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| Change from within |
As a Teacher we face many political challenges. As a teacher leader the challenges increase. Most departments of education, Federal, State, or City are filled with bureaucrats. As a matter of fact, The whole education system is a bureaucratic one. A teacher must maintain state, and city standards, However we must control the delivery of that information. We are not just educating the students in reading, writing and rithmatic, we educate for life; teaching appropriate behaviors, social skills, and life skills.
A teacher is not limited to the classroom to make changes, they can effect changes outside the classroom as well. One way to be an effective changer is to get involved in the students extra curriculum activities. Go see a ball game, they will notice you there. Run an after school club, eat your lunch with students who may need some extra help in your class. Go the extra mile. As a result you start to become a key player in your school dynamics. Some one the students and other faculty members trust.
Taking these small first steps, will also help you become a school leader, However, there are other ways to increase your influence on policies and decision making. Get involved. Join the School Leadership team, Run the student government, be an active voice at town hall meetings, become a union delegate; you may not be able to change the whole bureaucratic system but you can certainly change your classroom and help others change the school.
Small changes from within can effect large changes.
Hey Charlie!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that you pointed out that teachers are not limited to their classrooms to affect change. I live by this philosophy since our "military" classroom has so many limitations, rules and procedures. My method of influence stems from the passion I have in helping others to see the need for passion in our approach. I think participation in networking is equally important, but I want to be sure to help people realize where they belong, and how their decisions and influences got them to the place they are currently in. I know that "small changes from within can effect large changes", but sometimes those changes happen long after you are gone. You just never know what your words mean to certain people. Great post Charlie. Looking forward to reading next week! -Tabetha