From Difficult Teachers . . . to Dynamic Teams

"This book reflects a true understanding of the different personalities administrators face and clearly outlines what each leader can do to establish a positive environment for their employees and students. This is one book no administrator should be without." —Patricia Bowman, Retired Principal, Los Angeles Unified School District Adjunct Professor, University of California, Los Angeles Proven solutions for toxic behaviors! Unconstructive staff behaviors can disrupt a thriving school environment. School leaders need positive, generative communication strategies that can defuse negativity and inspire teachers to change their behavior and become contributing members of the learning community. From Difficult Teachers…to Dynamic Teamwork examines the underlying basis of problematic behaviors and provides proactive, proven strategies for building teamwork and a positive school culture. Leaders will discover strategies for enhancing their interpersonal skills, determining if their own behavior is contributing to the problem, and encouraging behavior change in teachers and staff. Based on interviews with more than 50 experienced principals, this valuable resource connects content to practice via: Key tools, practical resources, organizational charts, and behavior assessment forms Sage advice and quotations from experienced educators Sample dialogues to help identify behavior challenges "Take Action" sections for specific implementation strategies Maximize the effectiveness of your staff by building a culture of shared leadership, collegiality, and teamwork!

Table of Contents:
Introduction Acknowledgments About the Authors Part I. Identification and Understanding 1. Understanding Difficult Teachers Who Are They? How Did They Get This Way? What Do Difficult Teachers Want? The Effects of Difficult Teachers 2. Difficult Teachers, Difficult Behaviors Chronic Comnplainers Negative Teachers Inflexible Teachers Noncompliant Gossipers Anarchists Snipers Bullies Noisemakers Selfish Teachers Part II. Solutions and Strategies 3. Facilitating Behavior Change: Conversations, Warnings, and Improvement Plans Before a Problem Occurs How to Encourage Behavior Change When Conversations Fail 4. Am I Contributing to the Problem? Why Are Some Principals "Difficult"? Could Your Behavior Be Considered Difficult? Fertile Ground for Difficult Teachers Gender-Related Differences in Difficult Behaviors Strategies for Change Part III. Prevention 5. Interpersonal Skills That Help Listening to Understand Speaking for Understanding Body Language Defusing Emotionally Charged Conversations 6. Creating a Culture of Teamwork Building a Positive Culture Focusing on Positive Teachers Creating a Spirit of Teamwork Rewarding Positive People References Resources Index