Surviving Internal School Politics

Strategies for Dealing with the Internal Dynamics

Beverley H. Johns, Sarup R. Mathur, Mary Z. McGrath

• Publisher: R&L Education
• Year: 2012
• eBook ISBN: 9781475800968
• Edition: 2
• Topic: Education
• Subtopic: Education General

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.

Table of contents

• Title Page
• Introduction
• 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 Stay with the Group and Not Excel
• 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: From Other Teachers and Colleagues
• The Politics of Technology
• Teaching in a Time of Turmoil
• Making That Final Decision: Can I Stay, or Do I Need to Move On?
• Conclusion
• About the Authors