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Jack Welch
I read about a teacher forced to give a student a Certificate of Achievement for an honors English class. An administrator received complaints from a mother of this particular student. Without knowing the teacher's reasoning for not awarding the certificate, the administrator in charge gave the teacher a directive to give the student honor awards.
Why did the teacher not award the certificates? The certificate of excellence was based on scholastic achievement, class participation, attendance, and classroom conduct. This particular seventh grade student had nineteen unexcused absences and would not put their phone away during class.
The administration succumbed to this loud and angry parent. They told the teacher to give three certificate achievements. In the process this school district loses all the way around. By giving in to the parent, they have reinforced to the child they do not have to follow directions, be in class, and it is alright to not follow classroom procedures.
In addition to failing the student, this particular school lost a very good teacher. The teacher resigned their position and moved to another district. What a shame.
This reminds me of another district that was having problems with a community Facebook page. A parent posted some very hateful statements and half-truths about a teacher. Whether it is true or not, people often believe what they read. There is power in the ink.
Social media has become a major problem for school administrators. I am all for holding administration and others accountable but social media has become a detriment to education in many ways. Although much of the social media talk is gossip and baseless, the word spreads fast, which causes school districts lots of problems.
Rumors and innuendos spread like wildfire on social media. This makes optics for school districts so important. Many communities have a complaints Facebook page. This is where people put teachers on blast for frivolous reasons. Many statements are out and out lies and instances are blown out of proportion. When these statements get on the airwaves of social media, stories become incredibly toxic. This scares many school district administrations.
Why are district administrators scared of parental complaints? Lawsuits, media exposure, and threat of losing jobs are some of the reasons. Although parents rarely win a lawsuit, lawsuits are expensive. Just by having to fight a lawsuit, negative publicity is derived.
Fact is, leaders don’t show courage just by taking a stand or facing down a taboo topic. Most people do that a few times in their life. Real courage is a mentality that is reflected in our day-to-day lives. It requires awareness, openness, and perseverance.
Look at who the administrator is having a lack of courage. You will usually see their characteristics. They engage in backstabbing. When a leader badmouths other people they work with, it is obvious the type of person they are. They will belittle others abilities, quirks, and indiscretions. But when they are around the person, they are their best friend.
These so-called leaders evade hard choices. They give excuses and always have more immediate priorities. Cowardly leaders are afraid to discuss real issues. They can not make decisions, advocate, or take ownership.
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Thought for the week: “Weak leaders damage the organization and the people in it.” Don W. Davis, former West Texas State University Head Football Coach
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Dr. Jack Welch is an educator and college football coach. His doctorate is in educational administration, and he has been an educator, administrator, and football coach, mentoring young minds, for over 40 years. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching. He can be reached at jackwelch1975@gmail.com.