This subject could be reduced down to one statement: “Be kind.” So many of the sticky situations I have dealt with in this regard could have been avoided if I’d remembered that slogan. Being kind is a broad statement. It affects every person’s actions differently.
If you hear something about another teacher, ignore it. Gossip has no place for the dynamite teacher. Deal with people on a one-to-one basis. There are also the things you might hear from kids … those you sometimes have to deal with. Just like we are required to report anything we suspect as child abuse as mandated reporters, so we sometimes need to follow up on what kids tell us about our colleagues.
Then there are the times when the behavior of the teacher at issue is affecting your teaching and livelihood. Make sure when you approach a colleague about an adverse situation such as this that you bring the facts and a offer of solution. Even if you don’t reveal that right away, don’t go in without a suggestion of how to solve it.
Had any positive experiences in approaching colleagues? Do share.