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Schools are often viewed as sanctuaries for learning, respect, and growth. However, what happens when the very educators responsible for nurturing young minds become perpetrators of bullying? Teacher-to-teacher bullying is a rarely discussed issue, but its impact on victims, students, and the school community is profound.
In a setting where teachers are meant to model kindness and professionalism, bullying among colleagues not only disrupts the workplace but also sets a harmful example for students, eroding their perception of what healthy relationships and professional behavior should look like.
This article delves into the problem of teacher-to-teacher bullying in schools and how to address it, focusing specifically on its detrimental influence on students and the steps victims can take to seek justice.
Understanding Teacher-to-Teacher Bullying
Teacher-to-teacher bullying manifests as repetitive, targeted, and harmful behavior by one or more educators against a colleague. Common forms include:
Public Humiliation: Criticizing or mocking a colleague in front of students or other staff.
Isolation: Deliberately excluding a colleague from school activities or discussions.
Undermining Authority: Spreading rumors, sabotaging classroom efforts, or questioning their competence.
Verbal Abuse: Using harsh words or tones to demean a colleague.
While disagreements are natural, bullying is an intentional and sustained effort to harm someone emotionally, mentally, or professionally.
The Impact on Students
When teachers bully each other, students become inadvertent witnesses, and the effects can be far-reaching:
Modeling Negative Behavior:
Teachers are role models. When they engage in bullying, students may perceive such actions as acceptable, leading to increased instances of peer-to-peer bullying.
Erosion of Respect for Authority:
Students lose respect for educators when they witness unprofessional behavior, which can undermine classroom discipline and learning.
A Toxic Learning Environment:
A hostile atmosphere affects not just the victim but the entire school community, creating a culture of fear and tension that impacts student engagement and performance.
Emotional Impact on Students:
Students often look up to teachers for guidance. Seeing their mentors humiliated or mistreated can cause confusion, stress, and even anxiety.
Legal Protections and Policies Against Bullying
In the Philippines, legal frameworks exist to address bullying in schools, but these are often focused on student-to-student interactions. However, teacher-to-teacher bullying can be addressed through:
The Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313):
This law extends protection to anyone experiencing harassment or bullying, including in educational settings.
The Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers:
Teachers are bound by a professional code that emphasizes respect, integrity, and collaboration. Violations can result in administrative sanctions.
School Policies on Workplace Harassment:
Many schools have internal grievance mechanisms where complaints can be filed confidentially.
Steps for Teachers Facing Bullying
1. Document the Incidents
Maintain a detailed record of bullying episodes, including dates, descriptions, and the names of witnesses. Record verbal exchanges (if permitted) and save evidence like emails or messages.
2. Understand School Policies
Review your school’s code of conduct or anti-bullying guidelines to understand the complaint process.
3. Report the Behavior
Isolation: Deliberately excluding a colleague from school activities or discussions.
Undermining Authority: Spreading rumors, sabotaging classroom efforts, or questioning their competence.
Verbal Abuse: Using harsh words or tones to demean a colleague.
While disagreements are natural, bullying is an intentional and sustained effort to harm someone emotionally, mentally, or professionally.
The Impact on Students
When teachers bully each other, students become inadvertent witnesses, and the effects can be far-reaching:
Modeling Negative Behavior:
Teachers are role models. When they engage in bullying, students may perceive such actions as acceptable, leading to increased instances of peer-to-peer bullying.
Erosion of Respect for Authority:
Students lose respect for educators when they witness unprofessional behavior, which can undermine classroom discipline and learning.
A Toxic Learning Environment:
A hostile atmosphere affects not just the victim but the entire school community, creating a culture of fear and tension that impacts student engagement and performance.
Emotional Impact on Students:
Students often look up to teachers for guidance. Seeing their mentors humiliated or mistreated can cause confusion, stress, and even anxiety.
