Sunday, June 12, 2011

Party On


I went to a retirement party for a former teaching colleague of mine this week. There were lots of other teacher colleagues there to wish him well.  He’s had a long, successful career: a gifted English teacher, especially inspiring to students as a teacher of creative writing, a published poet, an award winning translator, a Guggenheim Fellow.  Not to mention his special brand of humor, his integrity, his sweetness and a warm heart.  As the school year wound down, he was justly celebrated with an invitation to speak at the Cum Laude Society’s induction ceremony, with a standing ovation from students and faculty at a closing day assembly, with another standing ovation from faculty at a closing luncheon, and, of course, myriad private best wishes.  And yet I grieve.  There was an air of defiance in the celebration.

I grieve because this man was forced out of his job.  With the party over, he will have to contend with the loneliness of being on the outside.   Jealousy, vindictive backstabbing, insecure leadership, ageism, institutional callousness, mendacity; all played a part in his undoing. Not the first time petty politics at a private school have brought someone down.   To be sure, there were those who acted in his defense, often bravely.  But ultimately the institution prevailed.  An institution with no long term memory or respect for the gifts a teacher bestowed upon it over the course of many years.  An institution blind to how it might make the best of what this man has to offer.  Teachers, not only, but especially at this school, are treated with the dignity of light bulbs, hallway carpet, or office furniture. Replaced if they are deemed to be too worn, burnt out, or out of fashion.  

Which brings me back to the farewell party.  There was lots of talk about what a shame it was my friend was leaving, how unfair, how wrong. The gathered flock was unnerved.  And yet, at the same party, I discovered (unfortunately not to my surprise) that there is difficulty filling an open position as a faculty representative.  Faculty representatives are elected by peers to negotiate with the administration, in part to develop and secure the practices and procedures that ought to have helped protect my friend.  Unless, of course, administrators feel entitled to circumvent said practices and procedures, even though they are set forth in a faculty manual. By far, the most important role of the faculty reps is to serve as an ongoing reminder of the respect good teaching and good teachers demand.  

The position pays nothing, requires time and energy, and above all means speaking truth to power.  And yet, such representation is the only means to help brake administrative fiat.  The representatives are the institutional means by which the faculty communicates with the Board of Trustees.  The torch needs to be carried. Even when carried by a brave few, it does not ensure that people such as my good friend will not be abused.  If someone does not step up to help defend what is right, this year’s partygoers can surely count on one thing.  There will be another party next year and more in the years to follow, each with a new guest of honor.  Sometime, teachers will stop pretending these parties are celebrations of a job well done and understand them for what they are, a wake for professional dignity.             

    

11 comments:

  1. wow. Unfortunately it takes time for most students to realize what a gift most teachers have given them. And the current American debate focuses too often on bad teachers--plenty of cannon fodder there. The spotlight should be on those talented enough to share and duplicate their talents. -Rik Neslo

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  2. Sad & the whole situation just sucks. Thanks for sharing BillWill. -former student

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  3. The school's motivations never completely pure, never completely hidden, become all the more transparently corrupted with each passing year. I'd mourn it if I hadn't already been completely traumatized by that institution's behavior, particularly to its many fine, long-time teachers.

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  4. Another case of indicating that abuses aside, unions have a reason. When working people lose even more of their rights and power, perhaps they'll look back at those hard won collective bargaining agreements and realize they could've should've kept them alive. I know private school teachers generally are non union, and that's why administrations can be so treacherous.

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  5. Having experienced this yourself on some or multiple levels at your former school where you taught me - I cannot express how sorry I am that you felt you were wronged and forced out. In my experience, you were a very good teacher and coach and committed to your students.
    But, sadly as history and politics show-right can be in the eye of the beholder and perspectives of educators and institutions do not always meet-
    My regret for you and others is that it is easier to intrument positive change from the inside
    I hope you and others find a welcoming place to share your teaching gifts and that you find peace-where there was hurt and regret
    With gratitude for your years teaching and coaching me

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  6. I am disturbed that something like this has occurred to such a beloved teacher. I commend you for bringing this to light.

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  7. What a shame. He was one of the best teachers.

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  8. Over and over again we hear this story: a fine, beloved and gifted teacher, suddenly and unexpectedly put out to pasture. And certainly at an age where he won't be able to find the same situation elsewhere - as he should, and just carry on with some adjustments. Feeling the very same thing myself which is why I gave up the NYSAIS club of schools years ago for independent pursuits. Not at all a source of confidence in our society in the field of education. I recently warned an outgoing head to count his blessings that he can act with impunity with good, excellent or bad teachers as he wishes because they ARE IN NO WAY ORGANIZED.
    ANONYMOUS

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  9. You captured a great teacher beautifully. Takes one to know one. There are scores of alums who would single out each of you as a formative influence.

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  10. I worked closely with this wonderful teacher (a renaissance man if ever there was one) for over seven years.The school he worked for was always afraid of being viewed as nothing more than a very expensive fast track to an Ivy League Collage. Removing a teacher of such substance, commitment and talent confirms that they have indeed become their own worst fear.

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