Question: Describe the power dynamic at your school site.
Identify how you can use this information to influence change at your school.
The power dynamic at my school is very apparent. The administrators demonstrate implicit power and make sure that every person in the school is aware of their power. The administrators are quick to reprimand staff when they notice something that does not fit into their mold, but do not like to hear their mistakes. My principal and assistant principal collaborate with the chosen few teachers in the school when changes need to be made. Then the chosen few teachers relay messages to the other teachers within the school. In most schools the staff who help the administrators make changes are part of the SIT team or the School Improvement team, but in our case they are the teachers who the principals are the most fond of.
In regards to using this information to influence change in my school would be to bring up my ideas or concerns to the few teachers I have built rapport with. I know the teachers who the principal and assistant principal are close with, and I know that if I can present the idea in a way the other teachers would like then they can present the idea as if it was their own. I know if I presented the idea to the administrators on my own my concerns or ideas would be turned down. It's actually rather sad how some teachers opinions are not worthy to the administrators, and I can only hope this is not the case at every other school.
I cannot believe how similiar the power dynamics at our schools are!! This really sounds exactly like my school. Does your school have many problems, especially with disgruntled staff? My school does, and I feel like it is, in large part, due to the power dynamics. The district office has the most power over our school, but right under them are the administrators, who only listen to a few choice teachers. Now that I think about it after reading your post, I would say the administrators have almost as much power, if not more, than the district office. The district office has the final say so, but the administrators are the ones who work with most closely with our school, so they make the vast majority of decisions on issues that directly affect us.
ReplyDeleteI love your idea of going to other teachers with your ideas so they can present it as their own. I will definitely have to try that, because I know that if I try to approach administrators with my personal concerns, I would be blown off as well.
Oh my gosh, your school dynamics makes me feel a little ill. I think it's unfortunate when leaders play favorites, in any organization. I'm not opposed to giving opportunities to people who demonstrate excellence, nor am I against praising folks who deserve it. But not at the expense of the rest of the group.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how teachers at your school become the "principal's pet"? There are so many ways; I shudder to think.
At least you have found a work-around; not ideal, but you have a solution. I hope things change.