ABSTRACT

This chapter describes teacher’s relationships with colleagues and parents. While there is an obvious need for members of staff to be cooperative and mutually supportive regarding the work they do as teachers, there is also a need for the 'softer' side of working in a school to be acknowledged. Teachers always have a plethora of excuses that they can employ to excuse themselves, for example an arrangement to see a pupil, preparation to do or books that urgently need marking. Research suggests that teachers form the largest occupational group to suffer from workplace bullying – it appears that schools can be hostile places for some teachers. The involvement of support teachers in classrooms of mainstream and special schools across the country has increased quite dramatically over recent years. In primary schools in particular, many teachers would not be able to function efficiently without the input of teaching assistants and adult helpers.