Poor Kate. She's got alot on her plate right now. After reading the case study I felt like Kate, overswhelmed and unfocused. An important idea that came up in class was that in situations like these, the first task is to focus and prioritize. Problems can't be solved unless they are first acknowledged and categorized. Once we identify the problems and put them in order of importance, then the work of figuring out a plan of action can be started. Hopefully as a principal she would be able to identify and prioritize independently. Next she needs to be a leader in the sense that she shares the idea/solution-generating with some of her colleagues and teachers. Delegating responsibility would not only help her with time management, it would also empower and educate other teachers.
Professor Domine called this "renewal." We shouldn't feel that we must individually solve each school problem. I think this idea of getting "fresh incite" is essential for all of us. I can think of several examples of teachers who could really use some renewal in their teaching. Continuous learning and sharing ideas stimulates growth and improvement, but what about the teachers who don't think they (or the school) need to change or improve? This is where things get tricky.
Barth's article suggests we first become aware of the culture around us and then discuss the "non-discussables." I agree with Professor Domine's idea of needing excellent interpersonal skills. Life is about people skills. If you can't make friends in the sandbox, you're never going to realize your big sand-castle plans. I would also add that in a democratic setting, we must be prepared for the possibility of being over-ruled. Our approach to change needs to be team-driven.
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2 comments:
Laura,
You asked me, in a response to my blog, what my role is in change at my school. Well, I'll say that I am one of those teachers who questions practices that I find to be asinine and extraneous, serving absolutely no point in the process of educating young people. That's one way. I'm also on the Student Leadership Advisory Council (something like that) where issues are brought to the principal and discussed. In addition to that, I am on the block scheduling committee. It's just sad that whatever is suggested is often "swept under the rug" until the STATE mandates that something be done.
I agree that renewal makes better teachers. I also sometimes feel that when I see other teachers I realize what a good teacher I am. I am a very innovative teacher and like to keep my students entertained to a certain degree. I often do science labs and activites where the students are actively engaged. In my building there are teachers that teach by lecture alone. I think that the students in those classes must be so bored.
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