topic Teachers bullied by 'colleagues' in Relationship and family issues

Teachers bullied by 'colleagues'

margaret1 — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 19:19:01 GMT

If you’re a teacher being bullied by HOD/ Principal/ colleague I think this may help you. It helped me a lot. I couldn’t understand why when I
was such a good teacher I was having such ridiculous, hurtful, nasty, petty, time wasting, health destroying problems at work.

Anyway here you are; this is why we get bullied:

Teacher bullies in schools “fear exposure of their perceived shortcomings, such as inadequacy and incompetence, and these people bully not
for fun but in order - they think - to survive. Competent colleagues fuel the bully's fear that shortcomings in their capabilities will surface, so they tend to select targets who fulfil some of the criteria below.

Being competent, that is being good at their job, often excelling; being willing to go the extra mile and expect others to do the same; being successful, tenacious, determined, courageous, having fortitude; being imaginative, creative, innovative; being able to master new skills;
thinking long term and seeing the bigger picture; being helpful, always willing to share knowledge and experience; being diligent and
industrious

Being Popular with colleagues, pupils, parents, Being regarded as an expert and the person to whom others come for advice, either personal or professional, having a sense of humour, including displays of quick-wittedness

Having strength of character displaying integrity, honesty,intelligence and intellect; having a well-defined set of values that they are unwilling to compromise; being trustworthy, trusting, conscientious, loyal and dependable; a sense of fairness: willingness to tackle injustice, low propensity to violence and strong forgiving streak, refusing to join an established clique; being sensitive, having empathy, concern for others, respect, tolerance, being slow to anger, showing independence of thought or deed, refusing to become a corporate clone and drone, having high coping skills under stress, especially when the injury to health becomes apparent

Teachers bullied by 'colleagues'

Mysti — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 01:56:29 GMT

Wow, without blowing my own trumpet, those qualities you mention sound like me. I was a casual but had permanent days. I loved the job in Special Ed. When I was doing everything in my power to do the best job that I could (for the students and not for my own ego) I was shot down, undermined, and openly excluded. As a casual, they changed my days from 3 to 2, getting me out of the loop and when the unit was restructured, "my job" was advertised, and I didn't get it. So, I was out. Of course, I was called in regularly, when they needed someone, which was often, but it was humiliating and honestly broke my heart. I filled in for a few months, until I couldn't bear it and announced I wasn't coming back. Over.

Teachers bullied by 'colleagues'

margaret1 — Sat, 03 Sep 2016 17:41:45 GMT

Ah I am sorry about that, not surprised though.

The info I posted is just one of many researches on bullying in schools. The big worry is that as bullied staff leave whats left behind? What chance do bullied students have? Its insane.

Teachers bullied by 'colleagues'

geoff — Sat, 03 Sep 2016 18:26:31 GMT

dear Margaret, is it possible that I could add people do get bullied at the workplace other than at school, just as they may do in social circumstances, a pecking order and always a continual challenge to be number one. Geoff.

Teachers bullied by 'colleagues'

Just Sara — Sat, 03 Sep 2016 19:21:49 GMT

Welcome to BB Margaret;

Bullying in the workplace is systemic in govt dept's. For some reason, and I have my opinion, they attract sociopaths and overly ambitious/under motivated people.

I was retired after a breakdown for similar reasons as you've mentioned. I loved my job and was more than good at it. I worked in a unit as the only female and had more experience and qualifications than all my co-workers put together, including the manager. The intimidation, harassment and discrimination was filthy.

It didn't matter what legislation or policy I emailed along with my complaints, all the way up, line managers would lie and manipulate for each other.

I'm writing a series of books addressing this disgusting practice and the affects on staff and co-workers who witness it. A lot of my research is being done via questionnaire's through major unions and W/Comp help groups such as WIRO (NSW)

The main issue for now, seems to be that employee's aren't given the tools to cope or manage conflict and how it escalates. Managers aren't equipped either with little or no conflict resolution management skills or training. Another problem is the mental health issues being created due to abuse. A mental health first aid course would be great as an inclusion to each induction.

It's a broad scope for writing and due to laws/policies changing like the wind, it's a legal mine field of trying to gain empirical evidence as 'current'. Psychological injuries through insurance companies is now virtually impossible to claim. Not because it can't be proven, but because the injury has to be proven to be a life long affliction. So solicitors won't touch it now because we're not fortune tellers.

It's a massive undertaking, but as a project to keep me somewhat sane, it's right up my alley. Personally, I think it's the perfect subject for a parliamentary enquiry. Ha ha... lol By the time I finish my books in a few years, I might just be in time for their outcome and recommendations!

Cheers...Dizzy

Teachers bullied by 'colleagues'

margaret1 — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 17:25:52 GMT

This is a big one for me, I fell into this black hole because I thought we were all supposed to put others first and work for the betterment of our students....naive....but thats really what I thought....well I think I ve learnt my lesson now. PTSD, depression, panic attack, anxiety....

