In this scenario, I have been assigned as the new principal of Cypress High School. According to the charge, of the 56 teachers who have received tenure, eight (8) senior teachers are refusing to participate in the new technology seminar for grade reporting. They say it is too complicated, beyond their understanding, and claim that they are “age restricted.” They further claim harassment and age discrimination. This issue brings to mind a veritable quote from a respected author on school leadership, “The more we can build the skills of our teachers, the less we are drained by reacting to the results of ineffective practices” (Whitaker, 2014, p. 44). To appear conciliatory, they offer to dictate the grades to a school secretary for entering.
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Here are five ways I would handle this uncomfortable situation.
First, I would arrange individual conferences with the eight obstinate teachers at my office to determine firsthand what the issue or issues were. Since the charge does not state if teachers are supposed to pay out-of-pocket expenses for training, money may be an issue. If money was an issue, I would seek ways for them to be reimbursed for expenses. In addition, if the new technology seminar needed to be taken off-site, outside of working hours, I would see if online coursework could be arranged, and try and figure out a way for any seminar work or follow-up training to be completed during preparation …show more content…
Involving other influential teachers may be a less direct and more subtle way to convince the obstinate eight that they should consider being more flexible in becoming proverbially on board. For instance, seasoned, tenured educators in the building may vociferously support the new technology program for its ease of use and amount of time they could save on grade reporting; by involving these teachers in aspects of professional development and seminar training related to the new technology, these amenable teachers may influence their eight obstinate peers into acquiescing.
Third, I would contact their union representatives, first within the building, and then possibly at the district level, to try and decipher what the issue or issues were. I would make it clear that this new technology system for grade reporting must be implemented; however, I would hope that by contacting union representatives and striking a conciliatory tone would make me appear flexible and willing to work to find veritable solutions to this issue. I would seek ways to compromise and help my staff to fulfill their responsibilities with as little hardship as
Here are five ways I would handle this uncomfortable situation.
First, I would arrange individual conferences with the eight obstinate teachers at my office to determine firsthand what the issue or issues were. Since the charge does not state if teachers are supposed to pay out-of-pocket expenses for training, money may be an issue. If money was an issue, I would seek ways for them to be reimbursed for expenses. In addition, if the new technology seminar needed to be taken off-site, outside of working hours, I would see if online coursework could be arranged, and try and figure out a way for any seminar work or follow-up training to be completed during preparation …show more content…
Involving other influential teachers may be a less direct and more subtle way to convince the obstinate eight that they should consider being more flexible in becoming proverbially on board. For instance, seasoned, tenured educators in the building may vociferously support the new technology program for its ease of use and amount of time they could save on grade reporting; by involving these teachers in aspects of professional development and seminar training related to the new technology, these amenable teachers may influence their eight obstinate peers into acquiescing.
Third, I would contact their union representatives, first within the building, and then possibly at the district level, to try and decipher what the issue or issues were. I would make it clear that this new technology system for grade reporting must be implemented; however, I would hope that by contacting union representatives and striking a conciliatory tone would make me appear flexible and willing to work to find veritable solutions to this issue. I would seek ways to compromise and help my staff to fulfill their responsibilities with as little hardship as