Toxic Positivity Damages Morale in Schools

(from EdSurge) Many teachers are suffering ill effects from "toxic positivity," when school administrators suggest that all employees should adopt an overly positive outlook without acknowledging or listening to discomfort and pain points. Toxic positivity can lead to stress, anxiety and depression. While experts say it's important to be joyful, that is not the same as pretending that everything is okay. It is difficult for teachers to question toxic positivity directly with an administrator, but some teachers are finding a way to respond collectively in group settings. One expert recommends that leaders model "emotional agility," or moving fluidly between emotions and outlooks.  

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