Things I no longer want to hear
An incomplete and on-going list
“It was worse at my previous school” - I’m not talking about your previous school, I’m talking about fixing things at this one.
Why are we setting our standards so low?
“At the end of the day, it’s about the students” - addressing issues and caring about students is not mutually-exclusive.
In fact, fixing issues is a way to care more deeply for our students and the systems in which they learn.
“That’s a great question. I’ll get back to you on that one” - especially if you have no intention of getting back to me.
Be direct. If it’s a no, say “no”.
“We’re all tired” - It’s disingenuous for a Decision Maker to claim camaraderie in shared tiredness, when you have the power to change those same decisions which contribute most to our collective tiredness.
“Young people today are so disrespectful/out of control/addicted to their phones” - they didn’t raise themselves, and most of them didn’t buy their phones.
“My door is always open” - yes, but you’re never in your office. And even if the door was open, your arms are always crossed and you sigh loudly whenever I ask a question.
“I get paid anyway” - cool, cool but super unproductive.
What work does this comment do?
“Well what can we do?” - fix it. Put a plan into place. Collectivise. Organise. Make good change. Or at the very least, make good trouble.
“It’s not possible” - it is definitely possible, you just don’t have the capacity, stamina, know-how or confidence to make it work. It always seems impossible until it’s done.1
I’ve already stated my baseline and I’m sticking to it.
As always, email me at teacheraideqld@gmail.com or paid subscribers can comment below.
backoftheclassroom.substack.com
With thanks to Nelson Mandela for the quote.