Monday, May 7, 2007

Teachers are the World's Worst Gossips

I couldn't let this go without some comment. A recent poll has revealed that teachers gossip more than professionals in any other field. I'm sure this comes as a complete shock to all of us, since none of us have EVER heard any gossip around our schools. One theory is that it's because we don't compete with each other the way other professions do, so there's less concern about burning bridges and making enemies while in other fields they worry that what they say might come back to haunt them and hurt their chances of getting a raise or promotion.

Hmmmmm. Or maybe it's just because we're teachers, and we tend to be of a certain personality type . . . I don't know, but I can tell you that this poll surprised me when I first heard about it, but now that I think about it I'm not sure why I was surprised. I have heard some crazy stories, let me tell you . . . or actually . . . maybe I shouldn't tell you, I might be accused of being a gossip.

Maybe that is why it's so nice to come to CSUWP--we can work with professionals from outside our own schools and put some of the politics aside in order to get things done.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Gosh, I can't believe no one has commented on this juicy topic yet! One advantage to age is the little bits of wisdom that tag onto the wrinkles and tuck away into the sags. As I get older my taste for gossip hasn't diminished, but I find the details don't really stick in my mind so it seems less important.

But agree that it is nice to work with a group of professionals who just want to do some honest work with honest feedback from our peers.

Perhaps one advantage for this incessant blogging is that is just makes the thought of working together so much more enticing.

Julie said...

I am very intrigued by this topic. I believe that the other people in their profession are a bunch of liars. I think that you are right that it is a specific personality trait. Teachers are more honest just by nature.

Anonymous said...

Okay, it just occurred to me that this could be taken two ways (I know, I know, you-all figured this out before, I'm just SLOW) - teacher's are bad because they're gossips, or teacher's are bad gossips. As I said, I know you-all knew that but I'm thinking I'm pretty clever for FINALLY getting it figured out :).

smb said...

I've been contemplating about what to write about this topic. I admit it. I do gossip. There. I've said it. Yet, if you analyzed the gossip I participate in it is because of incompetency among some of my coworkers. Maybe this isn't gossip and it's just plain bitching? Again, I have to admit. I have high expectations. Not only of myself but also my coworkers. Sometimes that's good; sometimes that's bad. Honestly, I don't feel bad about talking about people who make my job harders. People who are doing their job --holding kids accountable, teaching content, being prepared and passionate -- have my utmost respect.
smb