The Hidden Threat in Schools: Understanding and Managing Toxic Teacher Behaviors

Abstract

This study aimed to examine teachers' toxic behaviors and their impact on the school environment from the perspective of school principals. The study, employing a phenomenological approach, was based on the views of 12 school principals in Türkiye. It was found that toxic behaviors were consistent with personality traits known as the dark triad-Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy-and were associated with characteristics such as low performance, professional inadequacy, and a lack of social skills within the school context. Findings suggested that such behaviors can have serious negative effects on organizational climate, teacher collaboration, and organizational trust. Particularly, according to the school principals' views, toxic teachers poisoned the school environment, reduced motivation, and negatively affected the overall performance of the school. The study also evaluated the strategies school principals used to cope with toxic teachers, revealing a phased adoption of constructive and discipline-based intervention approaches. The results underscored the critical importance of school principals' ability to effectively manage toxic behaviors for the academic and social success of their schools.

Keywords: organizational toxicity; phenomenology; school principal; toxic teacher behaviors.