Should I say 'teachers,' 'the latter,' or 'these'?

Should I say 'teachers,' 'the latter,' or 'these'? My choice is the first one, even if repeats the underlined word, because it best makes the meaning of the sentence clearer. Please tell me if my choice is correct.

School heads play the most crucial role in helping teachers fight harassment, most especially if (teachers, the latter, these) are victims of harassment themselves.