Heads of institutions and other prime administrators have to realise that any slight deviation from the generally acceptable norms deconstructs them immensely, especially in the staffroom and other significant public forums.
They must sincerely learn to create an open space for both criticism and appreciation. This will also attract a sincere moment for introversion.
There should always be a sincere and open engagement on all professional matters in the school setting.
Teachers need to be encouraged to share constructive thoughts, worries, and ideas freely without being coerced or intimidated into doing so.
The only topic that can easily be discussed in school would be politics, learners’ behaviour, administrators’ conduct, among other sensitive aspects.
The cheapest of all topics that affects all other teachers is maltreatment levelled towards teachers by institutional administrators. This becomes the real platform of comparison where we have partial and impartial treatment.
This, in many cases, is indeed where teachers notice the institution’s “sacred cows and bulls”.
If you did not know, members discuss how they were forced to do something against their will or contrary to basic professional demands.
It’s the sole duty of the institution’s administrators to create a welcoming and open atmosphere by acknowledging that staffrooms are spaces for connection, comparison of notes and free communication.
Administrators must first read from the same page they are on themselves, then ask staff members whether they have concerns or worries about a particular programme or any detected changes to develop a timely problem-solving initiative.
There has to be active listening to staff responses and an impartial, precise analysis of their thoughts and feelings.
If teachers fail to create a free atmosphere to voice their concerns, the administrators will become topics of discussion and analysis all day long.
Open discussions typically foster a very positive and productive work environment, which ultimately leads to increased employee engagement, a morale boost, job satisfaction, and higher employee output.
A well-staffed staffroom establishes a suitable atmosphere for informal interaction and the open sharing of ideas, which heightens cohesion among staff members.
Such sound staffrooms are indeed the foundation of innovation and creativity, which extend beyond the expected learning outcomes.
READ ALSO:
Principals required to upload Grade 9 pathway choices of students starting tomorrow
This goes a long way in encouraging staff members to share knowledge freely, which promotes proper and sound growth and development.
Administrators of diverse institutions who are unaware of the feelings of staff members should be aware that they are in real trouble.
It’s the role of all administrators to foster inclusivity and open dialogue with teachers to avoid scenarios where these topics become the focus of discussion, which can be done at the expense of more rewarding professional engagements.
After realising that they have been active topics of discussion in the staffroom due to maladministration, most resort to planting informers in the staffroom so that they can be aware of all manner of conversations that occur.
More often than not, administrators would take drastic measures against the staff members found culpable by transferring them elsewhere to other departments, but it will not in any way muzzle the conversation.
This could make the staffroom a perfect arena for unnecessary activities, diverging from its intended purpose.
Let’s make our staffrooms places of joy and free discussion for the benefit of teachers,, and everyone else.
By Hillary Muhalya.
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
>>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news
