The title is an unfortunate coincidence but not a day goes by without bumping into a colleague who has been ‘gaslit’ by SLT. This could manifest as a sanction downgraded by a member of gaslighters, who wasn’t a witness to the event. Or upon interviewing a future HM Belmarsh inhabitant about a classroom incident, SLT will suggest that:
“when he told you to go fuck yourself, I think he was actually saying to ‘go look at yourself’, you misheard”?
Some member of SLT
The only thing lacking here is a Jedi-style, wave of the hand.
The examples are ubiquitous and every teacher can give examples. From downplaying sanctions to dismissing legitimate concerns, gaslighting jeopardizes not only the well-being of staff but also the entire education system.
Problem
Gaslighting, according to forbes, means ‘to manipulate another person into doubting their own perceptions, experiences or understanding of events’ aka a Jedi mind trick. And this tactic has infiltrated education leadership. Teachers face deliberate distortions, creating a toxic environment where valid concerns are dismissed. The consequence? A stifled culture of fear and self-doubt that hampers creativity and professional development.
Causes
Gaslighting takes on a Trumpian style, deliberate distortion of denying problems, constant criticism, and manipulating information. The impact is profound, eroding the foundation of trust essential for effective education. We find ourselves questioning our competence, while students witness figures of authority dismissing legitimate sanctions, creating a toxic environment and compromising the behaviour system. For fuck’s sake, I am striving to create a positive and nurturing learning environment, and yet the. impact of gaslighting dismantles the foundation of trust essential for effective education.
Effects
This leads to a culture of fear and self-doubt, inhibiting creativity and professional development, if they stay in the job of course. I have to actively coach myself into not doubting myself
“I am a good teacher, and he definitely called me a fucking bald c**t…. didn’t he…?”.
Not only that but students may be adversely affected as they observe “figures of authority”, actively dismissing legitimate sanctions thereby compromising a behaviour system students are supposed to both invest in and feel supported by.
Solutions
Addressing this issue demands a commitment to transparency, accountability, and a culture that values open dialogue. In simple terms, don’t be a dick. Leaders must prioritise educators to foster a sustainable future where gaslighting has no place. Only through such measures can we hope to rebuild the trust necessary for effective education. Leaders, if you will forgive the phrase, need to grow a fucking pair, stand up to students (and toxic parents for that matter ), and put their employees first.
Conclusion
A worthy Jedi cause would be to shine a light on the dark side of education (30p royalties to Disney). Gaslighting threatens the well-being of educators and compromises the foundation of effective education. Fostering a culture of transparency and accountability can eradicate this toxic practice, creating an environment where trust is restored, and learning can truly flourish. The challenge lies in the hands of educational leaders who must prioritise their employees to pave the way for positive change.