And whats my dog doing sitting on your knee?

Teachers bullied by 'colleagues'

margaret1 — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 17:43:32 GMT

Wow you have a task ahead, we really need to bring this information to public attention, I was always horrified that the anti bullying programmes for the kids were often run by bullies. Parents need to know. I ve been through the workers comp hell twice I am bearing up better this time. I ll do anything I can to support you. Being new to this I dont know the protocols....I am writing a formal complaint atm, at present 8,000 words....and growing. No one will read it....and nothing will be done....but we have to make the effort. It really helps to know I am npt alone.

Teachers bullied by 'colleagues'

Just Sara — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 01:12:13 GMT

My dear Margaret;

The thing for me after reading your posts, is my concern for your mental health and associated issues in your workplace. Also is the way you respond to the insurance investigation. Although 8000 words would have been a real way for you to vent, it will work against you in the long run. Too much information, especially of an emotional or irrelevant nature, will give your department a lot to put back onto you.

The only way to approach this issue is with policies, flow charts and legislation that's been breached. The other is to submit evidence that verifies their breaches. Your dept will endeavour at every level to undermine and belittle 'you' as a course to prevent them having to defend themselves. Insurance companies thrive on this tactic. Section 11A defines appropriate action taken by employers in approaching the complaints of employees. The more you talk about yourself, the more ammo they have. Your approach needs to be about their action, not your pain. Your pay-grade defines the tasks and responsibilities you're accountable for, this does not include self management. Approach this task as if it were for a student; detach!

The Code of Conduct section on responsibilities of managers and employers is a good place to start. So is the managers handbook. Flow charts are a great source of come-back as few of these cases are managed in line with relevant directives. Use lack of Supervision and Training/Development also as this is in their court. Any dept policies, booklets or even drafts on supervision, bullying, discrimination (Eg isolation from team) can also be great resources. Get a copy of your P-file!

One thing I must stress is using as little words as possible. Use headings to separate issues and summarise the paragraphs so they only say the bare essentials; dot points are preferable. An important issue is usually how managers fail to recognise past achievements and positive qualities/skills to promote a balanced way of dealing with you. This will work in your favour.

I hope you have a good psychologist and GP to address PTSD symptoms as your emotional responses at work can cause more problems and give managers further reasons to use you as a scape-goat.

Finally, research Case Law for past won cases. The main objective here is to see what works.

I have so much I can offer, but characters are limited. I hope I've been of assistance.

Warm thoughts...Dizzy x

Teachers bullied by 'colleagues'

margaret1 — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 21:35:38 GMT

A help.....this is invaluable....thank goodness I have nt submitted anything. The 8000 words is actually dates times incidents only no venting or raving....but I am doing major overhaul after reading this. This is essential information ESSENTIAL....thank you so much.

Can I copy and paste, do a screen shot.... I hope so....Dizzy you have to publish, honestly this is the best advice I ve had. Gosh and golly gosh,

I know we are nt supposed to contact directly but I would love to meet you, proof read for you, help with research....Its such a mine field and anyone ....and there are lots of us....is set adrift in darkness ... this information is a lighthouse...

Thank you

Teachers bullied by 'colleagues'

white knight — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 22:23:36 GMT

Hi Margaret, welcome.

such a good thread, thankyou.

This forum does not permit personal contact with other members sorry.

Firstly, my daughter is a teacher. She, in desperation from severe anxiety, depression etc, went from full time to casual just to enable her to remain in the profession. She now has no after school work nor pressures from other teachers with the "handball" culture of responsibilities. She is much happier and her illness more manageable.

Re: workers compensation. Briefly: I fought my management on a principle in 1987. It left me with severe anxiety. It took me two decades to overcome that. In that time I also ran my own private investigation business mainly investigating claimants for WC.

As my therapist told me once "why do you attend work with the view that you can change the world? After all, the workplace has a culture...you can alter things a little but not change the culture"

and "Tony, people are grey, you will not fit in when you are black and white"

and "to survive long term in a profession, observe the ones that's been there for many years. They have mastered the art of survival. If they use short cuts then adopt them or you'll be burned out with being wrapped up in your own righteousness and not last long at all."

Being responsible, doing the "right thing", having expectations with others, not being able to say " no" when others pass on their responsibilities to you...all take their toll. We need to place our priority on ourselves as number one.

It is honourable that you feel you need to explain to others or authorities your concerns about the system. But it would be unrealistic to think you could make any significant changes. Based on that, teaching might not be the profession that's ideal.

You've no doubt found the WC system is a roundabout is stress in itself. Being realistic, its no good hanging onto an extremely tough enduring profession when your mental health is suffering. Moving to casual as my daughter did is an option.

