Power and Control. That's all life is really about you know. From the struggle at the sand pit in kindergarten to high-tech world of corporate America. Life is all about power and control. Every school environment is going to have a power dynamic. At my old school site, the power dynamic was coercive and reward in nature. The old principal he would "bully" teachers who did not follow the school's company line: "Do what you're supposed to do and don't rock the boat." Teachers that "reported" the happenings of other teachers back to him were "rewarded" by being safe within the school system. The teacher leadership almost serves as if they are afraid of losing their leadership position. Because of this mentality, there exists a faculty who is mistrusting of administration and therefore there are several veteran teachers who lead through implicit power. This past summer over 10 teachers have resigned their post at the school because of this power dynamic.
The ideal power dynamic is of course one where teacher leadership leads through reverent power. Where the faculty and staff follow teacher leadership because of the character of the teacher leaders that are in place. Assignments should be done based on the strength-based leadership model. Teachers are placed in positions based on what their strengths are not if they are able to give the leadership good intel on other teachers.
My pastor is a leader who leads through reverent power. She is the definition of a true leader. Her motive is not coerce or bribe her "staff," but her motive to elevate and strengthen her staff. As I start at my new school system on today, my desire is that the teacher leadership in place leads in this manner.
Here's hoping!
The ideal power dynamic is of course one where teacher leadership leads through reverent power. Where the faculty and staff follow teacher leadership because of the character of the teacher leaders that are in place. Assignments should be done based on the strength-based leadership model. Teachers are placed in positions based on what their strengths are not if they are able to give the leadership good intel on other teachers.
My pastor is a leader who leads through reverent power. She is the definition of a true leader. Her motive is not coerce or bribe her "staff," but her motive to elevate and strengthen her staff. As I start at my new school system on today, my desire is that the teacher leadership in place leads in this manner.
Here's hoping!
That is such interesting stories about the power at your school. I reread the company line 3 or 4 times because I could not believe what it said. Power is certainly something that rocks the boat as it is. People always want power and its scary what it can do.
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