Our empowerment mission this week was no doubt frustrated by students unrests. The attention of more than 80% of institutional managers interacted with were completely distracted by concerns about unexpected student behavior. In one school, the planned seminar was unexpectedly called off and postponed until after mid-term.
In another school, the principal was quite restless, and revealed that he is only sleeping for two hours a day. The rest of the time, he is up and about even at night, monitoring the situation of every corner and facility of the school,.
Alongside, we interacted with yet another school manager in whose boys’ school, we conducted a seminar for the form 4 class in March 2020, just before the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Incidentally, we are shortly conducting yet another seminar in the same school, this time for the current form 4 class. All the same, our discussions were rather interesting.
The principal was totally unconcerned about likely threats of strikes in his school. Why so? He feels that one of the most common causes of strikes is the conduct of the teachers and the principals too. Teachers who are demotivated or negative about work will subconsciously transmit negative influences to their students.
In our vew, it may be difficult to disagree with him in this regard. During our seminars for teachers, we have continually observed and confirmed that only 10% of teachers chose the career on their own volation. Alongside, another 40- 50% of teachers ended up becoming passionate about the career.
This means that about 40% or even more teachers are dispassionate about their work. They are therefore seemingly going through punishment, thus constantly angry about the work they do, just to earn a living. Keep in mind that teaching is naturally a NURTURING career. It is about taking care of human beings, but this time in the school environment.
More still, the best doctors, engineers, Lawyers, Journalists and so on end up becoming teachers, at university. So, is there anything wrong with teaching? Certainly not. The only challenge is when teaching is perceived from the perspective of the 40% or so of those who became teachers against their wishes, and were totally unable to find passion in the career.
The situation worsens when such teachers end up becoming institutional managers. While in Nakuru County two weeks ago, our arrival in one school was unexpectedly exciting. The gatekeepers had kept the gates wide open, this time. They were now inviting stakeholders to visit the school and meet the new principal.
The school was previously a no go zone for most education stakeholders. It was a totally closed door policy as the institutional manager was almost inassessible. Also, he was constantly angry about any positive actions taken by staff in regard to visitors. These kind of attributes are involuntarily passed on, even to students.
The alternative open door policy makes the institutional managers and teachers likeable, by all. Students are easily able to reach out to authorities. Any disatisfactions or challenges in the schools are easily noticed and addressed in good time.
Seemingly, the said dispassionate teachers could be a challenge to the school system. Their negative motivation could likewise influence students negatively, a situation tha continually leads to poor attitudes and focus. It is no wonder then that we have during seminars continually found teaching to be the career that most students hate ever venturing into.
Nevertheless, recent feedback from a seminar we conducted for teachers in October 2021 was rather interesting, as is almost always the case. Despite losing one school teacher who resigned abrumptly, after the seminar, the school is having a totally rejuvenated teaching team.
In another school where we conducted a seminar for teachers in June 2021, the feedback after 3 months was quite interesting. Two teachers had rejoined university to acquire knowledge on Counselling Psychology, whereas another one is pursuing a Masters degree in Kiswahili.
Seemingly, continued realignment of knowledge is key to achievement of sustainable passion. Our seminars appear to be providing clear direction on empowerment of not only students, but also their teachers too, isn’t it?
FYI
In a school that can’t be named, a student was abruptly brought into the principal’s office, as we engaged in a discussion, this week. The student had been caught mixing chemicals in the school laboratory, with intention of commiting suicide. She had no explanation whatsoever of her will to die.
As such, the principal asked the student to collect her personal effects as a letter is written for immediate suspension. “You will immediately go home and sort out your suicidal attitudes with your parents,” said the agitated principal.
As the student walked away, I turned to the principal and made a simple observation. “Why do you want to put yourself into trouble? If anything happens to the student before reaching home, you will be held fully responsible. If I were you, I would instead call the parents to immediately collect the student from school.” The disturbed principal agreed and was contacting the student’s parents as I walked away.
Meanwhile, our empowerment seminars resume soon after mid-term, when all are in good moods. All things being equal, we have one in Embu County on 26th November 2021 and two others in Machakos County the following week. Your school could also benefit likewise.
Rgds
Mwangi Wanjumbi (MKIM)
Personal Empowerment Coach
Seasoned Speaker/Trainer on Strategy, Performance, Change Management and Leadership.
Competency Based Curriculum-CBC Architect
Author of 1. KICD approved Career Dynamics in the 21st Century, 2. Living Beyond Survival:No More Tiptoeing in Life
3. The 21st Century Student:Are You Creating The Future Today? Also, Retired 5 Year Monthly Strategy Columnist (2013 – 2018) for The SME Today Magazine Phone 254772516210
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