CTE New Teacher Institute Forum: Mamane on Admin

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FINAL BLOG POST - OUR "DAILY TRIPLE" (DUE 12/1).

This week I would like you to use your imagination. You have just won the lottery and will leave your teaching post immediately to travel around the world. As you leave your keys you meet your replacement. You are asked to give this new teacher just ONE piece of advice. What would that be, and why? Enjoy your world expedition!

Blog Post - Week 7

This past week in my own teaching I felt a little disconnected which prompts my question to you, "What was the moment (or moments) when I felt most disconnected or disengaged as a teacher - the moment(s) I said to myself, I'm just going through the motions here?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 6

For the past couple of weeks you have experienced asynchronous online learning (doing modules by yourself). Previously this semester you have experienced synchronous online learning (all together in the Collaborate room). Which do you think is more effective and why do you think that? Which do you like better, and why?

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 5

This week we have what we call "open mic." You can write a post about anything related to your teaching that you would like responses from your classmates.

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 4

Here is this week's question: "What was the event that most took me surprise this week - and event that shook me up, caught me off guard, gave me a jolt, or made me unexpectedly happy?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 3

Please write a post about the following question, "In thinking about my past week teaching what is one thing I would do differently, and why?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 2

Please write a post about the following question, " In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 1

Describe something you used in your program in the first weeks of school that you learned in the summer NTI program. How did it work? Did it get you off to a stronger start than last year?

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Mamane on Admin

What I've learned about administrators this year is that they don't know everything. I seemed to be under the impression that administrators, who had been teachers, would have the answers to all my problems. Granted, each one has his/her own take on situations, but they aren't these "know-all gurus" of education dilemmas.

I had frequently visited a particular administrator for advice on teaching. He had a very simplistic view, rather hands-off (laissez-faire) type attitude. Then I went to him to get advice on another teacher who, quite frankly, seemed to HATE me and my program and the students in it. This administrator (an AP) looked at me like I had done something wrong. He proceeded to rip me to shreds and wouldn't even take a moment to listen to me. I was in utter shock. Horrified. Infuriated. Hurt. And let down.

I went to my principal (someone I don't always trust - maybe that's what I've learned about administrators - they aren't always trustworthy) about the situation, and he seemed to sympathize with me. It took me at least a good 4 months before I could look this AP in the eye again, much less talk to him. Of course we're on good terms again (wouldn't you know, he needed to borrow a video camera to tape his daughter's play - go figure).

The word on the teacher's "street" is to know your administrators' opinions on teaching methodology; what makes them tick; what are their passions. Now, I know not to go to a "good ole boy" to complain about another "good ole boy."

Oh, and BTW, this AP will not be an AP next year. He's stuck baby-sitting ISS kids forever more. Will he be putting down teachers anymore? Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore!"

2 comments:

Dr. J said...: Indeed. NEVERMORE! Dr. J.; March 23, 2009 at 4:25:00 PM EDT
Jayna said...: Wow Amy, I had no idea this had happened to you. I can see it though, as I know exactly of whom you speak! :); March 24, 2009 at 6:26:00 PM EDT