Part+V+-+The+Symbolic+Frame

Chapter 9 - The End of the Year: Symbols and Culture in Schools Capter 10 - I'm Just a Great Teacher


 * Chapter 9 - I thought the chapter brought out an interesting problem that most principals would have a very difficult time handling and relinquishing their "power" the way that Jaime did in the reading. Once again his growing relationship with Brenda Connors leads to positive results for Jaime and his staff. Ghosts of people who have had an influence at the school has to be extremely difficult to exorcise, especially in the situation that Jaime was in as Mr. Bailey did not want any recognition or ceremony in his honor. While people realize that education is a business and people will come and go as time passes, the family component of education does make it difficult to part ways with people and practices that were friendly, familiar, and normal to those associated with the person who has left. I really liked how the text addressed the issue that Mr. Bailey wasn't an outstanding principal, but he was there for a long time, was a person who the staff had come to know, respect, and knew what they would get from him. This familiarity with Mr. Bailey allowed the staff to feel safe and secure on a regular basis and they knew what they needed to do everyday to succeed. When Mr. Bailey retires that throws a wrench into the school situation and changes are not always comfortable or easy. Jaime found a very unique way to deal with the ghost of Mr. Bailey and help his staff deal with the loss of someone with whom they held very fond memories. Due to his respect for Mrs. Connors and his own growth in the understanding of the culture/climate at Pico, Jaime was able to give up some control of the ceremony and eat his pride to allow the staff to enjoy the end of the year and send off their seemingly beloved principal in a suitable fashion. I thought Jaime's leadership was a great example for his staff to see that taking risks can really help improve a situation. A very interesting solution to a problem that would have had me shaking my head asking..."is this seriously happening? Did I sign up for this?" (AB)**


 * I agree with you! I think that having a party including Mr. Bailey was a pretty bold move, but I like the way he engaged the staff (and Phyllis) in making the decisions about it and didn't have control over the event. I think that would be hard to do! This chapter made me think about my first year of teaching, when so many people would tell me how wonderful Janie was (the last special ed teacher in the school). I always took it as sort of an insult, until I met her and realized that she really was a very nice person. I also needed to admit that I was struggling as a first year teacher and needed some guidance...I'm sure that the staff was looking for the level of support they had found in Janie and were wondering about in me. What did in take to exorcise her? I had to prove to the staff that I was a good teacher in my own right. It took a couple of years, but I was able to take ownership of my responsibilities in my own way, and prove my worth. Although Jaime ended his first year on a high note, I think he will continue to need to "exorcise" Mr. Bailey by remaining to be a leader of integrity. (SL) **


 * Chapter 10 - What a great way to kick off the year! How appreciated would the staff feel after a ceremony like that at the beginning of the year?! Tangible results are hard to come by in the education profession and often have us reaching for summative assessment results to high stakes tests. The teachers at Pico found a really great way to show the tangible results that teachers need to see in order to reestablish a sense of worth in their career. I thought this was a great lesson in delegating tasks and allowing the professionals in your building to establish leadership roles and responsibilities amongst themselves. The staff at Pico was extremely motivated to kick off the school year on a good foot and this set the tempo for the remainder of the fall. Jaime's leadership and the controlled disagreements of the previous year have really allowed the staff at Pico to find some common ground and establish a new sense of identity to start off Jaime's 2nd year at Pico. (AB)**


 * I agree! How wonderful to have that sort of proof that the teachers' collective efforts have helped students reach great heights. And it also was great to have that sort of renewed commitment from Phil. Teaching is exhausting work. In order to continue to do it year after year, there must be a way to keep that passion alive. This sort of recognition and honor is critical for a teacher to continue to work hard every day. **


 * Dr. Robinson's commentary spoke to me. I have always thought about the students in run-down schools and how devalued they seem to be to society...I don't know why I hadn't thought about the teachers there as well. "You're 'just a teacher'; you aren't worth very much." How sad. The value of what we do is evident later in her piece, "Teachers may think that what they're teacher is the most important thing in the classroom. But each child thinks he or she is most important. Somehow good teachers make the two perspectives compatible." It is the students that we are there for...but recognition and a few accolades for teachers in important too. (SL) **