It’s a teacher’s worst nightmare… dealing with toxic work environment – whether it’s a toxic boss or a toxic work environment, ON TOP of all the demands and tasks that need to get done. Nothing makes the commute to work or Sunday scaries worse than dreading going to work. Yet, it’s the reality that some teachers face each and every day. Toxicity can take form in many ways – the feeling of being targeted, feelings unsupported, misunderstood, even isolated.
In this post, let’s talk about dealing with toxic work environment – whether it’s the building culture, administration, or colleagues. We’ll talk about what you can do to get through the year.
Managing negativity is just a portion of all that is shared inside of the ultimate guide to a successful year as a new teacher. 50+ pages of tips, advice, checklists, and helpful worksheets designed to support you throughout every month of the year! Click the picture below to grab your copy!
I’ve always considered myself fortunate. In my years as an educator, I have seen many principals come and go. I pride myself on being a hard worker and striving to improve, always learning. (Yes, I am a self-proclaimed nerd! And proud of it! I love learning new things all the time!) I believe that that is part of why I have always maintained a good rapport with my administrators. But I often hear friends and fellow educators talk about retaliatory administrators, teachers being targeted, and wanting to quit. I imagined every morning was met with a heavy lump in their throat, wondering what the day would bring. While I didn’t worry about administrators, I wasn’t prepared for what I would worry about. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever consider that peers and colleagues could bring such toxicity and negativity against a fellow teacher.
No teacher should be treated poorly because they want to learn, take risks, be better than they were before. But there are situations out there where others may look down on you for going the extra mile for your kids. Do NOT let that dull your sparkle! Do not let that alter what YOU envision your classroom, your instruction, or your career to be. If you haven’t experienced any of these scenarios, then I’m truly happy!! If you experiencing any toxicity at work, you might be thinking – HOW? How do I not allow actions like that to get the best of me? Who will show me how to handle toxic work environment?
Well, I’m glad you asked…
Handling Toxicity When It’s Administration
If you are feeling targeted by an administrator, reflect on what you can do to minimize interaction but remain professional. You won’t know what he/she is thinking and you certainly won’t know what they perceive as the issue. Unfortunately, no matter how unfair it might be – their perception is their reality. And college certainly doesn’t guide you in how to deal with toxic boss at work so be sure to:
C.Y.A. (a.k.a. Cover Your A$$). Document any interactions.
While this is unfortunate and I hate to even discuss it. As your mentor and coach, I am here to support you and that requires honesty. So I’m being honest here. If your administrator seems to be targeting you or giving you a hard time, keep a paper trail. Email for confirmation on specific directives. Document observation/evaluation visits. Take feedback and implement it (even if you don’t agree with the feedback, give it a try). Tweak it a bit if you need to. If it doesn’t work for you and your students at least you can say you gave it a shot.
Keep calm, remember the kids.
- Yes, the situation SUCKS. But you didn’t become a teacher to be friends with the principal or assistant principal. Remember the kids. THEY need you. THEY are there possibly in the safest and most stable environment they know. Take that deep breath when you need it, keep calm, and teach.
Bombard them with kindness.
Always be kind. You may want to give the cold shoulder or make a sarcastic remark in passing. Ask yourself, “where will it really get you?” It might be a moment of adrenaline or a moment of relief to let your frustration out – but long term it won’t serve you. Instead, choose kind. Be kind.
Find another job.
Like I mentioned, I’m here to support you. And because of that, I’m not going to pretend that if you are in a rough situation with your administrator that you should stick it out another year. Your mental health, your well-being is #1. Always. Therefore, if teaching is your passion, look at another district, county, or town or look for a new position entirely. Either way, you should not be dealing with toxic work environment so be sure to give yourself enough time to prepare your cover letter and resume to send out.
Handling Negativity When It’s Friends
It can be a really difficult position to be in when a work friend is being consistently negative. We all vent and have stressful times where we need to just let it all out. But if a friend is more negative than positive, here are some ideas on what you can do:
Vent Session [indirectly]
- A friend is venting and not necessarily looking for your opinion, try to avoid adding to the negativity.
- They are mumbling under their breath, ignore.
- If you are nearby and hear it being said to another colleague, ignore.
You want to keep away from drama, gossip, and negativity as much as possible. It doesn’t seem like it at first, but it takes quite the mental toll on a person over time.
Try your best to spread positivity.
Think of non-work-related topics to discuss (e.g., holiday break plans, vacations, family updates, etc.).
Smile, say hello and good morning as you pass by, and be kind.
These actions will be much more fruitful for you and others. Staying positive around negative people isn’t always easy but it can spread that positivity around.
Venting [with direct invite to engage]
- Be mindful of your responses or reactions. Listen, of course, because that’s what friends do.
- If you are comfortable with the foundation of that friendship, ask him/her questions to think about another perspective or share your perspective.
The idea is not to negate their emotions or thoughts but rather encourage them to be objective and/or empathetic.
Limit the length of the conversation.
- Do not engage or continue a conversation that makes you uncomfortable or makes you feel unhappy.
You have a right to not participate and a right to walk away. Don’t be afraid to do so. It’ll be hard to do at first but will save you headaches and much more pain down the road. The message will become clear to all that you do not engage in negativity and toxicity.
Handling Negativity Against You
This is my least favorite section. Honestly, it’s because it hits so close to home. I wish it didn’t have to be a topic of conversation for anyone. It took me a long time to be able to stand with my head held high so I want to give others the hope that you can rise above. Don’t get me wrong, there are times when the negativity still cuts deep. It hurts – but I get back up. If you are a victim of peers being negative towards you, here are some things you can do:
- Attempt to speak to the person one-to-one. Negativity breeds off negativity so speaking to the person alone may help avoid the toxic encouragement from bystanders.
- Positively (and calmly) disagree with their opinions or statements.
- Contact your union representative, if necessary and if applicable.
- Speak to an administrator.
- Ask family and friends for advice.
- Speak to a therapist.
- Seek another job elsewhere.
Remember, in any workplace, there are many different personalities. Every individual brings their own experiences to their job while potentially managing personal concerns outside of the workplace. Pile on the busy seasons of education and it’s only natural that at some points in the school year tensions and emotions may run high.
If you’re looking for more suggestions, ideas, and support with your first years of teaching, click on the picture below to download your ultimate guide… 10 months of tips, ideas, suggestions, and BONUS months of summer to help you prepare and reflect on your year.
More on Dealing with Toxic Work Environment
- Dealing with a “Bad Principal”? Try these 6 things.
- 5 Ways to Deal with Negative Teachers
- Surviving a Toxic School Environment
It’s no surprise – we are overworked, underpaid, over-evaluated, and understaffed; and let’s face it – some people just love drama. While venting or engaging in negative conversations may offer some temporary relief, it will not make you happier or better in the long run.
Set boundaries and rise above. You will get through it and you’ll be stronger for it!
