Surviving Internal School Politics

Beverley H. Johns has over 35 years experience within the public schools with students with significant behavioral disorders and learning disabilities. She is the author or co-author of sixteen books, an active member in a number of state and international organizations, and the 2000 recipient of the "Outstanding Leadership Award of the International Council for Exceptional Children."Mary Z. McGrath taught both general and special education for 31 years. She is a professional speaker to educators, parents and other groups and has authored/coauthored 7 other books.Sarup Mathur is an associate professor and program coordinator of the special education program at Arizona State University. She has over 20 years of experience in research and programming for students with emotional and behavioral disorders. She has co-authored and co-edited eight books and published more than 50 articles and chapters.

• IntroductionManaging School Politics and Maintaining Personal IntegrityIt’s Those Little Things That Build Up in SchoolsSurviving the Teachers LoungeDealing with Faculty MeetingsCoping with Professional JealousyAvoiding Stagnation: Dealing with the Pressure to Stay With the Group and Not ExcelWorking Effectively and Professionally with the Building AdministratorMaintaining Professional Behavior with ParentsCommunicating in a Political MinefieldDealing with the Dynamics Created by Emotionally Unhealthy Staff MembersAdvocacy for Children versus Job SecurityWays to Open Avenues to AcceptanceDealing with Ostracism: Yours and Your ColleaguesThe Politics of TechnologyTeaching in a Time of TurmoiMaking That Final Decision: Can I Stay, or Do I Need to Move On?Conclusion

Surviving Internal Politics remains a practical, honest resource for teachers, offering suggestions and solutions to promote a positive school environment. The scenarios within each chapter are relatable and create good discussion in our undergraduate courses and student teaching seminars. I look forward to using the second edition in a new course, 'Collaboration, Communication, and Advocacy.'