Job Discussion Forums

Yasuke · Joined: 10 Jan 2014 Posts: 178

A lot of stories on the board about how poorly teachers are treated by their administrations. I was wondering, if anyone actually has good relations with their schools leadership? If you do, how is it that you developed your relationship. Any interesting stories or insights welcome.

MuscatGary · Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2014 11:38 am Post subject:

It's easy to get on with admin, just follow the rules:

1. Do not ask them to do anything.

2. Do not disturb them during their coffee drinking and date eating times. Typically from 08.00-16.00.

3. If their door is locked it is because they are praying. It doesn't matter what time of day it is. Just accept it.

4. If you find them sitting at their desk watching a movie with headphones on do not disturb as they are undertaking essential research.

5. If asked to perform administrative duties just do it. They will appreciate you assisting them in being able to drink coffee/eat dates/research/pray.

Simple.

Yasuke · Joined: 10 Jan 2014 Posts: 178

Any real info out there?

The Fifth Column · Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2014 2:04 pm Post subject:

myohmy · Joined: 31 Jul 2013 Posts: 119

With all the old-timers who condescend and snark on a regular basis, it's hard to categorize Yasuke's most recent post as snooty!

My strategy for dealing with the administration is to avoid them at all costs. Some teachers insist that gifting cupcakes and chocolates can help build bridges and sometimes repair them, though IMO they are fat enough as is. Smile and be polite. Persistence can pay off as long as you don't lose your cool. More than one teacher has been canned for losing it with Human Resources. The Saudi masters don't take kindly to being chastised by their inferiors.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

johnslat · Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2014 2:33 pm Post subject:

Dear myohmy.

Regarding your post, the words "pot/kettle" spring to mind. Very Happy

Regards
Snarky John

cultofpersonality · Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Posts: 94

In no particular order...

1. Do your job
2. Don't suggest any changes to the curriculum unless they ask you
3. Don't talk too much
4. Don't criticise their practices to them
5. Try and create as least disturbances as possible
6. Follow the rules
7. Ask how their family is...Arabs seem to love that
8. Try your hardest not to turn down an invitation
9. Leave all negative comments about their culture at the departing airport
10. Show respect and an interest in their culture
11. Respect their cultural patterns, if need be, embrace some of them

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

sicklyman · Joined: 02 Feb 2013 Posts: 930

You have to do more than teach to earn any respect whatsoever here. Teaching, even teaching exceptionally, is simply expected and will earn you only basic recognition, if any at all.

So, think about what other skills you bring to your office, look around for something that could be improved and which mathces your skill set. Don't criticise it to anyone, just produce something to make it better: materials, a procedure, a poster, a spreadsheet, a rota, a weekly lunchtime club for students, whatever your creative mind can come up with.

Try your idea out with some students or other teachers who are willing to help. If it doesn't work out, no worries. Try something else. But if it works out, the administration will almost definitely repackage your idea as theirs and make it official. You might not get any overt recognition for this so don't expect any. But you will almost certainly get respect and, when the time comes, you might well find yourself being offered an opportunity to do something more productive around the place.

At least, that's how it worked for me... and I very much enjoy working with my administration team.