School A has set up Facebook page courtesy of parents and friends of the school. It has gained several commentators and followers that include several members of the teaching staff. A teacher here referred to as teacher B. who is new on the staff at the beginning of the year has joined the fray. In the second term of the year, the school head bans games and sports activity before class hour. He explains that students need to be energized and ready for studies and not tired as a result of active sports Teacher B. isn't happy with the decision by the head. The decision also draws lots of negative interest and response on the school's Facebook page. It first starts with criticism of the head's decision but evolves to include many other complaints about the principal and the school. The grappling question at this point is: what is the suitable advice for teacher B?Competing Values of Each Issue:
The most significant problem in this case is that teacher B. disagrees with the decision by the school principal. Secondly, there is the issue of Facebook and whether it is appropriate for teacher B. to post comments regarding the issue. It is normal for teachers and principals to disagree because they subscribe to varying convictions and perspectives. It is important for the principals to view matters holistically. Teachers tend to have a limited view that predominantly focuses on their subject area and responsibility at an institution. Every principal often makes decisions that will rub some members of staff the wrong way (Disagreeing with the Principal - eduflow). The decisions may touch in such areas as daily duties, curriculum, procedures, discipline, policy or the evaluation of teachers' performance. The dilemma is what to do with a member of the teaching team that disagrees with the decision made by the head of the school. Available literature on best practice suggests a level of agreement regarding the treatment of such a case.
The Range of Possible Actions and the Teaching Practice Implications
I would advise teacher B. to evolve a way of learning how to disagree with the school head and still maintain a healthy working relationship. Principals are impressed with teachers who are focused on their duties at school and those that are willing to carry an extra load just to make the school better. Principals also hold in high esteem and trust teachers who...
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