arguing coworkers

[Secret Name]

it's my 2nd year, and things are a little different this year because we have a new principal. i am having a great year so far....so much better than the 1st. i hardly stress out at all this year i don't have a mentor teacher anymore, but i am surviving just fine without one. anyways, my problem is that there is a lot of turmoil going on at my school. we keep having arguing and hostility, hurt feelings, lashing out, yelling, complaining, animosity, gossiping, crying, and etc. going on at every single staff meeting. all of teachers are upset with the principal. i do agree that she doesnt enforce everything....and sometimes she wants to dump problems she needs to deal with right back onto the teachers. however, unlike the other teachers, i feel i have a great relationship with this principal. i get along with her really well, and i do find her helpful...i just try to please her, and try to prevent problems on my own, knowing that she doesnt try to solve them. anyways, this hostility at my work is making every teacher stressed out, sick, and making people lose sleep. it's making the work environment uncomfortable and there is drama going on everyday.some teachers want to quit... i don't like people trash talking behind people's backs either. we have had 6 hostile meetings now...in a row. it almost is making me want to quit at the end of this year and move to a different school. it's just stressing me out............ i cant believe a work environment could be so unsettled and full of tension like this....like walking on egg shells all the time! sorry, i was just venting.....

 

[CH28]

drama in the workplace

We have all been there, in a workplace where drama runs rampant. I think it is great that you have a positive relationship with your principal. Try to avoid the drama in any way you can. When people vent or gossip, just walk away or change the subject. It's best to stay uninvolved. If certain teachers are having problems with your principal, it is up to them to try and solve them. Hang in there, and continue to set your positive example.

 

[winnie]

be careful

"i feel i have a great relationship with this principal. i get along with her really well, and i do find her helpful...i just try to please her, and try to prevent problems on my own, knowing that she doesnt try to solve them. "

You seem to be doing all the work here. You try to prevent problems. You try to please her. What is she doing that is so helpful for you and not the other teachers? Be careful. In the past I have seen teachers who thought they had a good relationship with the principal surprised when the ---- hit the fan.

You are a second year teacher. Try to stay out of this as much as possible. Don't get drawn into the drama either as an accusor or a supporter. Use your status as a second year to your advantage when others try to draw you in as "This is my second year I don't have the experience to comment on that."

 

[SC]

Been through it

Where I worked last year, the situation was almost as bad as what you've described. I kind of stayed to myself and did my job without getting involved (although I did listen in sometimes which could be just as bad, probably). I had a good relationship with the administrators, but I knew that we weren't friends. I just did what I was told, and I was fine. It was my first full year to teach, and I knew that I wasn't perfect, so I listened to what they said. I had a successful year, although I wouldn't consider myself friends with people I worked with, since they acted so catty. When I had to move, I got great recommendations that landed me a good job.

I think that women in general tend to be like this (sorry, but it's true...I'm female, by the way). We gossip and take things personally, which doesn't make for a great work environment. Try to focus on why you're there - to teach your students - and don't get involved.

 

[sheri57]

Good advise

That is such good advise. I can say it's always better to say something positive or nothing at all.