This is written by a coven (Coven Oldenwilde) in my state.  I think it's a great way to recognize potential challenges dealing with disruptive people in magic groups. I think this coven is a good example for the pagan community--they are "doers."  A lot of the state news on Witches Vox is from this coven.    

THE FLAKE FILTER
by Lady Passion of the Coven Oldenwilde
http://www.oldenwilde.org/

COMMON TYPES

FLIGHTY FLAKE:
   Craft name: Windmyst Thunderthighs. Adamantly eclectic. Repeatedly attempts to elicit support from other students to vote in the Virgin Mary as principal Coven Deity. Arrives late, then sleeps at the Covenstead. Perpetually loses BoS in public places. Plans for months to lead a Sabbat, then pulls a no-show. Risks: Lack of self-restraint and poor memory pose high confidentiality risk, Coven exposure and possible verbal misrepresentation of actual teaching.

NEEDY FLAKE:
   Craft name: Rainshadow. Sweet but sad. Relates an endlessly repeated litany of pain, familial conflict and spiritual angst. Rare expressions of hope regarding a better reincarnation. Requests group healing at every Coven meeting. Can't focus on learning because of regular crises. Calls members daily for counseling and consolations. Markedly drains group energy. Domestic relationship is often abusive. Quits coming to rituals -- too dark to see properly. Risks: Student is not bad, just not ready for the Craft; HPs/HP decision to release student may foster feelings of arbitrary rejection amongst other students. Not confronting student's dependence may expose members if student's mate discovers Covenstead.

UNSTABLE FLAKE:
   Craft name: BloodMoon. Initially charming, remarkably helpful and magically gifted. but has visible flaws. Claims to be a Craft Old-timer, but evades queries by pleading oaths and previous Coven's secretive nature. Reads obscure myths at home & cites unrelated excerpts in class. Delights in splitting theory hairs w/HPs & HP. Patronizes the other students about feeling "held back" by their lack of experience. Risks: Bored with learning Craft fundamentals; basic inability quickly becomes apparent, leading to trust breakdown among members; exits unexpectedly and angrily. Spitefully reveals secrets to area Wiccan community in an effort to join a sympathetic, new Coven.

SUBVERSIVE FLAKE:
   Craft name: Blackdove. Initially appears the definition of calm. Professes experience as arbiter and diplomat with ultimate allegiance to the Craft alone. Subtle instigator of intra-Coven disputes. Supports HPs/HP in their presence, but undermines their decisions and questions motives in their absence. Proposes frequent changes to established procedures as originating from students too scared to ask. Often misinterprets teachings. Risks: Insidious maneuvers make it difficult for HPs/HP to prove wrongdoing. Passive-aggressive nature erodes trust and creates fractionalism; potential for hostile "hiving".

TREACHEROUS FLAKE:
   Craft name: Cuchulainn. Claims to be descended from some ancient, but unprovable lineage. Initially appears gifted and experienced. Content with previous knowledge acquired, chafes at current "student" status. Frequently makes personal oaths and vows which are quickly forgotten and go unfulfilled. Expresses verbal and attitudinal disdain for Elders, teaching structure and degree system. Willfully breaks confidentiality, refuses to accept culpability, then angrily voids the Coven. Risks: Establishes a rival Coven and spread lies throughout the Wiccan community. Obvious oath-breaking engenders other students' self-doubt about their own ability to remain steadfast through the years, and possible concern regarding lack of prevention and foresight by the HPs/HP. THE FLAKE FILTER

Stacey, I got a good laugh at the aptly described "flakes" and their names.  Could be applied to any group.  Sounds like this Coven has been through alot, more power to them!

I've never been involved with a Coven, but, you know, with a few modifications, this could work well for teachers.