Effects of Workplace Tension

By Cathy Coker

I’d like to introduce you to Mary, a seasoned teacher with a variety of teaching backgrounds. She has taught littles all the way thru to college students. She has supervised teachers on their journey to certification. To say she has over 40 years of valuable experience is an understatement. She is quick to share and positive in personality. And she is beginning her first year at a new school.

Mary is experiencing a hostile work environment. Bullying isn’t just in the schoolyard anymore, it can be found in the teacher’s lounge. What does that look like? How can you tell?

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance.

Mary thought she was joining a team in which she would be supported, valued, and honored. She was looking forward to spending quality time planning together and enjoying each other’s company. All in all, making new friends and gaining a work family.

Mary went into this school knowing she had to get acclimated to how the school functions and all the ins and outs of this campus. What she noticed was there were cliques and somehow she was the unwanted new kid. There was definitely history she was not privy to and she would suffer for it. She was on her own. Her colleagues weren’t very supportive, in fact, they were hostile and uncooperative.

Read the full article in Teachers Making A Difference Issue 2