Not speaking up for yourself

A head of department left suddenly mid-year. There was no deputy and the potential temporary replacements were waiting to be asked to step in. All except one, who put together a pitch for the post and went to the head with it. Of course, she may well have been appointed anyway, but her aspirational approach won her a lot of professional brownie points. Provided she did a good job she would clearly be in the running for the permanent post when it was advertised.

What’s the right thing to do?

As teachers we seem programmed to be assertive with children but modest to the point of self-denial about our qualities and ambitions. Argue professionally and cogently for what you want and believe to be right, whether that is extra responsibility, training or a differently balanced teaching load.