Breaking the Silence : Overcoming the Problem of Principal Mistreatment of Teachers

Recognize destructive behavior and cultivate constructive support! The detrimental effect of abusive principal behavior not only deteriorates teacher morale and performance, but also erodes school effectiveness, student learning, and quality of life for everyone involved. Unfortunately, this type of mistreatment—with its devastating implications—has largely been ignored and treated as a taboo subject. In this groundbreaking book, Blase and Blase begin the critical dialogue about abuse by exposing the various manifestations of mistreatment, and offering practical solutions for its prevention and correction. The invaluable information presented is based on findings from the first-of-its-kind study conducted by the authors, in which they interviewed elementary, middle/junior high, and high school teachers from rural, suburban, and urban areas across the United States and Canada. The text masterfully provides the tools necessary to identify destructive behavior and raises awareness of this common phenomenon in order to break the cycle of abuse. It is the crucial first step toward preventing further mistreatment and fostering teacher development, student achievement, and school improvement. Key features include Real-life examples and testimonials Specific forms and indicators of mistreatment, categorized into three levels Detailed description of the effects on schools and teachers, professionally and personally Solutions for overcoming this problem, including six survival skills, "Bullyproofing," "Bullybusting," and other individual, organizational, and legal resolutions This book exposes the various manifestations of mistreatment of teachers by principals, offering practical solutions for its prevention and correction. Information comes from a study involving interviews with elementary and secondary teachers from rural, suburban, and urban areas across the United States and Canada. The book provides tools necessary to identify destructive behavior and raises awareness of this common phenomenon in order to break the cycle of abuse. Key features include real-life examples and testimonials; specific forms and indicators of mistreatment, categorized into three levels; descriptions of the effects on schools and teachers, professionally and personally; and solutions for overcoming this problem. Seven chapters focus on: (1) "The Problem of Principal Mistreatment of Teachers"; (2) "The Many Faces of Moderate Mistreatment: From Discounting Teacher to Offensive Personal Conduct"; (3) "Escalating Mistreatment of Teachers: From Spying to Criticism"; (4) "Severe Mistreatment of Teachers: From Lying to Destruction"; (5) "The Effects of Principal Mistreatment of Teachers: Lasting Wounds and Damaged Schools"; (6) "Worlds of Pain: The Undoing of Teachers"; and (7) "Overcoming the Problem of Principal Mistreatment of Teachers: What Can We Do?" (Contains approximately 225 references.) (SM) The Problem Of Principal Mistreatment Of Teachers -- The Many Faces Of Moderate Mistreatment: From Discounting Teachers To Offensive Personal Conduct -- Escalating Mistreatment Of Teachers: From Spying To Criticism -- Severe Mistreatment Of Teachers: From Lying To Destruction -- The Effects Of Principal Mistreatment Of Teachers: Lasting Wounds And Damaged Schools -- Worlds Of Pain: The Undoing Of Teachers -- Overcoming The Problem Of Principal Mistreatment Of Teachers: What Can We Do? Joseph Blase, Jo Blase. Includes Bibliographical References And (p. 171-180) Index. In this groundbreaking book, Blase and Blase begin the critical dialogue about abuse by exposing the various manifestations of mistreatment, explaining its effects on teachers and schools, and offering practical solutions for its prevention and correction. Filled with real-life examples and testimonials, the text raises awareness of this common phenomenon in order to foster teacher development, student achievement, and school improvement This book is written for all concerned with the improvement of public education in the United States, especially public educators themselves, prospective and practicing school principals and teachers, superintendents, district office supervisors, staff developers, boards of education, and state department officials as well as professors of educational leadership and teacher education. This groundbreaking book exposes the various manifestations and effects of abuse and offers practical solutions for its prevention and correction.