03/09/2026
11 years ago today, I was standing in my first ever classroom, waiting for my first class to walk through the door after summer. I’d spent every single day of that holiday (along with £1k of my own money) getting that room/resources ready.
And then, I left after one term. Not because of the kids or because I “couldn’t handle it”. But because the in‑house bullying from senior staff towards newly trained teachers was unbearable. Teachers crying. Everyone whispering about it. Nobody doing anything. My whole year group was brand new - replacing the entire team who’d walked out with stress the year before.
I taught Year 4. One teacher left before me. Another left after me and both never returned to teaching.
My mentor was standoffish, defensive, unapproachable… & joked that you shouldn’t expect a life outside school if you want to teach. No care for wellbeing. She’s now a headteacher.
I still remember the headteacher at the time coming into my classroom, acting shocked that I was leaving. I started explaining why (how many times I’d tried to raise concerns about senior leadership!) and she actually SHUSHED me. Told me not to say anything because if she heard it, she’d have to report it to Ofsted… who were due any day.
I loved school as a child.
I’ve worked in incredible schools since.
I still love learning.
But toxic environments & unsustainable workloads crush teachers long before they get the chance to thrive.
In 2017, after a new teacher ended her own life due to stress and being so unsupported, I started a petition to try and change things. And no unless you’re informed & experienced in the role, please don’t comment on 'holidays' or 'workload' - it just demonstrates ignorance.
Since having children, I’ve supplied - covering stressed, poorly teachers, filling gaps, teaching children who hadn’t had a consistent education.
The state of UK education is a mess. It needs a complete overhaul, upgrade & curriculum shaped by experienced educators/psychologists.
Happy first week back to all the incredible humans who dedicate themselves to teaching! ❤️🩷
And happy first week of home educating to those brave enough to choose something new! 🙏✨
Rae x
