As in the pupils’ performance, there is always that “Teacher factor” thing and that the teacher, in many different ways, affects pupil’s performance; it should also be noted that the administrator also affects teacher’s performance at school.
While it is true that “individual differences” always applies in an organization, it might be helpful to realize, though, that achieving the optimum performance of the school can be attained if the people in the school organization can learn to compromise their individual differences.
The administrators and the teachers are partners in delivering quality education and service to the school children and the school in general. As partners, there is a need for mutual respect and understanding.
Administrators should be given all the respect and confidence that go with his/her position. Teachers need to follow the rules of order and respect the person and position of authority. Teachers need to be as cooperative and driven to carry out all the needed services and expectations at school. They also need to make sure that all the teachers’ responsibilities are accomplished with all the best efforts possible.
But then, there are times when the character and disposition of the administrators affect teachers’ performance negatively.
When teachers feel that the administrator is somehow biased – letting go of some other teachers’ irresponsibility and allowing negligence at work to happen – some teachers who try to perform at par become demoralized and may have the tendency to just be like the “others”. This may illustrate that a rotten apple can easily help the other apples to rot.
Or when the administrator is too strict, teachers tend to rebel and perform negatively to show discontent. Or they may actually try to perform better but all because of fear and obligation to follow the authority. The lack happiness and freedom in the work would eventually burn the teachers out.
And who suffers in the end? The school and the learners!
It may be helpful to note that the administrators and the teachers are the key elements in the educative process of the learners and so these two very important elements need to complement and supplement each other.
Teachers need to always remember that their highest service should be for the learners and their primary concern should be the learners. No matter how great or lousy or how lax or strict the administrator can be, teachers need to strive to work at his/her optimum best – all for the love of the learners and the nobility of the teaching profession.
The administrators, on the other hand, need take the point of view on the standpoint of the teachers. Teachers, though, “just” subordinates also deserve to be treated with respect as a colleague in the service.
Teachers may not be perfect and would need polishing at times, but there are ways to tell the truth about the teachers’ flaws without the need to be harsh or tactless.
Bottom line is: we can all work harmoniously at school if we create a professional yet humane work environment. We can all strive to be efficient at school by working cooperatively and professionally.
By: Mrs.Gemmaruth G. Castro | Teacher III | Jose Abejar Memorial Elem. School | Abucay, Bataan
