Search found 4 matches

by JiminyCricket
Sat Oct 31, 2015 12:40 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: advice for personality conflict with director
Replies: 39
Views: 42489

Re: advice for personality conflict with director

The more accountable systems are the national (education) systems. Perhaps Walter misread the piece and should re-read. There was no comparison to other industries, except to say that the same principles apply in all industries. I'm a bit flummoxed as to how that could have been misread.
I make no claim that administrators are all crooked and that all unpromoted teachers are worthy. I just don't like to see people in positions of authority exercising power and influence when they don't have the nous or the credibility. Education is an important sector. We want well-intentioned and capable exponents. The system is rewarding some who are mediocre. The unmistakable conclusion from all the evidence is that the system is faulty. If the system is faulty, the system needs remediation. If your school operates in a sound manner, bravo! The fact that so many don't is cause for concern, even for Walter. It might be a good idea for Walter to look beyond his/her own situation and perceive the entire system rather than his/her tiny section of it.
by JiminyCricket
Sat Oct 31, 2015 12:33 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: advice for personality conflict with director
Replies: 39
Views: 42489

Re: advice for personality conflict with director

No, Walter. There's no rancour or bitterness here. I've never sought promotion because I like teaching in the classroom more than administration. I do, however value the educative process and dislike incompetence being present in such an important sphere. I don't think incompetence should ever be rewarded and the international school network does that more readily than the more accountable systems - in any industry for that matter. The lack of accountability in the international school scene causes entrenched incompetence because one incompetent merely rewards another.
by JiminyCricket
Fri Oct 30, 2015 7:25 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Helpful Guide for New International School Teachers
Replies: 14
Views: 70656

Re: Helpful Guide for New International School Teachers

very comprehensive; just add some warnings about the incompetents who are bumping around in the administrative positions in so many schools - just serving their time with distinguished mediocrity and rewarding each other and others in their mould with unwarranted promotion and preferment
by JiminyCricket
Fri Oct 30, 2015 6:57 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: advice for personality conflict with director
Replies: 39
Views: 42489

Re: advice for personality conflict with director

This is a very common occurrence in international schools. The network of international schools lacks accountability and promotes mediocre individuals into the In-Club, where they swirl around urinating in each other's pockets. What needs to be pointed out - in whatever forum you think is most appropriate - is the fact that promoted individuals are not necessarily more competent or able than unpromoted folk. Some of these mediocre "leaders" approach every decision from that faulty standpoint and enjoy wielding the power over the underlings who are fearful of their favour when it comes time to obtain a reference. Some of these seatwarmers need to be brought down. Good luck with that.
The best advice seems to be to move on to another position but to do your homework first. It's a shame that no-one has the gumption to break the circuit by sacking these also-rans running the schools, laughing at each other's mediocrity. This is why the turnover in international schools is so high and why so many of these institutions are sterile, uncreative places where any question or observation is perceived as dissent.
I'm in favour of standing up to them and calling their bluff, especially if you are the competent one.