Balancing the P's- simply means balancing one's personal and professional life. As educators, we are aware of what professionalism is and what it entails. From submitting grades on time, fulfilling duty posts, meeting deadlines to how you speak, professionalism encompasses the day to day routine of being an educator. On the other hand, I would define personal lives as what you do outside of the school etc. Now, some people may choose to do things that maybe shunned upon, whereas others choose to spend their persona lives with family, relatives, relaxation etc.
Last Friday, a teacher approached me and stated that she had a meeting with in her words, "your principal". I asked, Well what do you mean by my principal; she is yours too? She then began to explain to me that it seems she only favors members of her administration team and certain teachers. I asked well why do you feel this way? She stated she had to meet with the administration team because she did not meet a deadline to submit items. I asked, "Well are they completed?" She stated, "Yes." I then said, "Well turn them in; why is it such a big deal?"
From their the teacher begin to vent about the number of deadlines, expectations, "things to do" in such a short time and time that is supposed to be spent for planning etc. is taken by a Professional Learning session or Professional Development.
Here is when the private life comes in.
Long story short, she stated, "if I can not get the work done here; it does not get completed at home. I am a single mother with 3 boys. I have to cook; I have to help with homework; One has a part time job; One has extra-curricular activities; I simply do not have the time to work professionally during my personal. My family and my boys come before any of this and I will no longer neglect my children. They (the admin team) can spend hours and hours at this school--because they may not have children and families, but I cant."
I got nervous. I immediately attempted to calm her down and explain to her that I understood her concerns. I admitted that it can be hard to balance personal lives with professional expectations. I may not have a family or children, however, I agree that once I am off work, I am off and it stays at work.
I see both sides. I understand that sometimes, if absolutely necessary, work must be taken home. But that is a decision to make as a educator. I can do that- if I so choose because I dont have a family or children etc. I do believe though, administrators must be more cognizant of the personal duties other educators have.
What do you all suggest? What advice can I give her?
This is a great post and a topic that is very real to me! As instructional coach, I hear this from people all the time. I think there is a little bit of personal sacrifice that goes along with our job as educators and administrators, but I work hard everyday to make sure I keep the balance with my own family. My children are in high school, but I do understand the plight of the working mom, after school activities, laundry, dinner, my husband works alot so I am the chauffeur often, etc... However, I think it comes down to careful time management and something that you have to work at every day. We have a grade level at my school who tells me all the time..."my hours are 730-330, Period!I can't work after school because of my children." Understood, but they are the first ones to complain, there is always a problem with everything, and they want someone else to fix everything. We also have a grade level who is a team of 6 and every one of them has a baby or small/school age children. One is even a single mom. And, they are the lifeline of our school! They may stay until 4 o'clock some days or even 4:30, but usually they are out on time every day. They "rock" their grade with out-of-the-box ideas, dress-up theme days, great instructional strategies and more. So, I do think there is a way to be successful at your job, get your work done or prioritize, and still have time for your family. I would suggest that she find someone in the school that is successful but does have alot on their plate and see if she can talk to them about how they meet their requirements and how they organize their time. Maybe find someone that has a similar family situation.
ReplyDeleteMichael-This is a difficult situation. For some, simply allowing them to vent and listening to them may be enough. They want to know that you care and have empathy. As a principal, I would try to provide faculty and staff with some flexibility. However, that can lead down a slippery path. At the end of the day, regardless of family circumstances, a certain performance level is expected of all employees. I once had a very tough administrator tell me that "we are not an employment agency, and if teachers aren't doing their job they shouldn't be working here." That is certainly a harsh angle, but it is important to remember our purpose...the students in our building. Is it OK to give teachers more flexibility at the expense of the students?
ReplyDeleteMichael, This is a great post and hits close to home. Several years ago I made a vow to myself to not grade papers at home and it changed my life! The only work I did at home was spend a couple hours Sunday evenings planning for the week if I couldn't do it on Fridays during planning. With this plan I believe I was an even more focused and effective educator and much happier too! Spending more time working does not equate to being more effective. Teachers who want to leave work at school absolutely can if they focus on the essentials.
ReplyDeleteAdministration must also be sensitive to the responsibilities of teachers and help by eliminating the requirements for menial non- academic tasks. Not just for teachers with families but for all teachers. In the end, teachers who want to stay after school or work at home can choose to but not have to in order to get work done on time.
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ReplyDeleteMichael, as someone still in the classroom for half of the day, I can somewhat relate to your colleague. I was given two new preps at the start of the school year, after being told I was only getting one. I take pride in the work that I do, but this has not been a great year of teaching for me as I attempt to balance the regular expectations of a classroom teacher in addition to those leadership experiences I pursue. Like Patrice, I decided a few years ago to start leaving my grading at school and stick to planning at home; if I was fortunate enough to either be in an effective professional learning community or to have taught the course previously then I did not really have to fret too much over planning. It did make a difference. Echoing Dr. Sauers, sometimes it is enough for people to just be heard and to know someone is listening and empathetic to their concerns or burdens. It is also important to remember that the one life of a teacher has the potential to impact at least twenty to thirty lives, if not more, on a daily basis; it is our duty to do what is in the best interests of the kids. I really like Kim’s suggestion of finding someone who is able to balance the Ps well, and seeking her or his input; however, I would make sure that it was someone in a similar situation as your colleague.
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone! I will share this information with my colleague.
ReplyDeleteAs a special education teacher and department chair, I too here these same complaints. I often find myself stressed about deadlines. I had to look at my organization skills and make some adjustments. I have suggested the same to my teachers. I always listen to them and allow them to vent because I truly understand. There are times where is may be necessary to take things home, but I advise them to choose at least one day to stay late to avoid taking things home. The demands of teaching and making deadlines (paperwork) is becoming overwhelming, but we have to remember that we "signed up for this" and have to make it work.
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