Conduct that is threatening or contemptuous of the employer or that challenges the
employer’s authority is insubordinate. In the school setting, the principal represents
the employer.
Examples of insubordinate teacher conduct include:
- refusing, without excuse or justification, to obey a direct order, when the
principal has the authority to give the order
- tearing up a written warning upon its presentation by the principal outside
of a legal strike
- picketing, or composing and distributing leaflets that are critical of the
principal
- using language that is threatening or contemptuous of the principal, where
such behaviour involves a resistance to or defiance of the employer’s authority.
If a teacher has been insubordinate, seek the advice and support of the supervisory
officer. Do not discipline the teacher without first offering him/her a meeting.
(Source: OPC Professional Advice Article, Teacher Insubordination,
www.principals.ca)