INDEX OF QUOTES
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Of course, guarding against student manipulations of our feelings and other factors that lead to staff splitting does not absolve us from our moral and professional responsibility to confront inappropriate staff behavior and to ensure that students are being treated in a fair, caring, and supportive manner. I am not proposing that we look the other way when injustices have been brought to our attention. Complaints should be taken seriously and objective investigations into staff behavior should occur. Members of the staff must be held accountable for their actions and, if they are wrong, should admit and accept the consequences for their errors. There is no place for unprofessional behavior (even if the staff member believes he or she had a good reason!). However, it is important to ensure that we have all the information before forming judgments. Vigilance and awareness of the dynamics of staff splitting should permit us to separate genuine professional issues from our own insecurities and jealousies. If we expect our students to be direct, nonjudgmental, and accept personal responsibility for their behavior, we have to create an environment which not only says it but models it. It is imperative that staff members serve as models by creating an environment that encourages inquiry, models personal accountability and ownership of behaviors and feelings, and supports honest, direct communication. |
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