Lots to think about. Hope I've helped.

Tony WK

Teachers bullied by 'colleagues'

Just Sara — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 03:09:09 GMT

Hi Margaret;

Thankyou so much for your response and I'm happy you got something out of it.

I wrote recently in a post; "My wisdom is born of pain, but it's wisdom all the same" I was medically retired after 7 yrs of the most disgraceful conduct from line managers, co workers and HR. One of the issues that I faced personally, was trying to detach from the individuals who treated me with disdain and ignorance. What felt like personal attacks, and yes there is that probability, took its toll. Facing resentment and anger, and most of all helplessness at the hands of those involved, 'had' to make way for looking at the department as a whole instead of those individuals.

As Tony says in his post; "why do you attend work with the view that you can change the world? After all, the workplace has a culture...you can alter things a little but not change the culture"

Surviving is the key! This brings me to the subject of accountability; if you leave work and still pursue WC, they won't touch it. WC needs to be dealt with first because quitting will be interpreted as an act of guilt. On the other hand, if you're dismissed the issue is still open. I learned this just in time as I was ready to hand the proverbial towel in. I'm glad I didn't.

Thankyou for your offer of help, it isn't that I don't need it because it's a massive undertaking, but you need your full attention on what you're doing. Don't be tempted to dissociate from current plans to save the world; save yourself first...ok?

For now, develop a style of writing and research that gives a punch!!

Good to chat Marg...Dizzy x

Teachers bullied by 'colleagues'

margaret1 — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 18:47:42 GMT

Thank you again and can you advise me about what happens next.....ok at present I am 13 weeks on WC....the re hab woman is saying I have to return to my substantive position...altho she agrees its toxic, there are many out on stress from this school...dr, psychologist etc say I cant return ....I am 62 so I need an income. I am also worn out by the system. The folk who caused the injury are the ones who will be guiding my return to work, the last time they handed me an unsigned, undated fair warning...blatant intimidation....and complete nonsense....and completely out of the blue...they did not do a return to work at all.???

What happens next?

Teachers bullied by 'colleagues'

margaret1 — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 18:59:27 GMT

Thank you Tony, I have received similar advice...I do find it hard when theres so much unnecessary waste of time resources and energy...but I am going to have to change my attitude my symptoms have gotten much worse during this wc process. Its a nightmare followed by a nightmare....

I m glad your daughter found a happy place and could keep her profession. Thank you.

Teachers bullied by 'colleagues'

Just Sara — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 09:51:57 GMT

Hi Marg; (I hope you don't mind me calling you this?)

It isn't apparent if you've already had your claim accepted or not. You state you've been off on wc for 13 wks, so I'm unsure what the 8000 words are about? Could you clarify please?

I can't actually advise anything not knowing the 'above' answer. So I have a few query's;

Is this 're-hab' person internal services or from the insurer?

Have you returned to a temp position somewhere?

The RTW Plan has to be signed by GP and Psych as well as the RTW coordinator for your section and yourself. Has this happened? It doesn't matter if you've been granted WC or not, you still need a RTW Plan. You can ask for a review if you're not happy with it.

If you've had problems with anyone in the past or they're involved, you can have something included in your RTW Plan restricting their involvement in the process. It's YOUR RTW Plan, not theirs. Your GP and Psych can ask for exclusions or inclusions.

Whoever this re-hab person is, they don't have the authority to override your GP or Psych. If you've been in a temp placement up until now, they have no excuse to move you from there to your substantive position if it causes you more grief. Some conflict resolution, formal inquiry or grievance process will need to be organised, (in the RTWP) preferably with your Psych present. (definitely with someone present who can support you...never ever alone!)

If they say you need to move due to pay-grade, funding, no more vacant positions etc, ask them to provide written advice from area supervisor, policies and HR.

If you're in NSW you can call WIRO to complain about the process not supporting you and they'll be happy to intervene. But that's only if the claim has been accepted by the insurer. Other states have similar.

All of this seems to relate to problems, however there may be positive things in place already that can be expanded on. Just make sure you never meet with anyone alone for anything. If you're tricked into a meeting as I've been, don't talk and leave the room. Be nice and tactful in the way you speak, but leave immediately and email the RTW Insurance Case manager. CC internal services and your line manager (or theirs) Never call, always email. (paper trail)

I don't know what else to say as your exact circumstances aren't clear. I hope this helps.

Dizzy x

Teachers bullied by 'colleagues'

margaret1 — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 01:08:13 GMT

hi dizzy....!

To answer your questions....claim accepted, 8000 words formal complaint, unsent, dodged a bullet with that... thank you for your wise words, the re hab folk are hired by the insurer, no RTWP atm, re hab lady told me she has 4 from my school on her case load and she doesnt understand why nothing is being done re executive mismanagement, I went out on WC at the end of last term and they gave me a fair warning no RTWP at all...I went out again at the start of this term. .......Term 2 out weeks 6 and 7....Term 3 out awaiting RTWP....

