Everything that happens within a school hangs on good communication. Both in how teachers socialise with students and how teachers support each other as colleagues.
But in an environment that requires the very best of communication and human kindness, unfortunately, workplace bullying can still rear its ugly head within schools and cause a disturbance that is felt so profoundly, good teachers want to leave a job they love.
In a survey by TES, 80% of teachers have been bullied in the last two years, with many claiming it is often carried out by senior management.
Crippling panic, fear, and anxiety are just some of the effects that have been detailed by those who have suffered from a torrent of bullying in the staffroom.
As one investigation by The Guardian discovered, many teachers would instead change jobs than addressing the issue head-on. And in some extreme cases, many leave the profession altogether.
Bullying chips away at teacher confidence, and what can seem like small insignificant comments, to begin with, can often escalate into feelings of isolation, self-doubt and even depression.
Workplace bullying in schools tends to consist of unwarranted criticisms, judgement and false allegations, and can sometimes be disguised in a sarcastic undertone, or masked as ‘management’.
No teacher should be made to feel this way in their school, and this behaviour should not be tolerated in an environment where the workplace culture needs to nourish and support all of those who work within it.
We understand that for many teachers it can often feel like they have nowhere to turn or no idea how to resolve it without putting themselves forward and risk more bullying.
With this in mind, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to support you in dealing with workplace bullying and tips on how to resolve the issue so you can concentrate on what you do best.
Don’t React
If you are criticised or targetted with unwanted behaviour, you should attempt to respond assertively and not react in an emotional or spiteful way.
When we react with emotions or respond with negative comments, this gives the bully the nod that they have pressed the right buttons and that you are an easy target.
While it can be challenging to rise above it, it is best to remain calm and be mindful about how you respond.
Take Note
If the bullying has persisted for a long period of time, or if you feel that it is escalating, taking a diary or notes of incidents is important.
Note down what happened, what was said, and when. By doing this, you are providing clear documented evidence that could be used in a formal hearing.
Find A Support
Do not suffer in silence in the hands of a bully, find someone in your organisation who you can openly talk to and find support.
Be wise about who you choose as a support as you do not want your discussions to come across as workplace gossiping.
During these discussions purely talk about the incidents and problem-solve about how you can overcome them. Do your best to not character assassinate the bully during these conversations and remain practical.
Manage It Informally
If you feel confident enough to address the bullying directly with the bully in an informal manner, take an opportunity to do this.
This is often the most practical solution and can enable you to take control of the situation.
Recognise Your Worth
Your self-esteem may feel bruised due to the bullying, so it’s essential that you take some time for yourself to remember the qualities and skills that you have.
Do not allow the bully to poison your mind with ideas of self-doubt or inadequacy.
Remember the positive things about yourself and reflect on your purpose for becoming a teacher.
Be Mindful of Your Wellbeing
During stressful situations such as bullying, it’s important to be mindful of your own health and wellbeing.
While you may want to resort to hiding or to become isolated from others, it’s essential for your own mental wellbeing that you continue to communicate with other colleagues.
You should also take time for yourself and ensure you are giving yourself time and space outside of work that makes you feel calm and grounded.
Teacher happiness and wellbeing has been proven to play a key part in school performance. Yet, in research conducted by the Education Support Partnership, 67% of education professionals described themselves as stressed.
Download our Teacher Happiness and Wellbeing Guide
Having studied to be an educational psychologist Sharon worked as a supply teacher and then moved into education recruitment. She now has over twenty years experience within recruitment and has run Textbook Teachers for the last seventeen years.
She is extremely proud of the reputation that Textbook Teachers has and the position of trust it has in the local education community.
Her mission and that of Textbook Teachers is that we insist on high standards of integrity, care and compassion when dealing with our teaching staff.
We also promote fair, ethical and good practices when supplying all schools and we aspire to be held in high esteem by clients, agency staff and our competitors in leading the way in providing a more transparent, high quality and professionally reliable service.