I was told no one liked or respected me; that the pupils disliked my teaching. Children were interviewed about me; the chairman of governors did not answer my written appeal for help; disciplinary action was threatened and carried out, everything fabricated and unsubstantiated. There was no help anywhere, although I appealed to the head to stop the hounding.

The governors weren’t interested and the NUT was no use at all. At one meeting I thought the union official would wipe the floor with my boss - instead I was the one who had to wipe the floor. Early retirement was inevitable.

This is what I have done: * I wrote to the general secretary of my union to complain about its treatment of me.

* I wrote to the Health and Safety Executive.

* I spoke with my MP.

* I invested some of my lump sum in a personal equity plan to ensure a regular monthly bonus.

* I told as many people as possible what went on.

* I also approached my local press about possible employment and they were pleased to let me do some freelance reviews.

It’s very difficult all the same - at least your correspondent is not alone. She can be reassured of that.

Members of two informal groupings - The Bullied Teachers’ Network and Redress - are meeting in London this weekend to establish a new organisation giving support and advice to teachers. The Campaign for Academic Freedom and Standards has offered to act as an umbrella group. Details will be available from August 1 from Jenni Watson, current secretary of Redress. Tel: 01405-764432 * Public Concern at Work provides free advice to employees concerned about malpractice at work. The charity also works with employers offering consultancy, training and a conciliation service. Contact: Lincoln’s Inn House, 42 Kingsway, London WC2B 6EX. Tel: 0171-404 6609