The UK's leading teachers' charity has called for school leaders to be vigilant about bullying during anti-bullying week this week, but amongst their staff, rather than their students. Teacher Support Network says that teacher-on-teacher bullying can be a real problem in some schools.

"We know from the teachers who contact us that, sadly, bullying is still a critical issue for staff" says Julian Stanley, Chief Executive of Teacher Support Network. "It is tragic that so many teachers still suffer from bullying and some even choose to leave the profession as a result. It's terrible for them and it's a terrible loss for the education sector.

The charity suggests that increased pressure on teaching staff may lead to problems.

"With so much changing in the education system, there is a danger that leadership teams and colleagues can put each other under undue pressure that can sometimes lead to incidents of bullying" adds Julian Stanley. "When under pressure it has to be remembered that the most effective way to create change is to offer clear guidance and support and to take the time to communicate what is desired in a calm and rational manner. "

Alice* has been teaching for 11 years and has never had a problem with colleagues, until she moved school three years ago.

"I took up a post as Head of Department in a school and have been met with persistent victimisation and bullying from members of the Senior Management Team (SMT) for trying to do my job and safeguard my department" explains Alice.

The situation got so bad that Alice has been off with stress related sickness twice in the last year.

"The SMT actively undermine me in front of students, so I'm made to look incompetent and one of them has even reduced me to tears. I was called to one impromptu meeting, where I was made to sit at the furthest point from the door and some members of the SMT made one attack after another at me. There was no chance to defend myself" recalls Alice. "I love teaching, but it has destroyed my faith in the system. I have never seen bullying as bad as I have in education."

Zoë Speakman agrees.

"I didn't see people cry at work until I went into teaching" says Zoë. "It's very sad that people in positions of power destroy the confidence of people who look up to them for advice and encouragement."

Zoë sacrificed time, money and a good job to follow her dream of becoming a teacher, but the dream became a nightmare, when she was subjected to bullying behaviour at the hands of a superior.

"Four days into the job, my confidence had already been eroded. My superior would continually stop me and ask me what I was teaching next, then criticise me for what I had planned. I started feeling tremendously anxious. I worked all hours to try and please him, but exhaustion set in" says Zoë. "I had worked successfully for ten years in universities and charities, so I knew the way I was being managed was wrong, but somehow as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) I couldn't find my voice."

Zoë turned to Teacher Support Network and her union for help.

"The support was tremendous and I felt very much that I wasn't the only one. When I was on sick leave (with stress) they still gave me valuable support, which I'm very grateful for as people, who haven't worked in schools don't always understand just how difficult it can be."

Zoë has since left the teaching profession, but has written a novel based on her experiences.

Julian Stanley assures that bullying is not a problem in every school.

"We are not saying this is an epidemic and most teachers have very successful and rewarding relationships with their colleagues and their superiors," he assures, "but it often forgotten that teachers can be victims of bullies too. It is important that the appropriate polices and procedures are put in place to protect teachers and that school leaders are aware of the problem."

The charity will launch a new bullying factsheet for teachers tomorrow (Thursday) with advice, information and tips on dealing with workplace bullying. If you are a teacher and have been a victim of bullying and would like to talk to someone in confidence, call their Support Line on 08000 562 561.

Christine Blower General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, the largest teachers' union said:

"Harassment and bullying at work is totally unacceptable and requires firm action by employers, employees and trade unions. It causes difficult working conditions, undermine health and produce feelings of isolation, despair and fear. If not tackled, it can result in a downward spiral with teachers losing confidence and feeling insecure at work. The NUT believes local authorities and schools should develop policies and procedures, in consultation with teacher unions, to deal with harassment and bullying of teachers. It is essential that schools have clear policies and comprehensive plans for implementation, to ensure that a safe and professional working environment is maintained, but that if there are any problems, teachers know what they can do to resolve these quickly and effectively"

Zoë Speakman’s book ‘Not Quite There’ is published by Jumping Fish, an imprint of Peak Platform

*Alice's name has been changed to protect her anonymity