How Can I Stop a Teacher From Talking Behind My Back?
Dear Principal Hotline,
I am in desperate need of some advice. I merely finished my 2d year as principal in a Title I unproblematic school. Our school is making huge strides since I've been here. Nosotros've made a behemothic leap academically (our scores are up!), discipline referrals are down, and school culture and morale is amend than it's ever been. Well-nigh every one of my teacher-master relationships are positive. Well, that is, nearly every ane.
I have one veteran teacher who wants nothing to practice with the changes nosotros have made in the last few years. She also wants nothing to do with me. She'due south been in the school for 23 years, one of the longest tenures of the whole staff. This teacher is extremely negative almost my leadership, tries to undercut me and my decisions at every plow, and tries to plough teachers against me. She is constantly talking about me behind my back to other teachers.
Near daily I hear through the grapevine nearly some other staff lounge speech where she puts me downwardly to other teachers. In the past, her age and feel made her the "leader" of the teaching staff. Nevertheless, there are and so many other strong leaders on our staff, and one of my principal goals is to empower them besides. This does not seem to be sitting well with this teacher. I believe 90% of staff are on board with me and see the positive direction our school is headed in.
I was just named Principal of the Year for my schoolhouse district, so I know I am doing something correct. Simply I experience like this instructor is slowing progress, and I'm not going to prevarication, hurting me in the process. How do you handle a teacher like this? I have tried to ignore her and her antics because she desperately wants the attention and for me to react. I just don't think I can ignore it anymore. Assist please.
Sincerely, Tired of Being Bullied
Love Bullied,
Have you tried talking to this teacher?
People often have a hard time adjusting to changes, however modest, and later on 23 years, she has a lot of experience–she's besides experienced a lot of changes of her own. Possibly the influx of excited, innovating, brand new administrators brand her life feel a bit like she'south struggling to proceed up with a perpetual conveyor belt'due south worth of change. Unless her proper name is Lucy or Ethel, this has, possibly, left her jaded, overwhelmed, or both.
Accept a moment to consider how your feelings may exist affecting her beliefs. Ignoring a problem won't solve it. She isn't a educatee throwing a temper tantrum because she didn't get her way; she's a professional with more than two decades of experience in a single building. This teacher has witnessed what remains consistent, what has and hasn't worked, and how the civilization has reacted to those changes.
Assuming she'due south behaving poorly considering she wants attention might be unfair. A professional who is a leader amidst your staff is an asset. What, exactly, does she disagree with? Have y'all asked her why she opposes your ideas? She may come across something you don't.
Approach this situation with an open mind and respect. People practise not notice themselves in an unofficial leadership role by accident. She has something her peers respect. Take a moment and look at those traits which accept helped her gain that respect. Achieve out and ask for her suggestions. Some of her ideas and procedures are probably outdated or inconsistent with how you lot envision your edifice, but don't discount her experience simply considering she disagrees with your methods.
Respect goes both ways. You can't expect it without giving it. Recollect, you're in the position of power, so while information technology's insulting, she can't really bully y'all.
Re-frame the problem, and prove to your staff that you're able to put pride behind maintaining a positive building culture–even when that means working with someone with whom you may disagree. Don't permit your ego limit your vision. You may fifty-fifty want her aid mentoring the teachers you hope volition eventually make full her office.
Good luck and stay positive.
Each week, our brave school leadership expert answers your toughest questions about the daily adventures and challenges nosotros all confront as we strive to make our schools great places for kids to learn. Have a question? Email it to principalhotline@schoolleadersnow.com.
Source: https://www.weareteachers.com/teacher-principal-relationships/
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