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Graham Hughes said,
on July 21st, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Couldn’t agree more…mustn’t upset the status quo must we? And the process of change is slowed even further and more insidiously by the new and enthusiastic teachers, who could be the agents of change, being “mentored” by the older generation who very quickly show them “how things are done around here”. Enthusiasm for new ideas quickly wane as it is realised that if you want to fit in you must not do things adventurous and, heaven forbid, show up the tenured teachers.
How do we break out of this cycle? When will teachers be treated like the rest of the professions – shape up or ….
I guess we need more ‘older generation’ teachers, who are change agents, to have more responsibility for newer teachers … so the new ideas get a run in the sun.
on July 21st, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Couldn’t agree more…mustn’t upset the status quo must we? And the process of change is slowed even further and more insidiously by the new and enthusiastic teachers, who could be the agents of change, being “mentored” by the older generation who very quickly show them “how things are done around here”. Enthusiasm for new ideas quickly wane as it is realised that if you want to fit in you must not do things adventurous and, heaven forbid, show up the tenured teachers.
How do we break out of this cycle? When will teachers be treated like the rest of the professions – shape up or ….
[Reply]
on August 10th, 2009 at 9:56 am
I guess we need more ‘older generation’ teachers, who are change agents, to have more responsibility for newer teachers … so the new ideas get a run in the sun.
[Reply]