Week 4 Discussion - What Now?

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University_EDUC695_Week4_DiscussionQuestion_0_Sample3_Tc11132019.docx

What Now?

Monday, November 11, 2019, 10:14 PM

 

As future school leaders we know there will be times when teachers make demands and our leadership skills will be challenged. In a scenario where a teacher storms into my office and demands for a student to be removed from her class, there are many things to consider. First, what is my relationship with the teacher?  Is this behavior “normal” for this teacher? What is the leadership team’s standard protocol for this request? What is my policy for appointments; do I have an open door policy? Taking all of these questions into consideration, I would begin by affirming the teachers feelings and asking the teacher to return at a scheduled time later in the day. This will allow the teacher to feel validated yet it also allows the teacher time to cool down while setting the expectation that all time is valuable (including mine). 

When the teacher returns, I will start by asking her to explain what is going on. I will be an active listener yet I will hold her accountable for the relationship she has with the student and push her to name exactly what is the problem with the student. For example, I will ask questions regarding her action steps for creating a relationship with the student and family. I will also ask, what is the benefit for the student being moved to another class? How will a move impact the student, class, and the other class? I think it’s important that I continue to reintegrate that our school makes decisions based on students first, teachers second, and families third.  I will end the conversation by asking the teacher to reflect on our conversation and let her know that I will meet with the student to unpack her concerns as well as do daily mini observations to assess the situation. 

Unless there is a safety concern or I am concerned for the student’s well being, I will make every effort to keep the student in the original class. Many times letting teachers “vent” and name their action steps (or lack there of) will help them feel validated and no further action is needed.