Get Schooled

By Taxpayer

December 2, 2005 08:18 AM | Link to this

Robert, you and all teachers deserve better support than this. If parents get wind of a negative situation in their children’s school, you can bet they will be in the principal’s office and calling the county administration. Through the years, teachers have let me know about things that weren’t right at my children’s schools (including the lack of leadership), and I passed the word to other parents. We all got busy calling or writing to the principal and county administration, and some positive action took place. As one teacher told me last year, “The administration won’t listen to teachers, but they have to listen to parents.” Is there even one parent in whom you can confide? Can you “leak” information to parents about the situation at your school? I’m sure retaliation from that spineless idiot of a principal is not out of the question, but again, if you can secure parental support, I think you can survive. Some people forget that administrators and teachers work for the taxpayers. It wouldn’t hurt for your principal to hear from his real employers!

By D

December 2, 2005 08:20 AM | Link to this

Most principals are as worried about losing their job and salary as they are about directing a school. This leads to soft spine synsdrome. The less parental complaints that reach the school board about a particular principal, the happier the board is with him/her and the less likely chance they will be asked to move on. If no students are corrected and no parents complain, job security follows. Never mind the fact that the problem child is disrupting the other 25 or so who want to learn. I am close to my childs’s classroom and will know if there is a problem not being corrected. You can be assured that I will do the same amount, if not more complaining if the problem affects my child, only it will come from another perspective. Truth be told, it is not the principal’s or the teacher’s problem to correct a child. I fully believe that a child who can’t be disciplined should be removed from school, period. Let the parents deal with them. I pay a good amount of taxes as well as other contributions for my child to attend a school and will not stand for the undisciplined to affect my son’s education, without trying to stop it.

By Karen Armsby

December 2, 2005 08:28 AM | Link to this

Just because someone is successful in the corporate world doesn’t mean he or she will be good at teaching. And just because a teacher has moved into school administration doesn’t mean that he or she will be good at managing, supporting, or guiding their teachers, resolving conflicts, or handling challenges from parents.

Some admisnstrators/principals do a great job and know how to resolve conflicts before they blow up, can bring about posistive results for all concerned, and basically create win-win outcomes. Some are little Napoleonic middle managers who act more like wardens and enforce nitpicking rules and policies, because they want to show ‘who’s the boss.’ And some are just plain spineless, ineffectual, and clueless. They have no people management skills, and no business being in a position of authority. They kick the problem back to the teacher or kick the teacher problem up to the central office, and get the teacher fired.

Smart schools and school systems should choose only the best people managers to be in these positions, but I would bet that at least 25% of principals and administrators are weak or bad managers.

By Ed

December 2, 2005 08:33 AM | Link to this

I have said all along when they took the paddles out of the schools the kids lost all respect of the teachers.It only took one swat for me to wake up in grade school.The teacher only had to speak once and say do we need to go out in the hall and everyone was quiet.Think of how much time is wasted trying to get the kids to listen and calm down so the teachers can do there job.They have to be baby sitters instead of well respected teachers.

By high school teacher

December 2, 2005 08:34 AM | Link to this

Another spineless principal problem: instead of confronting teachers who aren’t doing their job, it is the habit of administrators to constanttly make blanket announcements and edicts. Half of our faculty meeting time is devoted to the principal addressing the same problems in every meeting, all of which are caused by teachers who refuse to do their job. This not only wastes the time of those of us who do and does nothing to solve the dicsipline and other problems caused when teachers aren’t all on the same page.

By parapro

December 2, 2005 08:51 AM | Link to this

Spineless administrators also buckle under strong teachers. We have a couple of teachers in our school who always get their way while there are others who are constantly being harassed by the administration for things that we know they didn’t do.

By GW

December 2, 2005 09:13 AM | Link to this

As a general rule I agree that most school principals are spineless. The main reason? Their bosses are spineless. Principal is a tough position and being spineless makes it tougher. They tend to tell everyone what they want to hear so they often come across as liars too. Like business, most principals are sold out to their careers and salaries. Those that like to lay down at night with a clear conscience don’t last very long in the principalin’ business.

