By E. A. Berry
When cronyism, politics, and inexperience become the norm in hiring public school administrators, and the practice of hiring people with actual knowledge and “know how” is set aside, teachers suffer the consequences. Some get stressed, are worn thin mentally and emotionally, can become physically ill, and, in the most extreme cases, even die.
New teachers, especially, are susceptible to the lack of support, intimidation techniques, and outright bullying in the workplace. An environment that should be friendly, transparent, and productive can soon become hostile, dark, and scary.
At one charter school in the district, Education Week did an article about a teacher who was so pressured to perform, her colleagues believe it actually contributed to her death.
Is this the kind of place anyone would want to work, or where students would want to learn? [Read more…]