Teaching is a never-ending learning process and it can be enhanced by quality relationship between school management and teachers. For a healthy association, they need to collaborate, interact, discuss and respect each other.

An administrator is impressed with teachers who are well prepared and are able to explain their proposal logically. Finally, administrators are most impressed with teachers who are able to read instructions, complete forms correctly, and return them on time.  This sounds overly simple, and it is, but one would be amazed at the number of people who do not do the simple things. 

It is, therefore, essential to have a healthy relationship between the pillars of the school – teachers and the administrators. It is very important that the administrators observe  these tips. 1. Visit the school: It is important for the management to visit the school from time to time. 2. Guide & train them: It is important to guide the teachers from time to time on the changing trends. Be their mentors, rather than directors. Also, there have been tremendous changes in the education system. Keep the teachers up-to-date with the changing trends by giving them appropriate training. 3. Take periodic feedback: It is imperative to take feedback from time to time and reassess the situation in the school.

Some tips below should be observed by teachers for the success of their close relationship:

• Trust: Think rational, think positive: Even if you disagree with the management on certain issues, try to look at the situation from their perspective. Maybe it is not as negative as you thought it to be.
• Student vs staff: Management often make decisions, keeping in mind the needs of the students first. So, think again before you disagree totally.
• Towards one-to-one interaction: Disagreements can be taken up in a closed room in a one-to-one interaction. Listen more and try to understand their point of view. Then, put your decision forward.
• Collective mission: Remember, it is a collective mission to improve the school standards and achieve annual progress. Brainstorm how you can be more effective in your teaching methodologies.
• Collaborating effectively: Examine best internal and external practices, seek better alternatives and jointly form a path to success.
• Share the vision: All the staff at the school should work on the same vision. They should share similar values, beliefs and cultural linkages. Only then the school can achieve great heights.

Building a positive and harmonious relationship between administrators and teachers goes a long way in building a positive culture in the school and lead to imparting better education to the students.

By: Marietta E. Escuadro | Teacher III | Binukawan Elementary School | Bagac, Bataan