Surviving Internal School Politics

Strategies for Dealing with the Internal Dynamics

By (author) Beverley H. Johns, Sarup R. Mathur, Mary Z. McGrath

Not available to order

Publication date:

27 December 2012

Length of book:

208 pages

Publisher

R&L Education

ISBN-13: 9781475800968

This book provides readers with the basic coping strategies of surviving within the political arena of their schools. If educators want to survive, they should read this book and find practical strategies from those who have collectively worked within the school setting for over 75 years—voices of experience to share helpful coping skills. When educators are bogged down with gossip, ostracism, and upsetting events, they will not be able to work effectively with their students and coworkers. These dynamics are illustrated throughout the book through the use of fictitious educators who portray staff dealing with situations to which readers can relate. In each chapter, readers will find an action plan designed to provide tools that educators should utilize in surviving internal politics.

Managing School Politics and Maintaining Personal Integrity

It’s Those Little Things That Build Up in Schools

Surviving the Teachers Lounge

Dealing with Faculty Meetings

Coping with Professional Jealousy

Avoiding Stagnation: Dealing with the Pressure to

Working Effectively and Professionally with the Building Administrator

Maintaining Professional Behavior with Parents

Communicating in a Political Minefield

Dealing with the Dynamics Created by Emotionally Unhealthy Staff Members

Advocacy for Children versus Job Security

Ways to Open Avenues to Acceptance

Dealing with Ostracism: Yours and Your Colleagues

The Politics of Technology

Teaching in a Time of Turmoi

Making That Final Decision: Can I Stay, or Do I Need to Move On?

Conclusion

This book is a must read for all new teachers and those new to their district or building. The politics of education--especially the teachers lounge--are notorious. However, the authors, in a gentle yet straightforward manner, Discuss its realities. They provide tools and strategies to help the reader not onky identify and graciously step back from toxic situations but also to turn those situations around in order to promote a positive school environment for staff as well as tudents. The authors provide a multitude of creative and positive alternatives and techniques for teachers to use that not only foster a positive self-concept but also create a healthy and nurturing school environment. I love the new chapters. So timely! Me being me, I especially like the technology chapter and how it alerts teachers to potential career-ending pitfalls!