By Karen Armsby

December 2, 2005 09:20 AM | Link to this

GW, Maybe they should make sure Principals have Principles before they get the job.

By GW

December 2, 2005 09:31 AM | Link to this

Karen, I’m with you but I don’t think Superintendents and school boards are crazy about PRINCIPLES. It causes them headaches when PRINCIPALS are not “yes” men or women.

By Karen Armsby

December 2, 2005 09:36 AM | Link to this

GW, You are right! School systems and boards focus on the rule not the reason. They march to the beat of institutional self-preservation. They have lost their focus on learning.

By GW

December 2, 2005 09:46 AM | Link to this

Last point for me: Spineless Supers. = Spineless Principals = Spineless Teachers = Inmates Running The Asylum.

By parapro

December 2, 2005 09:53 AM | Link to this

You guys make it sound like education is the only profession that has spineless people in it. I bet that those of you not in education are just as spineless in your jobs - unless that is you work for yourself.

By Karen Armsby

December 2, 2005 09:56 AM | Link to this

Parapro, This is an education blog, so we are discussing education and schoolissues. And yes, there are plenty of spineless people out there in the business world, too. But that’s a topic for another blog.

By parapro

December 2, 2005 09:58 AM | Link to this

An education blog! Wow. Thanks for the information.

By Karen Armsby

December 2, 2005 10:00 AM | Link to this

So Parapro, What is the situation at your school? Do you have a spinelss principal, or someone with a backbone and some sense?

By parapro

December 2, 2005 10:04 AM | Link to this

We actually have a teacher or two (as I said earlier) who run the school. We have spineless administration just like everyone else seems to have. She talks out of the side of her mouth depending on to whom she is speaking. I am glad that I got out of and just run off and grade papers and answer the phone.

By jim dumond

December 2, 2005 10:07 AM | Link to this

GW, I agree to a point, but As in any business, and yes education is a business, people in charge tend to surround themselves with people with whom they share ideals. So it should come as no surprise that those lower on the totem pole appear to be doing the bidding of those setting a bit higher.

Let me just suggest that, if you are unhappy with policy or procedure, you become more involved. School Council Parent Member might be a good place to start.

By jim dumond

December 2, 2005 10:10 AM | Link to this

Parapro,

You too can set on a school council.

Make a real difference

By Karen Armsby

December 2, 2005 10:13 AM | Link to this

Parapro, I hope you are not blogging from work. Someone is probably watching your internet use….

By parapro

December 2, 2005 10:13 AM | Link to this

Actually, our school council is hand picked by the superintendent.

By jim dumond

December 2, 2005 10:17 AM | Link to this

Well not really dear.

I’m sure Mr. Wilbanks would have rather had someone else setting where I do.

Parent members are elected as are teacher members. The super may reject someone but he’d have to have some very very good reasons to do so.

By swc

December 2, 2005 10:19 AM | Link to this

Ed - what does paddling students have to do with spineless Principals? Maybe the Principal should be paddled in this case?

Robert - Have you (and a large group of teachers so you have safety in numbers) tried approaching the school board and or Superintendent about this situation? I know that administrators generally rule with an iron fist and will fire “insubordinate” teachers, but would a group of “whistleblowers” have any effect?

There is a serious problem in Georgia where many teachers are forbidden by their Principal to even silently ATTEND board meetings. They are warned not to “rock the boat” and the implicit understanding is that their jobs are at risk. The school calendar issue is a specific example of the mandated silence. Teachers who hate the so-called “balanced calendars” are not permitted to voice their opposition. The school boards then claim that they have this big mandate for the calendars which does not in fact exist. This is an appalling situation that needs to be addressed. I don’t think that unions are the answer as they are just as corrupt, but there needs to be a venue where teachers can be given a voice without fear of retribution.

By jim dumond

December 2, 2005 10:19 AM | Link to this

Parapro,

Are you in georgia?

