I work in a school with a terrible administration. They either ignore the teachers or expect too much, do not notify us of when things are happening/changing, lie to teachers, do not support them, etc. Are there really schools where teachers are supported by their administration? Where colleagues respect each other and want to work together? I am getting really sick and tired of this environment. I am leaving this school after this year, but I am worried that I have gotten myself in for a future of disrespect, chaos, and general unhappiness. (I LOVE the kids...but the adults, some of them...)
They do exist. It can take a long time for the culture to change, though. Or sometimes it changes quickly. It seems like it takes a long time to get better but it can go downhill fast. Are your current admins anywhere near retiring or moving to a new position?
I went home last week for Spring Break and worked in the classroom with my former team teacher. I thought back to the two years I worked in that school and how much I loved it, yet still 'vented' to my husband about issues I had. In hindsight, it seems like utopia. Watching the kids listen and behave, seeing the teachers get along, having lunch with my old principal who loved me, using the readily available copy machine with endless paper... yes, there are great schools out there. When you're teaching in a rough situation it can seem like you're drowning-I've been there several times since. I kept telling my former team teacher how great she has it and to appreciate every second of her job. Good luck finding your own utopia (or creating one where you are!)!
I was in two schools with an unhealthy environment before I found one with an administration that truly supports teachers. They ARE out there. Sometimes you just have to dig around before you find one. Good luck
Our school environment was terrible a few years ago. And then the principal quit two days before school started and everything changed. It is an entirely different environment. The current administration is supportive, we work together (for the most part) and I don't even have the migraines any more that were triggered by work related stress.
Yes! I work in one of them However, I'm first year and the teachers talk about how bad things were with previous admin. They just got our current admin last year and that really helped turn things around. They say it took them the whole year to build the kind of school culture we have now.
I work in Philadelphia also. I have a theory that urban districts attract weak, incompetent administrators. However, we are very lucky in that the teachers at our school support and respect each other. This helps a great deal.
I work in a great school, and still see plenty to complain about.... I think it's easy to complain about teaching because there are so many factors involved in how your day goes (parents, kids, admin, coworkers.) I have taught in a truly terrible school, and a wonderful school. I know there are many schools out there, and hopefully you find a good one. If the public schools aren't working for you, try private!
using the readily available copy machine with endless paper... Are you serious????????????????????????????
There will be issues no matter where you go, it just depends on what you are/are not willing to deal with. I prefer an admin. that basically leaves the teachers alone and lets them do their job. That is not currently the case where I am (though it used to be). If you can find an environment you like, it makes all the difference.
It does get better! I have a great administration. They definitely have their own little qwirks but nothing you can't live with on a daily basis. The teachers are also pretty nice. Now, you are always going to have one or two in the group that simply refuse to let anyone be happy. But it does get better. Hang in there!
Our school is currently being taken over by Mastery. Therefore, our principal is all of a sudden doing her job, because they're watching her. They're ensured that she'll have a job for next year, but are making all the teachers re-apply and are being very strict about it. Mastery wanted me to work for them a few years ago but I turned them down...and what I had to go through was NOTHING compared to how they are "assessing" the teachers here. The problem is the administration, NOT the teachers!!! Anyway. Can I be the reading specialist at your school?
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. You definitely would not want to work at my school - you'd be jumping from the frying pan into the fire. You'd be hard pressed to find an administration that is worse than the one at my school. Are you going to re-apply for your job, or transfer somewhere else?
I'm in one as well. Teachers are respected, we have many opportunities for professional development, despite budget cuts we have access to the materials and resources we need. Supportive parents and administration.
Maybe all teachers should "work" for a Marine Drill Instructor for about 6 weeks.......right out of college, and prior to going to the classroom. The admin would then seem to be lovable, caring, softies...... Guess I'm lucky because the principals, teachers, and front office people from each school have always treated me with great respect.......
I work at a school that treats its teachers with respect and as professionals. We have what we need to do our jobs well and we are expected to do them without handholding or micro-managing. It's a wonderful place to be.
