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Are older women teachers being bullied out of work? Is this discrimination?
| Posted on March 31, 2009 at 6:59 AM |
In the past few weeks I have been contacted by two women teachers from northern NSW.
Both women are in their fifties and obviously very literate and intelligent.
They tell me that their work was well regarded till they were attacked.
I am wondering if there is a pattern here - are women teachers in their fifties more likely to be attacked at work?
Is this some kind of systemic economy drive?
Or are younger teachers simply easier to manipulate?
Do principals feel safer working with younger teachers?
Will there be less workplace bullying in Queensland schools when all of the intelligent, literate older teachers have retired or been driven out of work?
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5 Comments
Have just found this site and would like to add myself to the two women teachers from Northern NSW who have been attacked at work. Like them, until all the rubbish started I was highly regarded in the school community. I have since retired as I couldn't continue with the stress in my life. I was not the first to be attacked by this Principal. A fellow teacher who was also in her fifties and the office lady, also over 50 were forced to leave the school or retire because of the stress and abuse by this Principal. It would be interesting to find out if these women worked for a male or female principal.
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Deborah Waite
05:37 PM on September 19, 2009
Bullying in N.S.W schools is rife. I was so glad to find a research topic on bullying and give it to my supervisor to read. I think we as professionals need to work with our unions to write up a bullying risk management plan in our schools. If anyone has done this successfully, then please let me know. I believe older, experienced teachers over 40 are at great risk of discrimination.
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Anon
11:32 PM on September 18, 2009
20 plus years of teaching and a Masters Degree in Education did not account for anything in EQ. So much for the Smart State rhetoric. Some schools have and others have NOT. The curriculum is so huge it is ridiculous. They falsely assume that if you are older you can't accept change. The Demographer bernard Salt predicts a shortage of TAX payers in the future. Well they shouldn't have pushed me out. The Principal being the sole Judge, jury and Executioner (How just is that?) Where is my Freedom of Speech in this democracy?
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Anon
11:14 PM on September 18, 2009
Tall Poppy in Hiding says...
Teaching Profession Attracts Bullies
I am 25 years old and have been teaching for four years with Education Queensland. Not a day has gone by within the workplace that I have not witnessed or experienced some form of bullying. I have made a concerted effort to avoid the staffroom so that I don't have to hear the bitching, moaning, groaning and carrying on that occurs. I only speak in staff meetings if the matter is pertinent. I make an effort to 'fly under the radar'. This is my way of coping outside the four walls of my classroom. I truly enjoy teaching and I consider what I do within the classroom as valuable. If bullying amongst staff was addressed and managed properly I would be of more value to the school and wider community.
I hope you can last the distance. Become aware of the Procedures and Policies now so you can use them to your advantage if you need them.
Document any interactions with Principal and beware of Union advice.
Date: Time: Topic: Outcome: Don't sign anything.
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Tall Poppy in Hiding
09:15 AM on July 25, 2009
Teaching Profession Attracts Bullies
I am 25 years old and have been teaching for four years with Education Queensland. Not a day has gone by within the workplace that I have not witnessed or experienced some form of bullying. I have made a concerted effort to avoid the staffroom so that I don't have to hear the bitching, moaning, groaning and carrying on that occurs. I only speak in staff meetings if the matter is pertinent. I make an effort to 'fly under the radar'. This is my way of coping outside the four walls of my classroom. I truly enjoy teaching and I consider what I do within the classroom as valuable. If bullying amongst staff was addressed and managed properly I would be of more value to the school and wider community.
I am 25 years old and have been teaching for four years with Education Queensland. Not a day has gone by within the workplace that I have not witnessed or experienced some form of bullying. I have made a concerted effort to avoid the staffroom so that I don't have to hear the bitching, moaning, groaning and carrying on that occurs. I only speak in staff meetings if the matter is pertinent. I make an effort to 'fly under the radar'. This is my way of coping outside the four walls of my classroom. I truly enjoy teaching and I consider what I do within the classroom as valuable. If bullying amongst staff was addressed and managed properly I would be of more value to the school and wider community.
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