This weeks studies are to "identify whether distributive leadership is used for capacity building at your school site" and to "explain how it is being used. If it is not, describe how it could benefit your school site to apply this concept".
This question is hard because I feel that right now my school is very screwed up. With out the assisstant director things would be alot better, in fact all the teachers are really hoping that the new director realizes this soon and gets rid of her. We would be better without her. In my building I think that distribute leadership is going on very little. Its either done by the director or the assisstant and they disagree with each other time to time. The teachers try to just do their own thing so I think that distributive leadership for the capacity building at my school is not really being used. Right now the teachers feel as if the assisstant thinks so low of the teachers, be littles alot. I think if that didn't happen then the teachers would be happier and open with communication and the flow in the building would start to happen. This concept would then be able to take affect and benefit because it would take some of the responsibility off the idividuals and put it on the whole. The stress in the building would go down and the teachers would grow into better teachers through learning as a whole instead of just keeping to themselves.
Hi Ashley,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are in a hard position right now. When teachers collaborate ideas, they all grow and develop better lessons and instruction. I think it also helps build a stronger learning environment for the students. It is sad that the assistant director thinks low of the teachers; without respect, I'm sure it is hard for them to want to make any type of extra effort.
Hi Ashley,
ReplyDeleteOh do I know what you mean. It seems like we find ourselves in almost identical situations. Our principal gives the illusion of being a leader who subscribes to distributive leadership theories, but in practice, he does not. When you talk with him, he seldom pays attention to you. He gazes around the room or fiddles with something on his desk or his fingers. Then, when you are through, we’ll say things and ask questions that clearly indicate he hasn’t heard a word you have said. Then he continues with his own agenda. I don’t know if it’s conscious or not but he only gives the words of interest, not the accompanying actions.
Now, it is very difficult to take him seriously when he asks for us do extra work in groups and committees. What most of the staff is thinking is, “You’re going to do what you want to anyway, just tell us. Don’t continue to insult us pretending you value our input”.