By parapro

December 2, 2005 10:22 AM | Link to this

Actually, I am blogging from work and they probably are watching me. This is my first time here. I have learned a valuable lesson. If I blog, I open myself to be ridiculed by other bloggers. I guess it is easy to be mean to people if you are not face to face. Have a great life. I won’t open myself up to this again.

By jim dumond

December 2, 2005 10:24 AM | Link to this

Sorry you feel that way.

HAGD.

By jim dumond

December 2, 2005 10:27 AM | Link to this

I kind of get a feeling Parapro acts the same way in life. Little wonder she doesn’t get along with administration.

By parapro

December 2, 2005 10:30 AM | Link to this

In South Carolina and the AP is my mother.

By jim dumond

December 2, 2005 10:36 AM | Link to this

South Carolina school council bylaws states.

Article 3 - REPRESENTATION AND MEMBERSHIP

(1)Three parents will be elected by the parents.

(2) Three teachers will be elected by the teachers.

(3) Three representatives from the greater school community will be appointed by the principal. The appointments will be made from the non-parent portion of the community with attention to the representation on the council in terms of race, sex, geography, grade level representation, or other variables important to the school.

(4) A ratio of two-thirds elected members to one-third appointed members will be maintained as mandated by state law, excluding ex-officio membership.

(5) The principal will serve as an ex-officio member of the council. At least three additional ex-officio members will serve on the council including, but not limited to, to following positions: the president of the parent teacher organization, the immediate past chairperson of the School Improvement Council, the Teacher of the Year, and a business partner. If the leadership of any of the named organizations or positions is unable to serve, an appropriate representative will be named by the organization sending the representative.

(6) All members will have one vote. Absentee ballots or proxy voting will not be permitted

By Karen Armsby

December 2, 2005 10:37 AM | Link to this

Spanning the 15 years my three kids were in school, they attended elementaries under three principals; middle school under two principals; and high school under two principals. Out of the seven principals, three were very close to retirement and completely ineffectual, and it was good to see them go. Two of the principals who replaced the retirees were excellent principals, both in education ability and and people management styles.

The third replacement was a dismal failure. He imposed miserable work rules, squashed school spirit, chased most of the best teachers off, thus dumbing down the faculty, and mishandled a student/parent complaint that resulted in the firing of a veteran science teacher. He is truly spineless and controlled by the AD and whining parents.

Allowing that the three who retired may have been good in earlier days, there was only one who really should never have been made a principal.

By parapro

December 2, 2005 10:40 AM | Link to this

Jim, no disrespect at all, but you know that if the powers that be want to circumvent the rules they will.

By jim dumond

December 2, 2005 10:41 AM | Link to this

Seriously folks,

You can come to blogs like this one and beef, or you can become active and participate.

School Councils in just about every state include elected parents and teachers.

If you are in Georgia you can learn more about school councils by reading Georgia code at http://www.legis.state.ga.us/cgi-bin/glcodesdetail.pl?code=20-2-86 or just to a web search for an abundance of information.

By parapro

December 2, 2005 10:41 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry, I said I was leaving but this is addicting, isn’t it.

By jim dumond

December 2, 2005 10:42 AM | Link to this

Parapro,

No disrespect taken. But if what you are saying is factual, someone needs to take the school system to task for violating state laws.

By jim dumond

December 2, 2005 10:43 AM | Link to this

Indeed—-Learning is addictive.

By Karen Armsby

December 2, 2005 10:45 AM | Link to this

Parapro, We weren’t ridiculing you, just responding to your post. You said that you bet that “those of us not in education are just as spineless in your jobs.” You in effect were ridiculing the non teachers, and so we responded. You get as good as you give.

Hopefully, nepotism will shield you from your school’s spinelss principal!

By parapro

December 2, 2005 10:50 AM | Link to this

No, Karen, I was responding to someone else’s blog first. I guess I did get a little nasty with that statement. I am sorry for that.

I actually have been working here longer than my mother so she is the one who is living off the nepotism. See, you don’t know any more about me than I do about you.

By Karen Armsby

December 2, 2005 10:53 AM | Link to this

Parapro, Thanks, and good luck at your school.

