I was called back to class, as I had some parents drop in to see me. I had just received crushing news and I was expected to continue like nothing had happened.
I got through the night as best I could then fled home to call my final placement mentor from my PGCE, Yvonne. She was astounded - the report sounded nothing like me, I had been one of the best students she’d ever had (her words) and she’d had a lot! She told me what to do.
First, I went through and insisted they remove false information. Second, I called Mrs Town and asked for a meeting as soon as possible. She could tell I was not okay and asked me what was wrong. I told her what had happened, and that I had forwarded the (edited) report to her.
She told me not to worry, and that she’d see me the next day. I went with data, with books, with planning, ready to fight for my position at her school... just as Yvonne had told me to. I arrived, bags in hand, and was taken straight into her office where my new NQT mentor sat.
I told them what I’d brought but, before I could even begin to show them anything, Ann stopped me. Her words?
“Put that away, we don’t need to see it. Lloyd, you were fantastic when we first interviewed you and even better the second. I have one question for you.”
My heart.
“Put that away, we don’t need to see it. Lloyd, you were fantastic when we first interviewed you and even better the second. I have one question for you.”
My heart.
Finally, she asked, “Was the relationship between you and your mentor strained?” Then, I knew she understood.
Yes! It had been, hugely so. They saw straight through it - they said the mismatch between my reference and the report were startling, and they couldn’t believe it.
Yes! It had been, hugely so. They saw straight through it - they said the mismatch between my reference and the report were startling, and they couldn’t believe it.
They both gave me a hug. Told me to forget that report (as they wouldn’t be using it) and to have a restful summer because they were so excited for me to begin. They were thrilled by my progress between interviews and knew I’d be a great addition to the team. I cried happy tears.
When I arrived at Bleasby, I went from strength to strength. I was consistently good with outstanding elements, the SIO couldn’t believe I was an NQT and I loved teaching again. My mentor and I were commended for my final assessment, which I passed with flying colours, by the LA.
Mrs Town wasn’t perfect, no-one is. But she was a fantastic headteacher who (with her extremely talented team) took a broken teacher and pulled him back together.
I don’t think I’d be a teacher now without them, and that would have been a shame because I’m damn good at my job!
I don’t think I’d be a teacher now without them, and that would have been a shame because I’m damn good at my job!
