Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Comment on Administrators Leaving the Classroom Too Early
This is in response to Troy’s posting about whether Administrators leave the teaching profession too early. I want to share with you a conversation that I had with one of my administrators. As part of EDL 505 I had to conduct an interview with my Superintendent, as we were discussing various topics one of the things that he mentioned was that his position was one of the loneliest positions in education. He proceeded to tell me that he really missed the interaction with the students as well as some of the colleagues he had had as a teacher. He did say that he tries to visit all of the schools on a regular basis, but that it was just not the same as being in the classroom. This comment kind of struck a chord with me and I will keep this in mind as I continue with my profession!
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3 comments:
I think it's important to hear from different people in the administration world about what the postions entail. We are giving ourselves skills and training for our futures in the event the time calls for a new direction. I think each of us will know when (and if) it's time to depart from the classroom environment and go to the administrative side. By talking to different administrators we can get a sense of what we would like to do differently when given the chance. Some administrators have found a way to continue to have involvement with the students. I think it may depend on the size of the district, among other factors. We need to look at our personalities and find a good fit. I am happy in the classroom for now and I know at this point in my life I would miss the student interaction. But in the future...who knows where this journey will lead me.
I agree that being an administrator is a lonely place because ultimately you are the one making many decsions that some teachers will like but others will not. But, my question is can some of the loneliness be taken away by getting out more into the classrooms and making those connections with the students and staff. I think showing them that you care about them and truly want to see them succeed some of the loneliness will be taken away and replaced with rich conversation with staff members about why we do what we do. Leading them to better understand why decsions are made and that we all have a common goal of student achievement. But I do think there will be some real lonely times.
If it's even feasible, maybe the principal or superintendent should "sub" for a class or two when they know teachers will be out in advance. This way students can say that they know and have seen their superintendent. Most students have no clue. A money-saver for the district to boot :o)
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