Full Description
"This book reflects a true understanding of the different personalities administrators face and clearly outlines what each leader can do to establish a positive environment for their employees and students. This is one book no administrator should be without."
—Patricia Bowman, Retired Principal, Los Angeles Unified School District
Adjunct Professor, University of California, Los Angeles
Proven solutions for toxic behaviors!
Unconstructive staff behaviors can disrupt a thriving school environment. School leaders need positive, generative communication strategies that can defuse negativity and inspire teachers to change their behavior and become contributing members of the learning community.
From Difficult Teachers...to Dynamic Teamwork examines the underlying basis of problematic behaviors and provides proactive, proven strategies for building teamwork and a positive school culture. Leaders will discover strategies for enhancing their interpersonal skills, determining if their own behavior is contributing to the problem, and encouraging behavior change in teachers and staff. Based on interviews with more than 50 experienced principals, this valuable resource connects content to practice via:
Key tools, practical resources, organizational charts, and behavior assessment forms
Sage advice and quotations from experienced educators
Sample dialogues to help identify behavior challenges
"Take Action" sections for specific implementation strategies
Maximize the effectiveness of your staff by building a culture of shared leadership, collegiality, and teamwork!
Contents
Introduction
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Part I. Identification and Understanding
1. Understanding Difficult Teachers
Who Are They?
How Did They Get This Way?
What Do Difficult Teachers Want?
The Effects of Difficult Teachers
2. Difficult Teachers, Difficult Behaviors
Chronic Comnplainers
Negative Teachers
Inflexible Teachers
Noncompliant
Gossipers
Anarchists
Snipers
Bullies
Noisemakers
Selfish Teachers
Part II. Solutions and Strategies
3. Facilitating Behavior Change: Conversations, Warnings, and Improvement Plans
Before a Problem Occurs
How to Encourage Behavior Change
When Conversations Fail
4. Am I Contributing to the Problem?
Why Are Some Principals "Difficult"?
Could Your Behavior Be Considered Difficult?
Fertile Ground for Difficult Teachers
Gender-Related Differences in Difficult Behaviors
Strategies for Change
Part III. Prevention
5. Interpersonal Skills That Help
Listening to Understand
Speaking for Understanding
Body Language
Defusing Emotionally Charged Conversations
6. Creating a Culture of Teamwork
Building a Positive Culture
Focusing on Positive Teachers
Creating a Spirit of Teamwork
Rewarding Positive People
References
Resources
Index
