I recently watched a video clip of a lady playing the role of a teacher AND the administrator who is wondering where her lesson plans are.  The teacher explains that her prep time is being taken to cover for other teachers to which the administrator responds, “Yes, but where are your lesson plans.  Once again the teacher states that her prep time is being taken to cover for shortages.  The administrator then suggests the teacher might come in early or stay late in order to plan.  To this, the teacher explains that it is her New Year’s resolution to work to her contract.

I spent 40 years as an educator and I can tell you that each year, teachers were asked to take on more of the roles of administrators, more of a role in counseling students, more of a role in supporting their peers, and more of the role of parenting.  And somehow, they were expected to, not only maintain their classrooms, but improve instruction and student achievement.  Now….most of my peers were incredibly gifted educators willing to go well beyond their contract to serve the needs of their students.  But at some point, enough is enough.  There is only so much time in our schedules, and so much gas in the tank.

Today, no every day, I encourage anyone AND everyone involved in the field of education to recognize you are overextending the greatest resource you have; the talented men and women who have dedicated their lives to teaching.  Leadership 101 tells us that if you keep increasing the load without equally rewarding the effort, eventually the team will quit pulling the cart.  Pay attention folks, the team is tired.  Too much is being asked and too little is being given in terms of support and reward.  You need great teachers.  Now act like you understand what that means.  Just sayin’!

Make Today a Magnificent Day!

Gary L Rupert

Culture Strategist/Coach

II:Leaders Creating:II Leaders

LCL Mentors @ Marching Arts Education