Perhaps a combination of things is happening

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Home : 2002 : October : 14

Perhaps a combination of things is happening
By Cathy-Dee

I know at least in my province that with age and experience comes higher salaries and that can be an issue for some school districts. I know it makes it much harder for me to move anywhere else in my province because it
is much "cheaper" to hire a new teacher than someone with a few years experience.
I can see both sides to your issue. Some "experienced" teachers are great and do a fantastic job. They change with the times, go to inservices, workshops, etc., and then there are others who basically haven't changed in years. I know there are tried and true methods but sometimes you just have to change

to go with the flow even though you know the flow is going to change just down the road.

I think with younger teachers it's a combination. For some it's just that they want to try new things and learn on their own. I know when I first started out there were some great experienced teachers who wanted to share their resources and ideas. Now the ideas I loved but their resources were older and looked older and I wasn't interested in them. And sometimes as a new teacher there is a feeling of uncertainty so to discuss things with an experienced teacher sometimes just adds to the uncertainty.

And there is often the thinking that if you do the same thing for 10 years or longer you become stale. Some school districts encourage a change in grades every 2 to 3 years. Others recognize that especially in some grades it is more important to find someone who will specialize at that grade. I know I'm a good (sometimes great) grade 1 teacher. I have taught other grades and I'd do fine with them too. But I love grade 1 and the challenges of that grade. And I know I would not enjoy teaching kindergarten or grades 5 upwards. So if I was forced into one of those grades it would not make for a happy or successful year on my part.

I can see the issue of pay being a factor in your district. I also know that some administrators feel "threatened" by older, experienced staff. I think quite often it is because they perceive that such staff are not willing to change, etc., So younger staff are moldable and can be encouraged to teach in ways and methods that coincide with the administration. I've learned over the last 10 years in my career (I changed careers later in life) to sometimes stay quiet even when I wanted to give advice. To make changes even when I didn't agree with them. To get out and learn all the new techniques, etc., just to prove that I was and am willing to go with the administration. Sometimes I do step up and say I don't like this approach, but you often do have to pick your battles.

I know I haven't really said anything here that you didn't already know Don't let this year get to you or wear you down! You know you are a good (sometimes great) teacher and that you do have a lot to offer. Sit back and let them come to you instead. Don't worry about the evaluations, etc., until they happen. Then make those little changes that won't really affect what you believe but will show your administration that you are more than willing to make a change if they want it.