Truely toxic work place. Fair warning was basically shut up and stop annoying us, theres nothing wrong...

I ve learned a great deal from your posts. I ve learned a great deal from this experience....lordy WC is Catch 22, and Nightmare on Elm Street combined....

Thank you and you can call me anything you want.

Teachers bullied by 'colleagues'

Just Sara — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 04:06:44 GMT

I'm glad you replied Marg;

Nice also to hear your WC has been accepted. It sounds to me as if there's a real issue at your workplace re staff management. It might be a thought to bring a group complaint to the Fairwork Ombudsman's Office. If you know who the other staff are, you could contact them and ask if they're interested. As it's an external system, FW will investigate independently. Also is Workcover who can be of assistance, however they don't have the pull they used to. They're being legislated out of existence too.

The other avenue of complaint, (don't bother with internal if you've already tried) is with the Director General's Office. This is more to do with how it affects the kids, but if staff are unhappy with their situation, it'll obviously affect them. No govt dept wants DGO sniffing around because they're so powerful and can make major changes, not only local, but state wide.

As for your RTWP, it's against the law not to have one. The insurers (and your dept) know this and are liable if they don't get onto it. Do some notes on what YOU WANT. If you can't face going back, maybe you could think about transferring elsewhere or to adult education where life isn't as intense.

These are just idea's Marg; I suppose I'm sort of feeling for you atm and I know I shouldn't. You've given me food for thought re starting up a support service for poor souls (in the thick of it) to lean on. Nobody starts a job with tools to confront these issues. Unions are useless; they're more interested in memberships and don't have the staff anyway to deal with bullying; they put it straight back onto you.

Just a note on the unsigned warning; if this happened while on WC, it could be construed as being retaliation for a protected disclosure. That's also against the law; there's even a Protected Disclosure Act (NSW) to govern this behaviour. I hope you have a copy, especially if it's hand written.

So I'll leave you for now and wish you well. Keep me up to date if that's ok?

Warm thoughts...Dizzy x

Teachers bullied by 'colleagues'

Just Sara — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 04:08:29 GMT

By the way...hope you're doing alright. My thoughts are with you darl...D xo

Teachers bullied by 'colleagues'

margaret1 — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 21:33:30 GMT

I went out when some girls? ....identities undisclosed....accused me of discussing my personal sex life and my experiences re anal sex with the class....what got me was that the exec took this rubbish seriously and referred it to IPAC....I was teaching outside my subject area...pdhpe....topic assigned underage sex.....these girls took exception to sex being illegal if under 15 insisting it was ok if you loved the man....? they said coach....This set off warning bells with me. I included this as a cause for concern in my reply to their accusations. I have no idea if this has been addressed....I think the information in this lesson made someone very nervous....

This was a good lesson and I actually enjoyed the multiple discussions...I was heart broken by how the complaint was handled. This was not helped by the laughter it invoked in my nearest and dearest...actually the laughter helped....ridiculous nonsense...

Well I have to thank you yet again. I ll try and find the others who are out from the achool. Its very isolated here in WC land. Fyi you cant apply for a transfer if youre in a WC situation. Great eh.

The pdhpe incident was the final straw just broke me.

Thanks again Dizzy

Teachers bullied by 'colleagues'

Just Sara — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 16:47:07 GMT

Hi Marg;

Goodness me...that's a pickle! Were their parents spoken to? I dare say they weren't.

I'm sorry to hear you feel broken. Unfortunately it's a phrase too often spoken re this subject; my thoughts are with you. I hope you're finding some balance in your life. It's necessary for coping and on-going recovery.

On the transfer issue; you may take a transfer if it's offered. If you talk about it with someone instead of formally applying, one could be tabled at your RTWP by them. Even if it's for 3 mnths for instance. Just a thought. Though this issue with the girls might have to be dealt with first.

The legislation re Public Sector Employee Management (Act) has morphed into an entirely new document over the last few years. But it'll still have protocols and procedures for managing complaints. There are time frames and steps management has to stick to as well as yourself.

I won't be around for a while Marg; am delving into so many issues at present. I hope all goes well with everything.

Hope you've got a good GP and Psych in your corner and managing symptoms. You're a trooper...fight the good fight. By the way...you're entirely welcome!

Sincerely...D xx

Teachers bullied by 'colleagues'

margaret1 — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 20:02:34 GMT

Hi Dizzy, You cannot know what your words have meant to me. You have saved me much grief. I am very grateful. Have very good doc and psych, so support is there... makes a big difference. Fighting the fight ... tho it aint so good.

You are a champion, thanks for everything xx