By teachoverseas

December 2, 2005 10:53 AM | Link to this

All the teachers in the States have it wrong. I taught in a Fulton County High School for three years and thought my dream of being a teacher was over. I was a warden in holding cell, barely keeping the lid on the pot and feeling like I was teaching nothing.

I now teach at an international school overseas. I have been in Morocco, Ghana and now in the Bahamas. I love it! A small group of kids (all English speaking) who LOVE school and parents who pay plenty to send their kids to school. A phone call home is all that’s needed for my big discipline problems (yesterday it was passing notes in class!) I have had fantastic heads of school who love their jobs and do it well. And they are not bound by NCLB or state or federal so called standards. We have a real school with real standards.

And for all this, I make MORE money, and much more importantly, have respect from both the students and their parents. I also travel, live well and really enjoy my job, where I get at least twice the planning time and a full time aide for 12 children!

Teachers- LEAVE the abuse of teaching in the States. There are places where you can do what you love in the way you love to do it. If all the teachers refuse to teach in those conditions- the parents would have to wake up and do something about their behavior and their childrens. There is a much better way out there- I’m living it and so are the several thousand of teachers in American Emmbassy and International Schools overseas.

By Karen Armsby

December 2, 2005 10:59 AM | Link to this

teachoverseas, How did you find the overseas job and apply?

By jim dumond

December 2, 2005 11:01 AM | Link to this

Maybe we could get someones (school administration) attention by posting the message from teachoverseas at every school in georgia. :-)

By jim dumond

December 2, 2005 11:04 AM | Link to this

Karen,

Check this site out.

http://joyjobs.com/

By v

December 2, 2005 11:07 AM | Link to this

Jim & parapro-

I am employed at a school in the greater Atlanta area. Our school council is essentially appointed by the administration. The teachers/staff members/parents are not called upon to vote. Rules are circumvented all the time.

By jim dumond

December 2, 2005 11:10 AM | Link to this

Raise hell

By Karen Armsby

December 2, 2005 11:12 AM | Link to this

Jim, Thanks for the link. I think I need to change careers again and go teach abroad!

By Dan

December 2, 2005 11:20 AM | Link to this

This phenomenon is similar to what you might find in any workplace. The workers and the supervisors have a different perspective, most workers don’t understand the whole picture until they are promoted, then while they may still act differently often many things are clarified. I know if one of my employees came to me and said things are getting worse, I too would ask for an explanation. More often than not such a statement is simply whining. Citing specific examples is a start but it doesn’t show things are getting worse unless compared to previous examples. Lastly you need to provide suggestions for improvement, anyone can complain. I am not saying there aren’t any issues, clearly there are, but none will be solved unless someone stops pointing fingers and starts providing solutions

By jim dumond

December 2, 2005 11:28 AM | Link to this

Karen,

You are quite welcome.

Caymens are nice this time of year. ;-)

By Karen Armsby

December 2, 2005 11:31 AM | Link to this

Jim, Actually I would like to go to Africa! My husband I spent a year in Libya in N. Africa doing a marine survey for a national park they were establishing. I would love to return as a teacher.

By jim dumond

December 2, 2005 11:37 AM | Link to this

Well Grand Caymen has a real nice Turtle Farm http://www.turtle.ky/ and I bet teachers are in demand as well.

By oldteacher

December 2, 2005 11:42 AM | Link to this

I am so glad that I teach where I do. I have been in the same system for 32 years so I have seen a lot of principals. Some were good and others needed to get out of education. I am thankful that now I have a principal that I think is great. She is young (well compared to me) and full of some great ideas. She listens to what I have to say. She visits my classroom. She stands behind me and the other teachers when we have a problem with parents, students or higher administration. We are having a great year. I am very lucky.

By MMM

December 2, 2005 12:02 PM | Link to this

We aren’t totally protected from these problems, but many of the positives that teacheroverseas extolls exist at the International Community School, which is a charter (public but run by a 501 3(c)) that serves a balance of local and refugee kids.

web site http://www.intcomschool.org/index.html

The principal spent most of his career in oversea and private education, and the refugee population brings a traditional respect for educators. Americans bring a willingness to create community and volunteer to help others. In order to have class sizes of 18 and an aid in every class—the pay is not as good as traditional public schools.

