'Tis the season of teachers' discontent. This is our long stretch without a break (unless the weather gives us one!). The kids are also discontented, and they like to show it by taking it out on us.
This makes for lots of complaining from staff members. I do it too, so I don't want this post to come off like I am oh-so-wonderful-I-never-complain. But I think the big difference between me and a lot of other people is that if I am really upset about something, some administrator...maybe all the administrators...is/are going to hear about it.
Today, someone was very upset about something, and she talked to me for a long time about her problem. I know this was really bothering her, because she actually had tears in her eyes. I'm not exactly sure who this person's boss is, so I told her to explain the situation to mine. (I'm sure he will love the fact that I volunteered his ear for this! :D) She immediately said, "Oh, no, no...I don't want to get in trouble."
I have learned a very valuable lesson a very hard way. If you DON'T air your issues and problems with someone who can help you find a solution, you will eventually crack, and the result may not be pretty.
And if I got in trouble every time I brought a complaint up to The Boss, well...I'd be in trouble a lot of the time.
Teachers need to get over the feeling that it is "us vs. them" when it comes to the administration. I really don't think, well, at least I HOPE, that there are any administrators who got into that position just to make teachers' lives miserable. If the teachers are unhappy, it will show in their teaching, and then, the kids will suffer. (And maybe even test scores will drop!)
If something is really bothering you about your school or your job, don't be afraid to tell someone who can maybe fix the problem.
(The Boss only closes his door every other time he sees me coming!)
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1 comments:
I like this post Pam. As a school administraotr I always tried to make sure staff felt I was approachable...some were still hesitant. Admittedly, some admistrators do make it difficult for teachers to share their concerns. On the other hand, some of the hesitation is unfounded. Personally, I would rather confront issues in the office or in a staff meeting as opposed to in the parking lot.
The #1 job of a leader is to listen. Expereince comes from bad judgment so trust me, I've made my share of mistakes. I found the more I listened the more people felt valued, even if I couldn't solve their issue.
Relationships take two; teachers will get from their admin what they put in...and vice versa.
Thanks Pam
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