Respond to discussion 2IL

Michael,

Critical thinking is something that many people do not know how to do.  It is definitely something that we wish to instill in and/or teach our students.  We hope that they will know how to look at things with a critical eye and not just at face value.

Recently, we were meeting to discuss state testing.  The test administrator created the testing plan and did not utilize a team to help create it.  One of my colleagues was upset about this.  My colleague was frustrated and chose to voice their concern during the meeting.  Things got really ugly and heated, really fast.  Most of us were shocked and confused.  While we felt like there should have been a team to plan and implement the testing plans and procedures, we did not agree with the way that things were handled.  The administrator was confused and downright embarrassed.  They tried their best to not engage with my colleague.  This tactic did not work.  Eventually they were in a screaming match.  Needless to say that meeting did not go well and we did not accomplish the task that we set out to.

When I need to speak to someone about something that may cause them to be upset, I try to put myself in their shoes first.  I try to think about anything that I may say that might upset them.  And I try to make sure that the words I plan to use are not difficult to understand.  When I need to ask questions, I do my very best to make sure that the questions are asked in a tone that does not sound accusatory.  It is never my intention to offend someone.  And I know what it feels like to be offended by a question, so I do not want to purposely do that to someone else.

Jalen,

Managing instructor clashes in school is strange but not unbelievable. Similarly as with any work environment, once in a while educators favor a few partners over other people, or have instructive methodologies or characters that don't blend. Yet, when a conflict ascends to a level that draws outside consideration, the administrator needs to make a move. As a teacher, there have been many moments where we would disagree on things. For instance, one week I didn't approve of the weekly PowerPoint. Yes, my colleague and I bumped heads about it, however, we resolved the problem. In professional settings, we as educators must conduct ourselves in decency and order. First, our conversation between us was confidential and I couldn't do anything about it if it was to reach others. Secondly, I think we both were courteous about it but didn't sugarcoat it. Lastly, we made it clear that the situation would improve and that we would monitor it as well. When indicating how I question other professionals without causing conflict, I think it's real simple. It's how you deliver the conflict and uses the right tone. When you converse with someone, especially in a professional setting, you always want to keep it professional. In addition, when you're in an administrative role, you must help resolve conflicts between teachers. These situations can escalate to the point that they affect students and their education, which is not what we want as educators. As long as you have the right rapport with your teachers, you can ensure any conflict is dealt with quickly and thoroughly. By keeping your approach professional with the right tone and delivery, I think everything will work itself out. 

Loretta,

Classroom management is one of those things that many teachers struggle with. Although all students are different intellectually; their behavior is also. There was a time when a teacher sent a student out to the office because that student wouldn't turn around in his seat. The teacher was frustrated that day and that particular student's behavior made things even more difficult for her. The administrator questioned her reasons for sending the student out. The administrator asked the frustrated teacher about her rules and procedures in the classroom. She wanted to know did the student receive a verbal warning before given a disciplinary form. The administrator felt like the teacher should have handle the situation better. She suggested that the teacher make parent contact because the offense wasn't an level 3 offense. The teacher was angry and felt that the administrator didn't support her. The teacher was so angry she made threats about quitting.

One way, I handle situations with  professionals in my field without having conflict is by  communication. I know that every adult is not going to always agree on some of the same things so, I try to have an open mind when it comes to different point of views. Proverbs 14:29 reads, "Whoever is patient has great understanding but one who is quick-tempered displays folly" (New International Version, 2011). God wants us to have patient and not to be quick tempered. As a Christian, I am often reminded of God's work.  Whenever I had to deal with situations with my colleagues or administrator, I try to find the positive in the situation.