If any of you want to take pay cut for the shear joy of teaching less affluent kids in a better environment, this is the place.

By Amazed (Independent Woman)

December 2, 2005 12:27 PM | Link to this

Patti,

I’ve just read that teachers and administrators testified on behalf of Rodney Denison, who shot both his ex-wife and mistress in 2004.

What kind of message does this send to children? I think they should all be fired and they had better be glad they do not teach or work in my school district.

Very angry parent.

By Patti Ghezzi

December 2, 2005 12:30 PM | Link to this

Hey Amazed, I saw that too and I was, well, amazed. I thought about using it as a blog topic, but it seems a little too much of a unique set of very dysfunctional circumstances, not a reflection of broader themes. That line about how he inspired a lot of children sent chills down my spine!

Patti

By oldteacher

December 2, 2005 12:30 PM | Link to this

I am angry too, Amazed. I cannot believe that these people stood up for a guy who committed such a crime. According to his stepdaughter, he even pointed a gun at her. Unbelievable.

By MMM

December 2, 2005 12:43 PM | Link to this

Talk about moral relatism… even mass murders follow the rules 98% of the time.

But…I wonder what legal recourse the district actually has to diciple employees for something that they say on their own time. It will certainly drag that schools name through the mud. Did they take time off work to do this? Did any of them “called in sick” to get the time off, and if so—what are the stiffest penalty that can be applied?

By Amazed (Independent Woman)

December 2, 2005 12:55 PM | Link to this

MMM,

I don’t think there are any legal grounds to fire any of them. However, the people in the community should lead a protest so big, that NONE of them would be able to work in the state of Georgia. It should be so big, that they would not be allowed to teach in this country.

The man plead guilty for peace sakes.

I don’t feel I have the right to lead the witch hunt, I have in mind - since I do not have a child in the school system.

But, I would hold up a sign in protest of these people teaching in this state for the rest of their lives.

I’ll voice my opinion by calling the school systems involved.

By PCW

December 2, 2005 01:05 PM | Link to this

I am a 44 year old who went back to school 5 years ago becuase I want to teach. I’ve been in the corporate world for 20 plus years and want to get out of it so I must say I’m disappointed to read things like this blog. I have always wanted to be in education but I allowed my parents to talk me out of it when I was younger. I have 3 classes to go and then I want to a take a year and finish my masters before I enter the teaching field. Hopefully, things will be better by then. As someone else has said, this goes back to the parents. If your children are out of conrol, it is because you have let them be out of control. I can’t believe that a parent, when contacted by a teacher, would reinforce their child’s inappropriate behavior but I know they do. I live across the street from one of them. All my children’s teachers have to do is let me know about a sitaution with one my children and it is addressed. I have had many of them over the years express their thanks to me for backing them up. Believe me, it hasn’t happened often because my kids know it’s not fun once Dad gets a call or an e-mail!

By Teacher out in the cold

December 2, 2005 01:06 PM | Link to this

I would like to say that the principals and the central office run ALL School Council in our system. If a teacher makes ‘noise’ about inappropriate situations in either academics or extra-curricula areas, the teacher is ‘removed’ from the site without consideration of circumstances of ‘wrong doing’ by the administration. Ethics in education have disappeared from education. What or how can teachers combat this???? Some teachers cannot find employment unless they are willing to relocate. Why should veteran teachers by displaced in situations like this??? What can be done??? I’m one of those teachers!

By MMM

December 2, 2005 01:18 PM | Link to this

Get together with some like-minded teachers and parents and submit a charter petition to create your own school.

The only “school councils” with true power are the governance boards of the independent 501 3(c)’s that govern start-up charter schools.

I’ve done this—and you have to actually be crazy to attempt it.