Legal Protections and Policies Against Bullying
In the Philippines, legal frameworks exist to address bullying in schools, but these are often focused on student-to-student interactions. However, teacher-to-teacher bullying can be addressed through:
The Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313):
This law extends protection to anyone experiencing harassment or bullying, including in educational settings.
The Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers:
Teachers are bound by a professional code that emphasizes respect, integrity, and collaboration. Violations can result in administrative sanctions.
School Policies on Workplace Harassment:
Many schools have internal grievance mechanisms where complaints can be filed confidentially.
Steps for Teachers Facing Bullying
1. Document the Incidents
Maintain a detailed record of bullying episodes, including dates, descriptions, and the names of witnesses. Record verbal exchanges (if permitted) and save evidence like emails or messages.
2. Understand School Policies
Review your school’s code of conduct or anti-bullying guidelines to understand the complaint process.
3. Report the Behavior
Raise the Issue with the Bully (Optional): If safe, assertively but respectfully address the behavior.
Approach School Authorities: Submit a formal complaint to the principal or school board, supported by documentation.
4. Seek External Support
Approach School Authorities: Submit a formal complaint to the principal or school board, supported by documentation.
4. Seek External Support
File a Complaint with the Department of Education (DepEd): If the school fails to address the issue, escalate it to DepEd.
Consult a Lawyer or Union Representative: Legal advice can help determine whether to pursue administrative or legal actions.
How to File a Complaint with DepEd
Victims of teacher-to-teacher bullying can file a complaint with DepEd by following these steps:Prepare Your Evidence: Collect all documents, records, and witness statements.
Submit a Written Complaint: File it at the division office of your region.
Participate in Hearings: DepEd may facilitate mediation or conduct hearings to resolve the matter.
Pursue Administrative Sanctions: If mediation fails, the bully may face penalties under civil service rules or the Code of Ethics for Teachers.
Preventing Teacher-to-Teacher Bullying
Bullying prevention starts with fostering a culture of respect and collaboration within schools. Administrators and educators can:
Encourage open dialogue about workplace concerns.
Hold bullies accountable to ensure a safe and professional environment.
Final Thoughts
Teacher-to-teacher bullying is not just a workplace issue; it’s a matter of integrity and responsibility. Educators who engage in bullying undermine their profession, hurt their colleagues, and send a damaging message to their students.
Victims must remember that they are not alone, and there are channels for justice and accountability. By standing up to workplace bullying, teachers can restore dignity to their profession and create a learning environment where everyone—educators and students alike—can thrive.
In the words of a great educator: “What we allow is what will continue.” Let’s not allow bullying to have a place in our schools.
Consult a Lawyer or Union Representative: Legal advice can help determine whether to pursue administrative or legal actions.
How to File a Complaint with DepEd
Victims of teacher-to-teacher bullying can file a complaint with DepEd by following these steps:Prepare Your Evidence: Collect all documents, records, and witness statements.
Submit a Written Complaint: File it at the division office of your region.
Participate in Hearings: DepEd may facilitate mediation or conduct hearings to resolve the matter.
Pursue Administrative Sanctions: If mediation fails, the bully may face penalties under civil service rules or the Code of Ethics for Teachers.
Preventing Teacher-to-Teacher Bullying
Bullying prevention starts with fostering a culture of respect and collaboration within schools. Administrators and educators can:
Conduct regular sensitivity training for all staff.
Encourage open dialogue about workplace concerns.
Hold bullies accountable to ensure a safe and professional environment.
Final Thoughts
Teacher-to-teacher bullying is not just a workplace issue; it’s a matter of integrity and responsibility. Educators who engage in bullying undermine their profession, hurt their colleagues, and send a damaging message to their students.
Victims must remember that they are not alone, and there are channels for justice and accountability. By standing up to workplace bullying, teachers can restore dignity to their profession and create a learning environment where everyone—educators and students alike—can thrive.
In the words of a great educator: “What we allow is what will continue.” Let’s not allow bullying to have a place in our schools.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
