An Example Of How Teachers Are Subject To Excessive Scrutiny

In the thread I've linked to below, from the TES connect forums, a teacher describes in detail exactly how he/she is being micromanaged to death. 

Firstly, there is a description of how he/she has never been told to do something, yet have been told off for not doing it. This is something I am familiar with myself, having had it done to me on a number of issues. The way of doing things in teaching seems to be to inform teachers of what is expected by telling them off for not doing it: not by proper communication of procedure and expectation beforehand. 

Secondly, it turns out that not only has he/she not been told what to do, it seems that none of the other teachers have either, and it is only him/herself that is being pulled up for not doing it. The head seems to assume that this NQT is the only one not doing it, for whatever reason.

There is more, but this situation in itself is enough to show what management is like in teaching. It is way too detailed: a very definite case of not seeing the forest for the trees. This situation makes me wonder how getting this particular procedure right even benefits the students in the class. 

The head has used methods to check up on the work being done, yet still seems to be drastically under informed and has painted a picture of what is happening in class based on assumptions. So what is the point of all the micro managing and spying? It's pointless. Yet the blame still seems to be placed at the NQTs door.

Finally, the NQT receives advice and criticism on his/her work that is just far too personal, telling him/her that this should be viewed as 'just a job'. It's not up to any manager how you view your job. 

I've experienced exactly all of this in management in schools myself. I'd love to hear from others who have as well, so please leave a comment.

Been told it's only a job.