By Teacher

December 2, 2005 01:40 PM | Link to this

Seems that all problems and discusions are about a few students that cannot or choose not to behave. Most have acted this way since elementary. And it also seems that talking about the problem is all that is ever done. If the bad students were taken out of the regular classroom early as soon as the problem is noticed the school systems would improve 200%. We all seem to know that. So why do we not do it. It is time that true laws are passed that says “If a student does not want to behave in class, and behavoiur is defined as what the teacher expects in his or her class, then they go to school where they can be dealt with or maybe even offer them online education.” Then the other students will be able to learn to their full abilities. If we implented this we would also find that many students that would have gone to these other alternitives would not have to. Most would choose to act right. But we need to do it not talk about it and do it soon. Our schools are being distroyed by politicians and bad students.

By jim dumond

December 2, 2005 03:08 PM | Link to this

@Teacher out in the cold,

A couple of things should be done. 1: ask for a copy of your school councils bylaws.

2:if the council is failing to abide by its own bylaws contact the State DOE., they are responsible for assuring the schools abide by the law.

3: and probably the most important. If what you’ve said is true—retain legal council. Because they will stop at nothing to silence you.

I think what people are forgetting is that the LAW requires school councils and sets down the policies and procedures they must operate under. DEMAND that the law be followed. Would you turn the other way if you saw a murder? Thats exactly what you do when you fail to make government follow the rules. You’re killing our childrens future.

By Tony

December 2, 2005 04:04 PM | Link to this

To PCW: Don’t let the negative vibes generated by this blog discourage you from following your dream. I hope the maturity matched with your dream cause you to be an outstanding teacher. I have known many who have done exactly what you’re doing and they are excellent teachers. Since I’m a principal of a school (and please not that I am not a spineless one) I can assure you that the voices in this blog do not represent the general population of schools.

By Tony

December 2, 2005 04:05 PM | Link to this

oops (and please know that …)

By DB

December 2, 2005 04:18 PM | Link to this

Tony: Are you kidding me? This doesn’t represent the general population? Just the fact that there is an education blog might be a hint, not to mention most schools are terrible. You sound like another administrators who’s a great salesman who’s an expert at making things sound better than they are. Or maybe you just have low expectations. You’re probably a good principal, but do you honestly think there isn’t a problem with lack of support by administration? I would say it’s more like administrators have their hands tied, so they simply can’t support teachers well without fear of losing their jobs.

At what school do you work? I’m very interested. If you can’t share that with us, what is your excuse? Let’s get real here.

PCW: By all means, teach. Just find a good school. They’re out there.

By Karen Armsby

December 2, 2005 04:34 PM | Link to this

PCW, Listen to DB! The regular bloggers here have a wealth of experience, come from inside and outside education, from many socio-economic backgrounds, ethincities and cultures. We’ve had kids in public, private and home schools. A lot of us have been active in PTA’s, volunteered and worked in the schools, sat on curriculum reveiw committees, school councils, and seen the best and the worst in our schools.

IMHO the Get Schooled blog is a true voice of the people, not the sanitized and controlled press releases generated by school administrations.

By bob

December 5, 2005 09:08 AM | Link to this

Lowndes 49 Brookwood 7 Please let us comment on the sports pages as you let us do before the game.

By Administrator

December 5, 2005 10:37 AM | Link to this

Want administrators to back teachers unconditionally? Then give them tenure back. Most of you are right, if too many complaints from angry ignorant parents reach the board office…little ole admin guy (or lady) that was trying to back his or her teachers gets the axe. And thus has no job. I for one, and all the administrators I work with do a good job backing our teachers. I do however assure you there is always a worry in our minds when the angry spoiled parent that did not get their way leaves our office headed for the board office to complain.

By HSScience

December 5, 2005 12:20 PM | Link to this

When this topic appeared it came on the perfect day for comment, however, I did not leave school until after 5 o’clock trying to console a first year teacher. At 8:00 in the morning the young lady (5’4”) found a 6 foot plus, 250 lb young lady standing over her and cursing at her. The football coach across the hall had to drag the student out of the room and campus police had to use pepper spray to get the student to the office. Right before the end of the class period the assistant principle came to the teacher’s door and suggested that it was the teacher’s classroom managagement. The student was returned to the room so that she would have ISS the next 2 days.

