Sasha, you pose some good questions. First, please know that
a good leader sometimes lives a lonely life. Whenever we try
to direct others' paths, we place ourselves in a position
separate from theirs. That being said, one way to gain their
respect is to be a good listener. Change can be very
difficult to bring about. Some changes can be made by
listening to what teachers are telling/asking you and help
them to develop along their own paths -- probably a bit more
difficult in this NCLB world. I once had a
principal/superintendent who watched me teach, realized what
might help me in my own direction, and provided me with
better materials to do my job. One time he planned to have
the school board visit my classroom for an evening meeting
(without me being there) so he came in and said, "Tell me how
you use these items (self-designed math materials)." Perhaps
he related this to the board but, on the other hand, perhaps
it was his way of holding me accountable.
Lesson from this: Just ask teachers to explain to you why
they are doing what, in a friendly way. Either they'll be
able to defend what they're doing or they may ask for help.
Perhaps as a result of your discussions, the time may come
when you can intervene. This may also provide that moment
when you can suggest a better way.
In my own teaching career, I always sought better ways of
doing things. Not buckling under to conform to the mold
sometimes put me in an uncomfortable position but I was
always was able to say, "If you can prove that what everyone
else is doing works better than what I'm doing, I'll do it
that way." I often felt I was unpopular with my peers but
now that I've been retired for several years, I'm hearing
comments about the respect that other teachers had for me,
even as they continue to use the materials I created.
Accept the new challenge and become a good listener. Best
wishes,
Grace
Grace
Spel-Lang Tree
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