He had spent 18 months trying to survive in a toxic, bullying working environment in the Victorian State Education system.
The Department of Education had failed to deal appropriately with workplace bullying that he and his colleagues had experienced.
In 2010 a new principal was appointed to their small, rural P-12 college.
The principal told the school council that he wished to rid the school of all "old and part-time" staff.
The principal engaged in verbal abuse, intimidation, verbal and written threats, etc.
The AEU sub-branch made a formal complaint against the principal.
140 pages of documentation were sent to the Regional Office.
The investigation process was "highly traumatic".
7 out of 10 of the complaints were found to be "unsubstantiated".
the teacher observes that having the Education Department investigate itself is akin to asking BP to investigate leaks in their own oil wells.
In the end, the teachers found that there was no-one listening, that they were disbelived and that the region was supporting and condoning the principal's behaviour.
The Victorian Education Department have a Duty of Care to ensure that the school is a safe workplace, but seem to be unwilling or unable to act to protect their employees.
The teachers feel the Victorian Education Department is simply not interested in their welfare.
The culture of bullying is institutionalised.
They have been told by the Acting Regional Director, "If you don't like it, leave! "
Of the ten teachers who originally made a formal complaint to the Regional Office -
One has resigned.
Two have taken 12 months leave without pay.
One is on sick leave.
Four are currently receiving medical treatment and counselling for anxiety and depression.
All are actively seeking employment elsewhere.
Professor Gronski supports greater autonomy for principals. Unfortunately this assumes that all principals are good and just people.
Victorian adult education teacher: submission 137 to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Workplace Bullying.
A Victorian adult education teacher has made submission 137 to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Workplace Bullying:
B. C (PDF 1,536KB)
137.1 Supplementary Submission B. C (PDF 956KB)
137.2 Supplementary Submission B. C (PDF 964KB)
This is a really well-written submission.
If you are a teacher in Victoria and you are being bullied at work, you need to read this submission.