Unlock with PatreonThe Problem with CI
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Conundrum
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3 thoughts on “Conundrum”
As someone who lost their job last year, I mostly agree. I believe the thing that cost me my job was the damage to my relationship with my students caused by administrative demands. Preparing for writing assessments at level 1 took a lot of the earlier joy out of classes. Students who loved the class the first semester refuse to sign the second.
So if you are going to lose your job; let it be for doing it in a way that is creative and effective.
… if you are going to lose your job, let it be for doing it in a way that is creative and effective….
I find this poignant and true and honest.
I agree with this post; we can serve admin demands, which are often aligned with external pressures and the requirements to keep their precariously balanced title, or serve the kids, which it sounds like some admins take seriously as well.
I agree with the ideal that going out with a creative bang, so to speak, is preferable. We cannot simply give up the important, loving work that we do because an uninformed and uninterested admin says to. Even if we are reading posts on here and watching Youtube videos, we are continuing the work. I feel that that personal development is something to be proud of.
I think it is also important to be careful and realistic with jobs as well, just like folk have said year after year on this wonderful PLC. In my school, for example, it would be unwise to do more stories after being given the ultimatum by my principal to either conform with traditional methods or face disciplinary action. It is already difficult enough watching my kids’ joy fade without all that admin nonsense and I need the school’s money to transition to a happier future. Also, seeing as how this is my first professional job, I could really use a positive reference letter, even if it is lukewarm and gathers dust.
In the face of difficulty, I think it is important to be moving forward, even just a step. This PLC and youtube have been wonderful for keeping me engaged with the deeper aspects of the practice. The next few months are likely going to be painful and soul-sucking but I will play the admin game, accept their money, and then gleefully break free to help develop CI in Europe.
I guess we can always follow the ideal of being caring, creative, and dedicated to what we do whether it’s in the classroom or more subtly within ourselves. Both keep us moving forward, don’t they? To keep our roots growing deeper and deeper underground so that we Big Trees can shelter the Wee Trees with more solidity. Then joy and hope can grow.