If you've detected some blog silence you would be right. Lots has been happening in the office and I'm struggling just to tread water! Well, tread water when the water is rising, so swim up? Let me explain.
I am now foreign head teacher. This means that not only do I have a full class load, but I also handle a number of other duties. I'm primarily responsible for communication (i.e. the bad news from the management and the complaints from the foreign teachers). Consequently, I've found a certain distance grow between me and my coworkers since I'm seen as "one of them" in a way. Disappointing, as I'm constantly working to improve the work place for us while making the management more satisfied with our performance and increasing the quality of education for the students. What a juggling act!
I've also been given a number of special scenario duties, including interviewing new potential employees as well as training new recruits. I also act as universal substitute, and (increasingly) curriculum supplement-er. This makes the fact that I have 2 periods off almost irrelevant.
I never realized how needy and difficult we were until I had to manage us on an individual level. I have to repeat myself constantly. I'm always reminding and (what seems like) micro-managing, and yet the minute I stop there's a crisis and a complaint. It's incredibly taxing, and yet fulfilling in a way. I finally get the feeling that I am respected and have a certain autonomy over my destiny. The freedom and recognition have more than made up for the long hours and low pay thus far.
How am I coping with the hustle bustle of two new teachers and a half new curriculum? New episodes of The Office and How I Met Your Mother sure aren't hurting. Mostly though it's been a strictly "head down, power through" approach. Don't get distracted and don't realize that you're as busy as you are. How long before I burn out? Well, as long as things continue on a track of improvement all around, I just may be motivated enough to keep up the pace, but I fear that disappointment will take the wind out of my sails pretty quickly.
On a lighter note, apparently I need to shave. This I've known since well before I came here, but my students have been making it increasingly prevalent in our exchanges. Last week, the students told me that when I don't shave I look like a homeless man. Of course, they want to make sure that I understand the meaning so they tell me as many ways as they can think of. Teacher! You know Geoji? No home man? Live in subway station? Dirty? Sleep in newspaper blanket? Always always ask more money? Thanks, I get it. 2 weeks prior, a 6th grader tried to scrape hair off my arm with a razor blade. Don't we expel for that sort of thing???
I am feeling exactly what you are talking about. I am in the same position at my work.
ReplyDeleteI thought I was starting a teaching job at a newly built school. The Director suprised me, the day I arrived, by telling me I was the Head Teacher. The teachers are great and we got along really well in the beginning but as soon as we got to work I felt the distance. It was hard to deal with in the beginning and I was getting depressed. In the end, I know Im doing a good job (well, Im learning everyday) and dont think about the petty things anymore.
Every week I am trying to make new improvements to the school, classes and lesson plans. It can be a slow, difficult process when I need a translator to talk to other staff. I work hard, not that anyone seems to notice or appreciate, but the school environment is better every day and I am sure Im doing my best.
Good luck with things. Its good to know there are others out there in the same boat.