Knowledge isn't the destination—it's the path itself. And that path is built by People.

Is it acceptable to write 'people' in lowercase in this context?

Do toxic behaviors and narcissism have a place in spaces meant to foster respect, creativity, and free thought? Because that's what educational spaces are meant for. This post was born out of conversations with friends, as we tried to process what we've experienced working as educators in Greece and beyond. Where do we even begin?

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Learning and education

Learning is not a trophy. Education is not a stage for asserting one's supposed strength or value. Learning is a marathon with no finish line. It must be. Education demands humility, sensitivity, and deep respect.

The fact that toxic behaviors exist in nearly every workplace is, sadly, no surprise. But educational spaces are not just any workplace.

From classrooms to research labs, toxicity and narcissism sometimes infiltrate and corrode what should be a safe and creative space—for both learners and educators. And these behaviors aren't tied to one role: they can come from teachers toward students, from students toward teachers, between colleagues, or among classmates. We can't solve all social problems within schools or universities. But we can start with our own community—the community of educators—and take a moment for self-reflection.

Can we truly forget, even momentarily, that we serve education?

Education should never be a space of power games, fear, or toxic competition—and certainly not at the expense of human dignity. Educational spaces should cultivate growth, trust, and free thinking. It's time we redefine what it means to teach—as an act of understanding, connection, and creation. To transmit knowledge and values, we must carry them in our core. There's no other way.

"Sure, some colleagues are just difficult personalities. They don't represent the whole field!"

-Of course not. But here's the question:

How much space are we willing to give them?

And what exactly are we choosing to tolerate?

Let's not normalize inappropriate behavior among colleagues, nor contribute to the silence that allows toxic dynamics to continue—whether they target students or fellow educators. One doesn't have to be the instigator to be part of the problem. If something doesn't sit right, speak up—even gently. This isn't about criticizing how someone organizes a lesson. It's about behaviors: verbal attacks, condescending remarks, refusal to take responsibility, and blaming others.

"So what do we do, start pointing fingers?"

-No.

We support each other. One voice is one voice. Ten voices are ten voices.

And if this sounds radical, it's not. It's simply my own self-reflection for all times I saw something (or tolerated something happening to me) and stayed silent. That old saying—"Just mind your own business"—no longer serves reality. Behaviors become models. And in education, the models we present must be the ones we need, not the one's we're afraid to confront.

"Can we challenge the 'old guard'?

-It's not about age.

Let's look past appearances and into the essence. Integrity, respect, and dignity in educators (thankfully the majority) deserve recognition—regardless of fame and 'name'. Everyone has a name. But teachers with dignity and ethics bring true value to education and have so much more to offer than just the curriculum. Those with more experience might prepare a lesson in one hour. Newer educators might need three. Let's focus on those who step into this field with awareness, intention, and genuine commitment—whether old or new.

"I stay out of disagreements and drama. I just focus on the students I'm responsible for."

-But what does that approach really achieve?

Knowledge isn't a goal or a finish line. It's the path we walk together—students and teachers, building a future better than the present. That's the goal. And clearly, we're not reaching it.

It's time to truly focus on what matters. Not just a little, but a lot more.

And we need to start with ourselves. We cannot allow space for behaviors that crush the spirit of learners and younger educators, or that set harmful examples for anyone involved. Such behaviors are not aligned with the purpose of education. And it is our job to serve that purpose. Plain and simple.