What a Supervising Teacher at Pajaro Valley Unified School District Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Education Industry
Elisabeth, a Supervising teacher, revealed that navigating the "level of politics" in school environments and understanding the differing perspectives of veteran versus newer teachers are crucial aspects of the job, which were not initially apparent. The importance of teacher union representation in handling inevitable conflicts and protecting teachers' rights, as illustrated by the example of colleagues losing their jobs without union support, was also a key takeaway.
Workplace Politics, Teacher Unions, Mentorship, Conflict Resolution, Boundary Setting
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Elisabeth Rettenwender
Supervising teacher 9-12
Pajaro Valley Unified School District
American College in Paris and Smith College
Smith College BA
Ethnic & Related Studies, Psychology
Education
Education
International Student, Transfer Student
Video Highlights
1. The prevalence of politics in school environments, including staff meetings and administrative decision-making, significantly impacts a teacher's experience.
2. The importance of setting boundaries to avoid burnout, especially given the demands of the profession and the tendency for younger teachers to overextend themselves.
3. The crucial role of a teacher's union in providing support, protection, and conflict resolution, particularly when dealing with parents, students, or administrative conflicts. The absence of a union can leave teachers vulnerable to unfair practices or job insecurity.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
The important thing I had to learn the hard way is the level of politics involved in staff meetings and principal decisions. Older teachers have a very different perspective than the younger teachers who come in.
It's important to listen to the perspective of the older teachers and also to keep that youthful enthusiasm from the young teachers. Young teachers tend to be willing to volunteer their time, energy, and money, and put in extra hours.
Older teachers, who have been doing this for many years, have had to set boundaries because they have families and other responsibilities. People who overdo it tend to burn out because the need is so great. You have to be able to set boundaries for yourself.
You also need to manage and be attentive to the politics happening in staff meetings. Pay attention to what might not be said but is still important.
The second thing is the importance of the teacher's union. I have worked in schools and programs without a union. Every time there was a conflict or situation, I was on my own.
Conflict is inevitable for teachers because you'll have parents who disagree with something you've said or suggested. You'll also have students who don't like your approach. Conflict is inevitable in any job or in life, but especially in teaching.
The teacher's union has always had my back. They were able to help me manage conflicts because there were steps, procedures, and things in place. This allows you to feel a lot safer.
At times I've worked in schools without union representation, things happened. At one school, people lost their jobs over the summer. About 12 people worked there, and after the summer, the school's format changed. These 12 people no longer had the appropriate credential and were let go.
If there had been a teacher's union at that school, there would have been a way to address that situation and have someone work on the teachers' behalf.
So, the important things are respecting and listening to older teachers, being aware of the political dynamics, and working with a teacher's union. If you have the chance to work in a job with a teacher's union, it's really important.
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