Chris Aguilar, LaTonia Tarver-Lopez, Rosslyn Halekakis, Stanley Ennis, Maria Clark
Chris Aguilar, Sanders Elementary School teacher, Sylvan Education Association
- On being bullied: Years ago, I was bullied by an administrator. He came into my classroom three times a day, looking through my desk and my papers. I was chapter president at the time. Everything I said or did was misconstrued. It created a negative environment for me.
- Action taken: I called a meeting with my principal and CTA primary contact staff. My principal threatened me with a letter of reprimand and said my communication with parents was “nonexistent.” I shared e-mails and records of phone calls with parents to show otherwise. The principal withdrew his complaint. I decided not to go forward with a grievance.
- Lessons learned: Bullying is not just something that happens with students. It happens to adults. Sometimes you don’t realize you are being bullied until you take a step back and look at a sequence of events.
LaTonia Tarver-Lopez, special education instructional aide at Jordan Educational Complex, Ánimo Classified Employee Association vice president
- From a support staff perspective: Most people think of bullying as something done loudly or aggressively. But when people use their sense of power or job position over someone in a silent way, it’s just as demeaning.
- The impact on schools: It’s hard to do your job when you’re uncomfortable, afraid and cowering. Other co-workers notice when someone crosses a line and becomes abusive. It affects all of us, office assistants, office managers, instructional aides and teachers.
- On seeing others bullied: Sometimes I wait until it’s over and address the matter with both parties separately. I make them aware it is unprofessional, a violation of employee rights, and something that should not happen in the work environment.
Rosslyn Halekakis, PE teacher at Stagg High School, Stockton Teachers Association
- On workplace bullying: A football coach and fellow teacher raised his voice to me, so that I felt threatened. I spoke to an administrator about it, but nothing happened. I felt unsupported. I see a lot of administrators bullying teachers — and teachers bullying teachers.
- On overhearing bullies: Whenever I hear teachers talking about other teachers I try to squash it, because it’s not good to spread rumors. Instead, we should work together as a team.
- On targets: Sometimes teachers bring it upon themselves. One teacher felt that she was being picked on, but she was always late to school. Teachers should ask if their behavior is making them a target.
Stanley Ennis, math teacher at Bartlett Middle School, Porterville Education Association
- On being bullied by co-workers: It was my first teaching job, and I had an emergency credential. I was just a newbie. Other teachers said I wasn’t as good as they were, and they talked behind my back. I felt they were out to get me.
- Seeing others bullied: A principal called in female teachers and yelled at them; he’d make them cry. I asked him how he would feel if his wife went to work and someone yelled at her like that. I also spoke to the superintendent. I think I got my point across; he retired that year.
- Impact of bullying: Targets become embarrassed and shut down. That’s why a lot of transfers take place. I’m glad to see CTA get involved in this. We need to put a stop to bullying so people can be more productive in their jobs.
Maria Clark, president of Redlands Teachers Association
- On being bullied: I had a principal who would scream at me about anything. If I said the sky was blue, she would argue about it. I realized it would never get better and put in a midyear transfer request. It’s not easy for teachers to transfer anymore with layoffs and RIFs.
- Effects of bullying: I’ve seen increased absenteeism related to stress. The whole desire to come to school is gone. The passion and love of teaching is wiped out.
- Coping with bullying: Find outlets for personal activities and interests. Have a life outside of the school day. Hike, bike, fish, knit, or do whatever gives you pleasure and peace. Life is short, so make the situation as tolerable as possible. You have a right to a joyful and meaningful life.