Episode 4: Dear Teachers, Please don’t fall into these roles. Sincerely, Administrators.

As we start another school year, it is hard not to spend time worrying about the potential challenges we will face between the administrators and teachers in our buildings.  While it is important to acknowledge that the majority of people in our industry are dedicated professionals who genuinely care about their students' success, there are instances when certain actions or attitudes hinder the learning environment.

 

So instead of borrowing concerns from the future or gearing up for a fight to start the school year, we thought we might ask teachers and administrators to start this school year with some simple reflection and make a promise to ourselves about who to NOT to be this school year.

 

ROLE#1: Dear Teachers, Please don’t be “The Hypocrite” this school year 

While it is important to acknowledge that the majority of educators are dedicated professionals who genuinely care about their students' success, there are instances when certain actions or attitudes hinder the learning environment. Students and parents look to school professionals as examples and trust us daily. 

We must walk the walk rather than the talk we talk. Hypocrisy is noticeable and really takes away from instruction, good relationships between teachers and students, and getting parents on the team. The "Do as I say, not as I do" approach can often be observed when professionals disregard dress codes, phone policies, meeting attendance and promptness. Eventually and rather quickly, colleagues and students observe hypocrisy. Wouldn't it be better if we're all modeling what we're asking our students to do? 

ROLE #2: Dear Teachers, Please don’t be “The Pot Stirrer” this school year 

One of the things that spins in my head often is staff members that want to stir the pot. It's almost like a source of entertainment. When an issue presents itself that could easily be resolved, they decide to do the opposite and run to social media without attempting to handle issues in the professional and appropriate way–direct communication with those involved. These comments are often inaccurate and escalate rapidly through our communities. 

When posting on social media becomes a standard practice, you're not looking for a solution, you are nourishing cyber-bullying and toxic school cultures.  Give your colleagues professional courtesy and reach out to the person to resolve the issue. Posting issues may create short term “success” in defaming a colleague, but the message others will see is, the person posting is a pot stirrer and not interested in a positive school culture.