Breaking the Silence

Recognize destructive behavior and cultivate constructive support! The detrimental effect of abusive principal behavior not only deteriorates teacher morale and performance, but also erodes school effectiveness, student learning, and quality of life for everyone involved. Unfortunately, this type of mistreatment-with its devastating implications-has largely been ignored and treated as a taboo subject. In this groundbreaking book, Blase and Blase begin the critical dialogue about abuse by exposing the various manifestations of mistreatment, and offering practical solutions for its prevention and correction. The invaluable information presented is based on findings from the first-of-its-kind study conducted by the authors, in which they interviewed elementary, middle/junior high, and high school teachers from rural, suburban, and urban areas across the United States and Canada. The text masterfully provides the tools necessary to identify destructive behavior and raises awareness of this common phenomenon in order to break the cycle of abuse. It is the crucial first step toward preventing further mistreatment and fostering teacher development, student achievement, and school improvement. Key features include Real-life examples and testimonials Specific forms and indicators of mistreatment, categorized into three levels Detailed description of the effects on schools and teachers, professionally and personally Solutions for overcoming this problem, including six survival skills, 'Bullyproofing,' 'Bullybusting,' and other individual, organizational, and legal resolutions