I felt devastated when I failed to cross the threshold. I felt abandoned by my head and the assessor as I had met the standards for classroom teaching and exceeded my outcome targets.
At first, I felt that I could not face returning to work after Easter. I then realised that the anonymity of the process should prevent anyone, except those involved, knowng of my failure. I have since learned from a union representative that nearly all the others in a similar position took time off because of the stress they experienced.
I now feel that I am not a person with 30 years’ experience. I’m a teacher with five years’ experience that is 25 years long. And only I care.
Name and address supplied
