Dr.
Brackett,
I attended the Miami Dade County Public
Schools recent mini conference. I so enjoyed your key note presentation. I know myself to be a "half glass
full" kind of person and, so, I, a middle school counselor, left your presentation with hope.
I am also a resilient human being. I was bullied by a school principal.
I reported him. He was charged with ethics violations. The school district's investigation found him innocent.
I, though, know better. Through public records, I was horrified to find that his has been a district supported legacy
of abuse. Many have suffered. Lost jobs and health.
These simple statements encompass the most important professional experience of my life. The experience continues.
Although I now work for a compassionate and kind school principal, I was recently diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress.
I don't easily trust my superiors. I am hyper vigilant.
There is a part of me that "watches" me. Feels my heart's palpitations. Dreads, sometimes,
going to bed because I may not sleep. Contemplates the effects of Prozac, Metoprolol and Xanax. Wants to stop all of those.
Wants to return to my joy and exuberance...
I
certainly understand about telomeres. I assure you mine are frayed. I understand I was brave to report him. I
understand, also, that I am forever changed. Not in awful ways all the time, but in ways that surprise me.
I didn't know, for instance, that I had this kind of courage; the kind
it takes to say "no" to district sanctioned abuse; the kind that puts a job on the line.
I share with you the website I created following my experience. I think it's
helping others. It certainly helps me. I've been contacted by so many of our nation's bullied educators. I'd thought
my hell had to be a rare occurrence. I've found, however, that I share my experience of workplace abuse with thousands.
A Piece Full World can be found at: www.apiecefullworld.com.
The National Education Association found me from A Piece Full World and interviewed me on the topic of workplace
bullying in schools. Here's that link: http://neatoday.org/2013/06/18/nea-provides-educators-with-guidance-on-preventing-workplace-bullying-2/
Thanks, Dr. Brackett, for reminding me that, in spite of bullying in schools,
life is best lived through honesty, kindness and courage.
