have in the management and they know‘ they’ will stand behind any decisions they have made. Besides, the organisation, also invested time in ensuring basic training for all recruits before they work at any of the establishments, especially in how they can engage difficult parents on the job.
In Fernvale Gardens School, meeting the needs of the students are the main focus. Though the class size is small, about one teacher to six students, the emotional and physical strained on the teacher is very demanding. The school VP shared that it is a challenge in changing the mindset of teachers in terms of adapting to the change in terms of curriculum or the way of teaching the students. He felt that they were resistant to any change which might be due to the lower expectation they have on the students’ ability. I believe the staff need regular communication with the intent of the change, how their students can benefit from it. The staff will soon be able to accept the idea of change as they definitely have the‘ heartbeat’ of a good teacher. School can continue to motivate them with greater gratitude for their effort and contribution along the way. The staff will sure feel their sincerity and be more willingly to move together as a school.
Staff management has never been an easy job. As middle management in school, we need to work with people. It is equally important to build their trust in us so that they will approach us if they need help. This helps to build a positive culture within the team of teachers. We definitely need to walk the talk, be at the ground, listen instead of shutting them off and do it with them instead of just delegation of work. We must be sincere in this relationship building. Frequent and open communication are the ingredients for successful relationship building. At the same time, it is necessary to help our staff to grow professionally. The need to be bold and brave to identify their area of concern and provide help in improving on them. However, there are times we need to have some compassion with our staff, especially during their trying period, where they need support in some ways. We, the middle management, need to better understanding the staff in order to unleash their potential and motivate them to work and move together as a school towards its vision and mission.
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