Principal leadership and faculty conflict at Oakview High School

Dysfunctional Thinking

Why is the leadership of the principal, Mr. Carroll, so important?

Mr. Carroll certainly can sense the tension between the new faculty members and the veteran teachers, and as the person with the most authority, he needs to act as a go-between the two groups. More than just a go-between, he has to show the leadership that is required in this situation; his leadership is pivotal in order to prevent a clash of cultures between new and old teachers. For the good of the students -- which is his essential responsibility -- and in order to assure that his school performs as expected and that any personality friction can be reduced or eliminated, Mr. Carroll must be strong and assertive in smoothing over ruffled feathers.

Basically, it should be the principal's decision as to which faculty member should chair the Wordsmith contest. There should be no doubt about Mr. Carroll's role in selecting the faculty member that will chair the Oakview part of this contest. And in this particular case, since it is the first time that Oakview High School has participated in the citywide contest, there needs to be a smooth, non-controversial system for preparing the honor students in English and for appointing the chair. Mr. Carroll has a huge responsibility in this matter.

What professional development activities might be recommended to Mrs. Douglas?

This is tricky because Mrs. Douglas is a "faculty favorite" so if it is perceived that she is being sent to a development program to in effect adjust her approach in any way that would be a public relations disaster for the principal. The professional development for Mrs. Douglas should involve new technology tools for the classroom and new curriculum resources; hence, if Oakview should win the $100,000 worth of technology equipment, Mrs. Douglas will be updated and trained in cutting edge digital equipment -- and in a position to show leadership in that area.

What characteristics should be reflected in Mr. Carroll's leadership style so that the school culture can focus on learning? Mr. Carroll should be holding frequent faculty meetings -- during which he has an open mind -- to hear concerns and to get new faculty to work with old faculty on innovative projects, with emphasis on better learning through more relevant instruction policies. He needs to be assertive too, and when there is even a hint of friction between faculty subcultures, he must act boldly and quickly to bring the parties into his office and resolve their differences. If learning is the top priority at Oakview High School, then Mr. Carroll must show the leadership that focuses on learning, and this means all faculty must be on board, and if they are not, Mr. Carroll has the duty to either get them on board or demote them. After all, how can a school with a dysfunctional faculty expect to excel at helping kids learn?