Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/138130
Personal perspectives and learnings LATONIA TARVER-LOPEZ, special educa- If you are bullied… • f bullied by an administrator, immediately contact your site rep or I association president. Document specific behavior and tactics. • f possible, confront the bully in a professional manner with asI sistance from your association. Convey that you will not be treated in this manner. • ork with your CTA rep. File a grievance, if necessary. Take your W concerns higher, if necessary, to human resources, the superintendent and school board members. • f bullied by co-workers, your site rep may advise you to report the I problem to an administrator who is responsible for providing a nontoxic work environment. • emember, you are stronger than you think. Most situations are R temporary. Find support in family and friends. • on't allow yourself to become isolated. Don't blame yourself D or lose confidence. Do not, under any circumstances, post retaliatory comments on Facebook, Twitter or in e-mails. Exercise, get enough sleep, and consider counseling. Seek medical care if necessary. CTA offers workshops on workplace bullying CTA's workshops — "Bullying! It Doesn't Just Happen to Students," by regional UniServ staff Jamye Merritt, Stockton, and Carol Reichert, Bakersfield RRC; and "Bullies, Bosses and Bad Behavior," by regional UniServ staff Rosemarie Tapp, Compton, and Phyllis Peters, Ontario RRC — can be scheduled by calling Pat Fuentes in CTA's Human Rights Department, 714-978-8865. tion instructional aide at Jordan Educational Complex, Ánimo Classified Employee Association The impact on schools: Most people think of bullying as something done loudly or aggressively. But when people use their sense of power or job position over someone in a silent way, it's just as demeaning. It's hard to do your job when you're uncomfortable or afraid. It affects all of us, office assistants, office managers, instructional aides and teachers. On seeing others bullied: Sometimes I wait until it's over and address the matter with both parties separately. I make them aware it is unprofessional, a violation of employee rights, and something that should not happen in the work environment. ROSSLYN HALEKAKIS, PE teacher at Stagg High School, Stockton Teachers Association On overhearing bullies: Whenever I hear teachers talking about other teachers I try to squash it, because it's not good to spread rumors. Instead, we should work together as a team. STANLEY ENNIS, math teacher at Bartlett Middle School, Porterville Education Association On being bullied by co-workers: It was my first teaching job, and I had an emergency credential. Some teachers talked behind my back, saying I wasn't as good as they were. I felt they were out to get me. Impact of bullying: Targets become embarrassed and shut down. That's why a lot of transfers take place. I'm glad to see CTA get involved in this. We need to put a stop to bullying so people can be more productive in their jobs. MARIA CLARK, president of Redlands Teachers Association On being bullied: I had a principal who would scream at me. If I said the sky was blue, she would argue. I realized it would never get better and put in a midyear transfer request. It's not easy for teachers to transfer anymore with layoffs and RIFs. Effects of bullying: I've seen increased absenteeism related to stress because the desire to come to school is gone. The passion and love of teaching is wiped out. Coping with bullying: Find outlets for personal activities and interests. Have a life outside of the school day. Hike, bike, fish, knit, or do whatever gives you pleasure and peace. Life is short, so make the situation as tolerable as possible. You have a right to a joyful and meaningful life. June/July 2013 www.cta.org Educator 06 June 2013 v2.0.indd 13 13 6/14/13 9:30 PM