Leadership style creating toxicity in schools

THE EDITOR, Madam:

As we approach Teachers’ Day in May it is important to highlight the problem of toxic workplace in the school environment which urgently needs to be addressed. This affects moral of many teachers, their mental health and student outcomes.

Most of the time it is a direct of poor leadership because some school leaders have failed to model transparency, trust or respect which have in several ways poison a school atmosphere.

Moreover, these leadership behaviours continue to create toxicity in schools, such as fear-based management, using intimidation and blaming the teachers for underperformances and behaviour among students even when no programmes or behaviour modification are not implemented to make changes.

This has driven fear in teachers who are afraid to speak up or innovate. Second, school leaders have created “inner circle” where they praise and promotion are given to their favourite teachers while others are sidelined because they are not part of this inner circle. Thirdly, these leaders have poor communications that have contributed to confusion and a chaotic school environment by leaving staff out of critical decisions relating to the school development. Last, these leaders do not back teachers during parents’ conflict or student behavioural issues leaving staff unsafe.

Further, these behaviour from some school leaders have resulted in high staff attrition, psychological distress among staff resulting in chronic stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion leading to physical illness. Other effects include disengaged and unmotivated teachers which can bring about reduced productivity. Bearing in mind that some students can pick up teachers stress which can hider learning quality.

How can this problem be addressed? The school leaders need to ask questions about their own blind spots by self-reflection and acknowledging being part of the problem and having the willingness to seek help from leadership coach. Second, implementing anonymous staff surveys by understanding the issues they may have not noticed and lastly, school leaders need to develop a holistic approach by prioritizing teachers well- being and professional growth over rigid performance metrics to transform the environment from toxic to nurturing.

School leaders should play their role in not allowing toxic culture in schools.

ANDREA O’CONNOR

awrightoconnor@hotmail.

com