During the teacher’s planning period, she was berated by the principle for calling campus police and asked to think before she filed charges against the student because it may do more harm than good. The teacher was in real tears at the end of the day. Instead of finding support in her classroom she was being blamed for the student’s actions. This is a student that has been to alternative school twice and is two years behind. The class is full of repeaters with cronic discipline problems. Is there any wonder why she want’s to leave? What started the whole situation was the teacher asking the young lady to sit down.

The next day I received the e-mail that I was not to put a disruptive student out of my room as we were preparing for the EOCT because the student’s deserve an education. This was after the same assistant principle had brought the student back to my room and I refused to re-admit the student. Yes, students have a right to an education but no student has the right to interfer with another’s education. I’ve contacted MACE and informed them that I am sticking with my right to refuse a disruptive student. I’ve met with the principal and informed them also.

The principal wanted to discuss failure rate rather than disruptive students. How many times have you called the parents, sent messages home, filled out SST’s. Have you changed the types of assignments or your teaching style? Have you considered that they have a short attention span and have trouble reading? Don’t you realize that many of them are so use to failure that you need to help them succeed?

They don’t take a book home, they will not read. They will not even look up vocabulary words. Homework is a joke, classwork is a joke. Attendance is terrible. I’m supposed to get the students to pass a class or it will look bad on the school. Yeah, right.

By DB

December 5, 2005 01:26 PM | Link to this

Administrator: Coming from a place where tenure is still in place and now being in a place where there is no tenure. I must say tenure and unions create mediocrity(or at least “automatic” tenure does). All we can ask is that administrators fully support teachers that deserve it. In many places, that’s not the case. Many administrators don’t stand up for what’s right and again get scared and play the political game of appeasing the public. I wouldn’t feel justified to ask administrators to support teachers in all cases since some teachers are terrible and do stupid things.

I don’t know what the solution is other than making the conditions for schools to have more spine. I think administrators would have more spine if they could.

By jim dumond

December 5, 2005 01:48 PM | Link to this

Gotta dis. with you DB.

” I think administrators would have more spine if they could.”

THEY CAN! They just make a choice not to.

We’re talking a great deal of money here and admin. make a choice not to jeopardize that income.

We are talking middle management here of course, and that’s because they don’t receive any support from upper management (BOE and the school super.)

Politics my friend, pure and simple. Take education out of the political arena and watch the change.

By DB

December 5, 2005 03:31 PM | Link to this

Jim: I was a bit vague, and I agree with you. I meant to say I do believe many administrators want to do what’s right, but they can’t(decide not to) because they would lose their jobs due to political reasons.

The “fear” of being sued or fired because you don’t appease everyone has to stop. We need to start realizing that education will always involve some parents being unhappy. I also think the whole “Board of Education” mentality needs to change.

It’s disgusting to me that the relative few make it so schools are safe havens from the real-life consequences making most kids learn they can blame shortcomings on everyone else and gain this sense of self-entitlement I see everyday all around when people are constantly treating others with disrespect. This “Drop everything and take care of me.” attitude and “It’s not my fault.” mindset needs to stop. Our kids are losing out on learning real-life skills. They need to learn that life is not fair and that overcoming adversity is a virtue.

By Lee

December 8, 2005 08:42 AM | Link to this

I think one of the biggest problems with administrators is a lack of effective performance management of teachers. As a manager, you have to set clear, concise goals and expectations and then hold your employees accountable. Too often, a teacher is thrown into a classroom with little or no guidance or support. Without proper feedback, the teacher goes about their business thinking everything is okay until a parent complains. Then the administrator sides with the parent and the teacher feels betrayed.

I have also seen administrators who take the approach that the parent is always wrong and doesn’t know what they are talking about. I have also seen the spineless administrator who sways whichever way the wind is blowing.

Bottom line, it is paramount that we place the best people in these positions without regard to politics, nepotism, good ‘ol boy syndrome, or tokenism. Or, as the computer geeks say, Garbage in, Garbage out…..