Anybody in post as a school governor? Would you recommend it? I’m considering applying

Is there any particular reason why you're considering it ?

Claret Till I Die wrote: ↑

Wed Aug 26, 2020 4:49 pm

Is there any particular reason why you're considering it ?

Miss Whiplash springs to mind......

An important position to keep headteachers and school management on their toes and in touch with the community they serve. A useful conduit for parents, pupils, teachers and the general public to air concerns as to the running of the school. I was chair of governors at a large comprehensive for 7 years, an interesting job and not too onerous if you can occasionally get time off work to attend meetings, appointment panels etc.
Go for it MRG.

I’ve been a teacher governor for the last decade.

Would highly recommend it:

*you can become a huge influence and decision maker for your child/ children in a community and support them on their school journey.

*learn exactly what is expected from teachers in the 21st century and hold them and their leaders to account (excellent for personal development).

*offer skills around curriculum, data, finance or building regs, that would be hugely appreciated by the school community.

*work as an effective team to show what a wonderful/improving school you’re connected with to Ofsted.

Most importantly, work with amazing children/ teenagers, who will give you a truly honest insight into school life.

It’s a hugely rewarding job and I massively encourage you to dive in!

Best wishes

John

I'm a governor for the local primary school I went to and now my kids are at, responsible for Maths and Year 3, plus I'm on the finance committee.

Its mostly interesting stuff although sometimes the meetings drag on. In my real job I deal in £ billions but at school a 50p increase in after school club causes a long debate.

I've not regretted doing it and will keep going until my youngest leaves the school.

I was Parent Govenor at a local college and found it to be very interesting and rewarding. Go for it.

Positive from me too. Its an interesting challenge. Your job isn't to run the school or college but to make sure those whose job it is do it properly. For me it is/was about getting the information you need to make sure the school/college is on track.

Do it. I did 22 years - eight in a primary school and 14 in secondary. I really felt I could make a difference, providing you are prepared to undergo the training and put in the effort in getting to know the school and read all the papers. It’s rewarding.

I’ve done eleven years over the last sixteen. Over that time the role has become more “professional.” It’s given me an appreciation for teachers, and how education has improved since I was a student. Also added to my skill set in a few ways.

Some very good points but as a teacher I have met some clueless governors who assume they understand schools because they went to some
Be open minded and talk to a range of teachers the old cynics and the bright young things to get a sense of the school vibe
Ignore the nonsense mission statements that have been adopted by some schools they are usually window dressing .