By By Sonya Rogers Education columnist
Students and educators alike will soon be back in the everyday routine of gearing up for another day of school and educational lessons. Being an educator opens many doors for people to reach students, parents, and the community. Educational positions are tremendously important in regards to guiding others to learn. However, teachers today are often exasperated by the numerous and tedious demands that continue to overwhelm them. In addition to being expected to deal with a large number of social problems that find their way into the classroom, teachers are also expected to professionally manage increased duties, limited assistance, disruptive students, inadequate books and supplies, lack of empowerment, large classes, as well as public criticism. In addition to these obstacles, it is difficult to understand why these highly educated leaders earn such a low paying salary each month.
Despite any barriers to teaching, many educators love their job and possess a positive attitude towards their work and their performance. They have a desire to lead professionally while following goals which better chance the success of their role as an educator. It is evident that a healthy attitude promotes growth.
Motivated teachers not only enjoy what they do; they also have a vision for new challenges. They seek to find new alternatives or strategies which will better their performances and the school as a whole. They are not afraid to speak up and expound on particular goals of interest or desired changes needed within the organization. Educators use their visions as guides to set the stage for a utopia setting. The creating of a vision is not a static event.
Basically, cultures change so as a result visions must change. A clear vision from educators promotes an understanding of the purpose, objectives, and priorities which are vital to the school. In other words, the vision serves as a
guide for the workers in relation to their actions and decisions. Therefore, in order for educators to strive to be phenomenal leaders, they must be willing to promote and accept change.
Today's teachers must know the importance of: (a) genuinely working as a team, (b) attempting new strategies for teaching, (c) utilizing technology for instruction, (d) understanding school culture, (e) serving as role models, (f) promoting positive morale, and (g) creating a vision within the school.
Sonya Rogers is an independent columnist for the Atmore Advance and may be reached by writing her at P.O. Box 28, Atmore.