Arrrgg...
I am feeling compelled to be here, at my keyboard attached to this blog. I can't say that I have gone back to read any old posts but many of them are with me. I am thinking about them, especially the stories about Mathman H.S.
I wonder if I complained too much in those stories. Maybe. All those problems with admin 1 and admin 2. Honestly, those were false issues; not then but now. Problems that did not go away but have been smoothed out, mostly.
I am worried about Mathman H.S. The jockeying for position seems ridiculous. People who have no business in a leadership roles downward delegating (because of ignorance) and writing emails with big words used incorrectly are distracting us from our goal. They cause the minutia to seem more important than educating our students. I am considering walking the plank. More wine (or beer for JIM), please.
8 variables:
It is my experience that the cream does not rise to the top in education. I look at those in my county who have jobs like Curriculum Director and math or science specialist and they are often people who failed in the classroom, who never really knew their subject matter and because they were uncomfortable in the classroom (because of their incompetence) applied for these "Board" jobs when they came open. Surely their principals knew these were not bright and talented people, but they were promoted and now are supposed to tell those of us who really are good at what we do, how to do our jobs better. I'm lucky to have a principal who has a chemistry/math background (I teach physics) and she's bright and her first priority is doing what's best for our students. Our two assistant principles-not so much. I joke that there must be some maximum IQ that bars smart people from employment at the BOE. I have met NO ONE working at the board who is bright, competent and helpful. I have met many who are ignorant, arrogant and very defensive. I try to keep my blinders on, focusing on my classroom and trying to ignore all the nonsense outside of it. I also have tequila in the pantry and a rather large bottle of wine in the refrigerator. AND I have lots of amazing teacher friends who are a never-ending source of support.
I read Lisa's blog daily and this is my first time here.
Don't know if you have heard of or read Chycho, but I recommend it.
http://www.chycho.com/?q=GCF
I never knew math was a language.
And all that bureaucratic bullshit perpetrated by such jokers sucks too much of your energy that you'd obviously rather spend on teaching your students. Instead of you walking the plank, have them do so. Find some hungry sharks first, though.
First, I have overcome my trepidation and linked and started to read. Forgive me the time lapse.
Second. My father was a 12-grade English teacher for decades until his retirement in 1988. So, I am familiar with your take on things, because I heard it ad nauseum. Like any profession, teachers run the gamut. The nice thing is, there are always a few out there who are not only good at what they do, but manage to weather the crap-storms enough to keep going against all odds.
amy -I understand what you mean. I do know some capable people at the district but there are not enough of them to go around.
Buelahman - thanks for stopping and for the link.
Geoffrey - glad you came by.
Here's a virtual glass of Chardonnay (or Cabernet; take your pick!) for you. :) Good luck--it sounds a bit rough around there!!
Mathman-in our district, it is usually those who are the most vocal and assertive, and not necessarily caring that have risen to the top. Some have not spent enough time in the trenches I believe. There are far too many of these people diverting $ from what we really need in the district. There are a few good ones, but not as many as teachers/parents would like.
Boy, Amy has it down right.
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