Managing Conversations with Hostile Adults: Strategies for Teachers

Based on an in-depth study of over 250 actively practicing teachers and certified school support professionals, this book identifies and explains the 15 most effective strategies an educator can use in order to diffuse hostile conversations with adults. The authors present a variety of stressful confrontations: from curbing the school gossip and dealing with public humiliation, to surviving a false sexual accusation and neutralizing encounters with out-of-control individuals under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. In each chapter, after presenting the reader with a real-life confrontation, both the psychological and educational viewpoints are considered, the educator's effectiveness in handling the situation is analyzed, and strategies and suggestions for application to additional circumstances are discussed.