I see myself as a solutionist, an innovator, a creative genius (I know that's pushing it) but have found myself just spinning the hamster wheel. Some days faster, some days slower and some days with the help of my school leaders but everyday spinning the hamster wheel. Is this the plight of all administrators or is this just specific to my school? I find it very difficult to do the same things over and over. I change my recipes, my route home and my "favorites" quite often. I find the treadmill offensive, addictions absurd and repetition a complete bore. Is this the plight of all administrators or is this just specific to my school? Maybe my early teaching career tricked me into thinking everyday in education was a new adventure. I taught chemistry, biology, AP Biology, forensic science and scientific research (my principal and I made that up) in my first 4 years of teaching and then switched to 5th grade and 7th grade over the next few years. I assume most people prefer to have one prep and teach the same thing every year but I absolutely LOVED teaching different subjects and students and starting over!!
This year, the GSU program allowed me the opportunity to develop a new teacher support program to address an issue I noticed at my school. Maybe this is my chance to jump off the hamster wheel and dig my own trail in the sand. I can push this new teacher program as far as I am willing to take it (or until my leaders shut me down). Maybe I am the change I wish to see! The more I reflect, the more confident I am in my ability to stop waiting for fires to break out and start creating my own sparks. Maybe this situation isn't so bad after all. Just get off the hamster wheel and chart a new path!
I know this was just a rant but suggestions and feedback greatly appreciated!
After reading this, I think you're in the wrong type of school. You've clearly learned a lot and built a solid foundation, but it may be time to think outside of your four walls.
ReplyDeleteSome schools are pre-packaged mills and the students will learn with or without the help of teachers, because they are self-motivated or because their parents won't allow them to fail. Either way, I would feel the exact same way you do in a school like that. I need a challenge, which, essentially, is what you're saying in this post. Come visit my school some time. See how the other half lives! No two days are EVER the same, the kids need all kinds of help, and the systems often seem more broken than fixed. However, this is the type of environment I thrive in, because it's a fertile ground to "dig trails in the sand" (as you said), and to bring about real change. Kids in my type of school are truly the best, because you truly feel like you've made a difference in the world when you work with them! I really just think you're misplaced. Maybe it's time to branch out...
Thanks Kristin! I thought I would sound crazy to think about leaving something going so well. Thanks for the insight and challenge!
DeleteThat was awesome I feel like I was reading a magazine. I think you hit on a few things that really stick out to me. You spoke on "Love" and also what your administrators will and won't let you do. I think these are key points to focus on in regards to the quality of teaching that is delivered at any particular school. Some administrators have a cautious, hierarchy focused, play by the rules attitude and others have a whats best for the kids push the envelop attitude.
ReplyDeleteI have been a substitute in many different schools and I work in two separate schools right now as the school social worker. I often see teachers that quite frankly don't love teaching, often times I wonder if they even like it. If I remember correctly you are at a diverse charter/private school with kids from higher income brackets. That gives me the impression that the families are more stable and people choose to be there. Willingness to be at school is a big problem with the neighborhood public school. We deal with any and everyone so everyday is definitely an adventure. On one side I agree with Kristin's comment about changing environment to gain new experience in regards to teaching. However from a real life perspective if you can go to work and know what to expect, that means low stress. So I guess you have to ask yourself what you want peace of mind? or adventure?
That's true that I have to decide between peace of mind and adventure. Just to clarify, our school is lower economic bracket but the culture of the school is so different than where I was previously. Tough decision for me.
DeleteI so understand and connect with your post. My challenge has been to bring new, fun, and innovative things to my school. The fact remains that most people don't like change, live in the status quo, and don't want you to rock their world in any way, shape, or form. My goal has been to get just a few people excited about changes, kind of like the Shirtless Dancing Guy in Tim's first post. Not everyone has to be a leader. You just need a few good followers to help spread excitement and enthusiasm. I've decided that there are always going to be a few "stick in the muds" but I'm going to rise above. I say create your own sparks. You can take your school to a whole new level. Every time I meet negativity, it makes me more determined to overcome. Keep some things the same, it will make your life easier but do what you think you need to in order to make your school the best it can be.
ReplyDeleteThat's great Kimberly! Somethings are fine the way they are and not worth the trouble of changing but I can think of one or two areas that will improve the school and increase student learning. Thanks
DeletePatrice,
ReplyDeleteYou mention that your school is doing “just fine,” but is your school maximizing its potential? It sounds like our schools have some similarities - few discipline issues, students that excel, parents that encourage student success - but at my school, our students are not being pushed to their full potential. Based off of conversations with my students and a few of my co-workers, I’ve come to the conclusion that the majority of our stakeholders are focused on points rather than the accumulation and application of knowledge that those points should represent. The majority of our faculty have been teaching for at least ten years, and they are quite content with their respective hamster wheels; if the status quo remains in effect then at some point the school will become complacent and even stagnant. I think if your school is good, but not great then that may be where you can blaze your trail - make your school great.
Thanks Josh! You are absolutely right. My school is good but could be great. I hope to have that positive impact.
DeletePatrice-Very thoughtful post. I have noticed that many "good" schools are very traditional and afraid to be innovative. The book Good to Great addresses how being good is often one of the biggest challenges of becoming great. I would argue that initiating change in a successful school is more difficult than in a struggling school. Why change what is working? However, it can still be done. My recommendation would be that you really need to build a case and provide evidence for the change you want to initiate.
ReplyDeleteNick