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Toxic Environment

What do people mean when they say that a school has a toxic environment?

According to a quick google search, toxic is always associated with poison or toxins. It is harmful and unhealthy. So, when a school's environment "goes toxic" whose job is is to cure it? Who is responsible for this outcome? How did it get to be that way? And, does it matter why it's that way or is it more important to figure out what to do to turn things around?

I've been in toxic school environments that seem to get worse before they get better. Often, this starts out with teachers feeling that they are not being respected by the administration. Then, teachers start talking to each other because, more often than not, this is the only outlet they have to check their perceptions about what's going on. Sometimes teachers will feel like they're alone in their feelings or like there's something wrong with them. So, one brave soul will test the waters by bringing up a concern in casual conversation. Soon after, another conversation will ensue about the same or a similar topic with the same colleague or a different one. And, then there is a snowball effect.

If administration wants to change this climate then it must first be aware that it's happening. Otherwise, nothing will change. So, who will be the brave soul to broach this in a meeting or in a private conversation? And will this be enough?

Comments

Chris Margocs said…
I've been in all sorts of learning environments in my twenty years of education, and I agree that they can be toxic. Even if the administration is benign, the lack of proactiveness and open support for teachers can be harmful to morale. Luckily, I am currently in a SUPER supportive environment, one in which the principal has an open door policy and will actually thank people for their differing opinions. I have found that it works both ways, though; administration needs to hear from staff when it is doing well, too!
11 March 2013 at 14:11
Stacey said…
Toxic environments need a change agent to affect things positively. It's my hope someone will step forward.
11 March 2013 at 14:13
Unknown said…
Hi Chris,
Good point that it needs to work both ways. Sometimes we forget that it's important for admin to know when what they're doing is working to boost morale and teacher professional learning.
11 March 2013 at 17:13
Unknown said…
Yes, Stacey. Just like it takes only one person to poison the environment, whether justly or not, it only takes one person to turn things around!
11 March 2013 at 17:13
Kristi said…
I'll take a change agent with a side of positive!
12 March 2013 at 13:20
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