Surviving Internal School Politics: Strategies for Dealing with the Internal Dynamics

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

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781475800951
Publisher:	R&L Education
Publication date:	12/27/2012
Edition description:	Second Edition
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 9.80(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Beverley H. Johns has over 35 years experience within the public schools with students with significant behavioral disorders and learning disabilities. She is the author or co-author of sixteen books, an active member in a number of state and international organizations, and the 2000 recipient of the "Outstanding Leadership Award of the International Council for Exceptional Children."

Mary Z. McGrath taught both general and special education for 31 years. She is a professional speaker to educators, parents and other groups and has authored/coauthored 7 other books.

Sarup Mathur is an associate professor and program coordinator of the special education program at Arizona State University. She has over 20 years of experience in research and programming for students with emotional and behavioral disorders. She has co-authored and co-edited eight books and published more than 50 articles and chapters.

Table of Contents

Introduction

1. Managing School Politics and Maintaining Personal Integrity
2. It’s Those Little Things That Build Up in Schools
3. Surviving the Teachers Lounge
4. Dealing with Faculty Meetings
5. Coping with Professional Jealousy
6. Avoiding Stagnation: Dealing with the Pressure to

Stay With the Group and Not Excel

1. Working Effectively and Professionally with the Building Administrator
2. Maintaining Professional Behavior with Parents
3. Communicating in a Political Minefield
4. Dealing with the Dynamics Created by Emotionally Unhealthy Staff Members
5. Advocacy for Children versus Job Security
6. Ways to Open Avenues to Acceptance
7. Dealing with 'stracism: Yours and Your Colleagues
8. The Politics of Technology
9. Teaching in a Time of Turmoi
10. Making That Final Decision: Can I Stay, or Do I Need to Move On?

Conclusion

What People are Saying About This

Cheryl L. George

Surviving Internal Politics remains a practical, honest resource for teachers, offering suggestions and solutions to promote a positive school environment. The scenarios within each chapter are relatable and create good discussion in our undergraduate courses and student teaching seminars. I look forward to using the second edition in a new course, Collaboration, Communication, and Advocacy.

Robert B. Rutherford

This book is a highly practical text for beginning and continuing teachers. The authors cover many of the problems, pitfalls, and politics of how schools really work that we in teacher education rarely share with our preserve teachers. I believe that every student teacher or beginning teacher should have this text readily available as a guide to the real world of school.

Lonna Housman Moline

Surviving Internal Politics is a valuable resource for educational professionals. It provides practical advice and helps educators "see the invisible" politics which are so often present in the education system. The book is a crucial asset for new teachers and a "go to" book for helping all educators navigate difficult situations. The book provides real life scenarios and action plans for relevant political situation. The updated edition adds timely advice for positive use of technology and facing challenges in today's unsettled educational environment.

Mary Beth Schafer

This book is a must read for all new teachers and those new to their district or building. The politics of education—especially the teachers lounge—are notorious. However, the authors, in a gentle yet straightforward manner, Discuss its realities. They provide tools and strategies to help the reader not onky identify and graciously step back from toxic situations but also to turn those situations around in order to promote a positive school environment for staff as well as tudents. The authors provide a multitude of creative and positive alternatives and techniques for teachers to use that not only foster a positive self-concept but also create a healthy and nurturing school environment. I love the new chapters. So timely! Me being me, Iespeciallylike the technology chapter and how it alerts teachers to potential career-ending pitfalls!

Editorial Reviews

This book is a highly practical text for beginning and continuing teachers. The authors cover many of the problems, pitfalls, and politics of how schools really work that we in teacher education rarely share with our preserve teachers. I believe that every student teacher or beginning teacher should have this text readily available as a guide to the real world of school.

Robert B. Rutherford

Surviving Internal Politics is a valuable resource for educational professionals. It provides practical advice and helps educators 'see the invisible' politics which are so often present in the education system. The book is a crucial asset for new teachers and a 'go to' book for helping all educators navigate difficult situations. The book provides real life scenarios and action plans for relevant political situation. The updated edition adds timely advice for positive use of technology and facing challenges in today's unsettled educational environment.

Lonna Housman Moline

Surviving Internal Politics remains a practical, honest resource for teachers, offering suggestions and solutions to promote a positive school environment. The scenarios within each chapter are relatable and create good discussion in our undergraduate courses and student teaching seminars. I look forward to using the second edition in a new course, 'Collaboration, Communication, and Advocacy.'

Cheryl L. George

This book is a must read for all new teachers and those new to their district or building. The politics of education—especially the teachers lounge—are notorious. However, the authors, in a gentle yet straightforward manner, discuss its realities. They provide tools and strategies to help the reader not only identify and graciously step back from toxic situations but also to turn those situations around in order to promote a positive school environment for staff as well as students. The authors provide a multitude of creative and positive alternatives and techniques for teachers to use that not only foster a positive self-concept but also create a healthy and nurturing school environment. I love the new chapters. So timely! Me being me, I especially like the technology chapter and how it alerts teachers to potential career-ending pitfalls!

Mary Beth Schafer