I have always been aware of the need for students to feel safe in order to learn...but did not ever take it to the level of how feeling unsafe effects our ability to participate in complex problem solving. As a teacher I have not experienced fear for my physical safety on many occasions although I have experienced this in my home. My husband is an attorney with the DA's office and we have received some threats over the year causing us to be a little fearful for our family's well being at times. I have never considered a teacher being bullied by coworkers or administrators. I suppose even parent could bully a teacher! Not a very pleasing thought! As I look back I recall a time when I could say I was bullied by a coworker. This did. Ot make for a very pleasant work atmosphere and I responded by withdrawing from the staff and avoiding interactions. It did indeed affect my complex problem solving skills. I lost confidence and even some of my passion for teaching.
Again the importance of communication (especially listening) and being visible and in touch with staff is a quality/characteristic of a good administrator or leader. Bullying among staff does not create an environment that is safe. This leads to mediocre teaching at best. Administrators must be aware and be willing to hold his/her staff accountable to respect for all!
Hey Marci,
ReplyDeleteI always felt safe at work but can relate with you feeling a little unsafe at home at times. My husband is a police officer and at the time he was working on the Bulldog Gang Task force. As you can imagine arresting some of those gang members lead to some scary family threats. In education, it is important administration keeps watchful eye for and “Bullies” which may include other administrators, staff, parents, or students on campus.
I appreciate your honesty. I've never been bullied by a co-worker, I'm sure it was very difficult to over come. I bet this person did not realize it. Sometimes bullies are so involved in their own feelings they cannot empathize with others. Youre a kind person, thanks for sharing:)
ReplyDeleteWow! You guys have never been bullied? I've got to say that I've had a parent bully me more than once since coaching softball. My father likes to bully his family around and my department head can sometimes fit that bully description. Maybe I'm a weak person that bullies target but for the most part I've learned to adapt to bullies to create a situation I'm happy with.
ReplyDelete