#14 You have to broad shouldered to be a Computing Coordinator

After completing my NQT year, I was expected to take on a subject leadership role. I was gently persuaded that my skills and expertise would be ideal for the role of Computing Coordinator.
In my

I envisioned that this role, like any other subject leadership role, would involve ensuring that teachers had the tools at their disposal to teach a full syllabus in computing, and monitoring the effectiveness of that teaching.

I also had in mind that I may have some 'superhero' moments, stepping in to solve ICT based problems for desperate teachers in front of a class of expectant children. Indeed, that has been the case. On numerous occasions. In my short tenure of the role, I have been called to hall twice, to purposefully stride to the front and make a computer work, thus saving the assembly from impending doom. I have been called to people's classrooms, in the middle of my own lessons, to try to make a non-interactive whiteboard interactive, and to work out why a mouse isn't working. I've been harangued by frustrated staff who seem to think that their computer-based problems are somehow my fault.

When I started the role, I had no idea that part of my remit was to manage almost a dozen boxes of cables - HDMI, USB, VGA...the list goes on. I had no idea that I was responsible for all battery-powered devices in school (does this include clocks, I wonder?).

It's a far cry from my own days as an 11-year old when a piece of cutting edge technology, the BBC Micro Computer (which was in no way 'micro'), burst onto the scene. That was the only computer in the school. A tank of a machine, it would rarely go wrong, and to spend just fifteen minutes in its presence was a joy to behold.

In short, I've drawn the short straw. I've taken on a huge role; one which is used in every single subject; even in the school office, I am drawn into debates with contractors who aren't providing a good service. And I don't get paid anything extra for this.

Do I regret this? Not just yet. Computing is at the very heart of modern life, and in the modern classroom. When everything works, the children enjoy their learning and make rapid progress. Computing helps to shape them for the world we are preparing for where computers, mobiles, tablets and digital devices govern every area of 21st Century life.

Having said that, I've worked out that I can save myself a lot of time with a 3-step plan to help teachers sort out their issues without calling me:

Teachers: If you are having issues with your PC, follow these 3 steps:  
1.  Turn it off and on again.  
2. Fiddle with the wires
3. Give it a gentle but assertive tap.

In my experience, this plan will solve 95% of problems. If your PC is in the other 5%, then you may have to be resourceful and come up with a Plan B!

Read More

#13 A Tale of Two Parents

I often wonder what the most important professional relationship is for a teacher. Is it with the Headteacher? Is it with fellow teachers? Could it be with a Teaching Assistant? Oh, what about the children? (Probably best to include that one).

Or how about this: parents.

On Thursday this week I had two encounters with parents which couldn't have been more different.

In the morning, the father of a member of my class who has recently suffered a family tragedy thanked me for how I had supported his child through the process. His words humbled me greatly, and I was touched that even in a time of grief, he had shared this with me.

After school, I received a phone call where another parent 'raised her concerns' about our election of school councillors. I patiently explained our democratic process; that all candidates had the chance to present a speech; all children voted without talking to others; and that two members of staff had verified the vote. Pretty robust (are you listening, Scotland?). Eventually, the parent admitted that the reason for her complaint was that her child wasn't selected. That's politics.

There are other teachers in my school who would have taken a very different approach with that phone call. After all, when in school, we are the professionals and should be trusted to get on with our jobs. As a parent myself, though, I can see things from a parent's point of view. Whilst I would rather not be seen as 'interfering' with my own children's education, there have been occasions when I have picked up the phone myself to school.

With this in mind, I have developed a new approach to interactions with complaining parents. I try my very hardest to see the situation through their eyes; ensure they know the full facts (often children neglect to pass on critical information to parents!) and provide them with reassurances about how the situation will get better. There's no need for confrontation. That just creates barriers that aren't helpful to anyone. No, parents and teachers are on the 'same side'. We have the same interests at heart - the happiness and education of children. it's just that our means to achieve those interests may differ slightly.

As for those occasions when a parent gives a compliment about the impact you have made in their child's life...well, that is just about the most rewarding thing that a teacher can hear.

Read More

#12 Teaching ISN'T the most important part of the job

This is pretty controversial, so prepare yourself: Teaching is NOT the most important role of the teacher.

After a six week break, many children are not ready for school. Some can't wait to get back. For others it's an escape from what can be an unhappy and even harmful home life.

So far, I've dealt with numerous parental break ups, family tragedies and on occasion those nasty cases where a child has disclosed something truly horrible that has to be passed on to the relevant authorities.

When I'm faced with a child's tears because of something that is happening at home, my heart breaks for them. As a teacher, that's the time when I have to put lessons, planning, marking and to do lists to one side and simply be there for them.

Each day, I spend six hours with my class. From Monday to Friday, I spend more time with them than they spend with their own parents. I know what makes them laugh. I know what makes them cry. I know everything about them, so my role is much more than simply teaching them lessons. You need a whole lot more in your locker than what you learn in teacher training. You need compassion. Sadly, there is also a great responsibility to report anything that is out of place in children's lives, which can cause great tension between parents and schools. Ultimately, though, the safety and protection of the child comes way before SATS results and school league tables.

Father. Teacher. Social Worker. It's the holy trinity of teaching.

Read More