Apparently he or she can be managed. Or at least partly so. Today we heard from Kristin Gilger, associate dean, Cronkite School, about how to manage your boss. She had many practical tips on how to get on and stay on your boss's good side. One of the first things to do is to introduce your boss to your kids and your program. I have a fairly supportive principal (and very supportive vice principal) but at the district level it's a different story. Even though the Kansas Student Publications Act reads one way, the district attorneys see things a different way. Until this act is tested in a court room, all we can do is our best to not be the ones to take it there!
This next year I will have a new superintendent and our assistant has only been in our district for one year. I am seriously considering using the idea of inviting them to my classroom as a proactive stance before my students do something that they may not like. Perhaps I'll just invite them to stop by during our journalism camp when we are going over the first amendment and student press rights. Maybe they'll learn a thing or two?!
Angela Carter
Winfield High School
Winfield, Kan.
This session really resonated with me. I haven't managed my bosses very well. Although the principal is supportive of the newspaper program, she generally does not trust teachers and has very little compassion for them.
ReplyDeleteThe professional relationship I have with my assistant principal has become strained. I will try to take Gilger's advice, but it will be difficult as there is resentment on both sides. My strategy lately has been just to avoid him. I see now that strategy is not very effective.