I had an issue with a supervisor who had recently started at the center. Within her first week she had given us a list of things she wanted changed in our classroom because she said they would not pass ECCER-S even though the classroom had just passed the year before with the exact same set-up. There was no discussion involved and she did not receive our input before she gave us the list and told us we had a week to fix everything. My co-teacher and I tried to discuss the issues and explain our reasoning why we did not feel anything needed to be changed especially since there was only a month left in the school year. We were told that she was the supervisor and we were being insubordinate by questioning. I should have used the NVC skills to help me through the situation by not taking it personally. I felt that by her saying the classroom was wrong she was questioning mine and my co-teacher's abilities. I let my annoyance and frustration with this situation affect my interactions with her in the future and I never built a relationship with her. Without this relationship there was never a sense of working together and I continued to feel that any issues were a personal attack. I chose to leave this center because I always felt there was conflict. Looking back, I should have worked harder to communicate.
Has anyone else had an issue with a supervisor? Were you able to resolve these conflicts and if so what skills did you use to accomplish this.
Jennie,
ReplyDeleteYou were faced with a very challenging situation. I recently stepped into a position where I was a new supervisor. I was seeing things that were not being done appropriately and I have addressed them. As a supervisor I am careful to be aware of the different styles each classroom have for their classroom environment and the structure of their daily routines. I think it is important as a supervisor to not attack the way one does things, but to rather show why something may need to be changed. I often find myself referring to the procedures manual or day care regulations. This approach I feel is non-violent to the classroom staff and they begin with an understanding of where I am coming form. I am sorry I have not experienced a similar situation, but I hope this helps to show another perspective for the supervisor.
Hi Jennie,
ReplyDeleteHaving the job as a supervisor before in a new environment is challenging in itself. I have made mistakes by becoming to friendly with teachers. So I can understand maybe she felt intimidated. It was not correct the way I handled the situation. Neither do I agree with her method. I think just because we are placed in a position that does not mean we all the time know what we are doing. Book knowledge is one thing and sometime implementing it is another issue.
Debbie
Hi Jennie
ReplyDeleteIt was unfortunate that she was not open to and exchange and other management wasn't supportive in recommending the previous years scores be reviewed and start improving from there. I work in and office where there are so many styles of supervisors one who is her way or no way. I have another supervisor who is more hope to listening, observing and having out talk it out so we can come to some resolution.Sometimes however you have to whole your peace.
Hi Jennie
ReplyDeleteIt was unfortunate that she was not open to and exchange and other management wasn't supportive in recommending the previous years scores be reviewed and start improving from there. I work in and office where there are so many styles of supervisors one who is her way or no way. I have another supervisor who is more hope to listening, observing and having out talk it out so we can come to some resolution.Sometimes however you have to whole your peace.