I have been a part of way too many meetings recently when there haven’t been any current teachers present, yet teaching decisions were being made. True, one of the reasons why I wanted to move into my current position was because I wanted to be able to make decisions in our district regarding learning spaces and tools. But, I believed that everyone shared my level of respect for teachers. However, this is definitely not the case.
I cannot stand to hear long stretches of monologue about the ineptitude of teachers. I cannot handle it when teachers are reduced to knowing nothing. I cannot wait to leave places when others are complaining about the rogue teachers who are pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable in the district.
I love teaching and teachers, and the majority of other teachers that I have encountered feel the same. It is only when I get outside of a school itself that this view changes. But, why?
Why is it that the perspective changes so drastically when kids are removed from the situation, making someone believe that they know better than someone that is with the kids? This kind of viewpoint makes me believe more strongly every day that all stakeholders in a district should teach at least one class at all times.
That bears repeating:
All district employees should teach at least one class to students at all times.
Can I get an amen?
I hear ya. I don’t think this post will get you fired (even if the people you refer to see it). Or…perhaps let me rephrase: If they do fire you over this, it’s no place you really want to be around. You’re being highly critical, but your end game is improved teaching and learning. If they can’t take that they’re not interested in the students.
I have very similar experiences in how my administration thinks of teachers. They complain about teachers being unprofessional, etc., yet offer teachers no opportunity to prove professionalism (or any incentive to do so). It’s poor leadership. Good administration motivates and inspires (or at least supports). Bad administration points out every reason WHY they can’t trust you and does nothing to help fix the problem.
Thanks for this post. In a sick way it makes me feel better that I’m not alone in this, though in many ways I wish I was.
Amen! That’s why I teach in addition to serving as principal. I’ll hire you if you do get fired 😉
I couldn’t agree more. Once you are out of classroom it’s easy to forget and teaching one class every so often is a humble reminder of the daily challenges teachers face in their classroom.
Amen!
Sorry no amens here, but appreciate the conversations as always. I posted the emailed response on my blog and a new question the flips it…if admin are teaching or engaging in some way for the teacher/student perspective, what then can teachers do to have a better understanding of the administrative roles and pressures. It needs to work both ways for us to get past the blame game.
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