This week I sat through several screening interviews for the administrative position at my school. While taking notes, I wrote these words about my favorite applicant: She would make me a better teacher. Later I came to this epiphany - I can't say those words about any of my previous administrators.
Here's the crazy part. I never noticed. Not once did I feel any lack. In fact, two of my administrators in particular, were out-of-this-world amazing. I consider myself beyond blessed to have worked under their guidance. Yet I can't recall any moments in the evaluation process where I ever felt stretched or was given something to chew on regarding my practice. I don't believe they let me down though. What they did do, they did so well, that I was able to concentrate on my classroom and my methods. Their leadership gave me space to learn and grow and be a professional. I am forever grateful.
So what is the moral of this tale? I've been tossing that question around for a few days myself. I think Gentry provides the answer. When it comes down to it, I'm the one who knows my practice best. Though it would be ideal to have another set of eyes to help me see next steps on my trajectory of improvement, sometimes that's just not reality. Ultimately, I'm responsible for analyzing what I do from day to day, asking the hard questions, and pushing myself to the next level. I must be my own instructional leader. Having said that, it's a blessed thing when the administrator creates a culture where this is all possible.
(Please know that I'm in no way bashing administrators. Like I said, I've been so blessed by mine. I'm curious though. Have your administrators made you a better teacher? If so, how? I'd love to hear from you.)
I have so much to say about this--more than I will say here. I think for a long time most administrators were not trained or equipped to be instructional leaders. Of late, that is starting to change, and I know that some administrators can at least attempt this task. I also think it's a tall order. I believe what were really need a whole new paradigm of school leadership. We need teacher-leaders in each building whose job it is to be thinking partners--and to truly challenge us constantly rethink and reconsider our practice. That's all, of now :)
ReplyDeleteLaur, I say go for it and change the paradigm. You would be a great teacher-leader!
DeleteI agree with Laurie, but would like to add that in my district, the principals have so many responsibilities (in their particular school and at the district level) that they rarely have time to be instructional leaders even if they wanted to be.
ReplyDeleteConnie Anderson
Welcome To First Grade Room 5
Connie, great point. They wear many hats. What a big job they have!
DeleteI am thankful for my assessor. She does not sugar-coat and I appreciate that. A few years ago I had an issue with several unhappy parents. They got together and would make lists of how I was going wrong. I was outraged because many of their concerns were just flat out not true. Anyway, it was my assessor who said "maybe this is time to reflect on how you get parents on board in the beginning of the year". Which also made me mad at first, because I wanted her to be outraged too. However, it got me thinking and the next year I did improve in that area. So long story short I think even small suggestions from the right admin can help you grow.
ReplyDeleteMiss Trayers, I totally agree. Your admin sounds like a wise member of your team.
DeleteI have never attended administrator classes, so I do not know the answer to this question. But I wonder how much they are taught about being instructional leaders. That would be a great place for them to start- getting educated about how to go about it.
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Lori, I've no idea either. I could imagine that it starts with being a great teacher first.
DeleteNo I don't think any of my admins have pushed me to grow, but I'm perfectly fine with that because, as you said, they've always given me the room and freedom to explore what I like to do. AND they've always had my back!
ReplyDeleteBarb, yes mine have had my back too. The freedom they have given me is priceless.
DeleteIn five years of teaching, I've had three administrators. Funny thing--two of the three are husband and wife (different schools). I will say that the wife is the one who pushed me the most in my teaching philosophy... She encouraged me to do more "turn and talk" and shoulder buddy type communication. I was afraid to! As a newer teacher, I didn't want to "lose control of my class" but I am so glad she encouraged me to go for it. I worked on it, and didn't even lose control of my class. LOL! I certainly would never go back to making students "sit and get!"
ReplyDeleteCrystal
Teaching Little Miracles
Crystal, it's nice to have those people around us who can push us to better practices.
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