The answer that question is a strong yes! Teachers have found that engaging in mediation is a good way to resolve issues both between teachers and their peers, but also between teachers and students. Occasionally, you will find an administrator that will even work out a problem with mediation. It all depends on the comfort level.

Mediation has lots of advantages to teachers, especially the advantages of confidentiality. When teachers are able to really resolve issues with colleagues, it is a real help to the positive climate of a school, it is important to keep teaming relationships growing and it is especially important for students to see teachers get along.

One of the hardest issues for teachers is trust in the workplace. Mediation is a good ingredient to add to that growing trust. Teachers that feel that there is a positive, safe forum to work out issues are teachers more willing to risk and more willing to share.

So, yes, teachers can use mediation!

Aaron Sterling has helped develop peer mediation and conflict resolution programs in California and Virginia.
He currently teaches elementary students in northern Virginia.

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