grumpy old teacher
we have an instructor who has worked here for thirty years and "has already tried everything and He knows what works" he is intimidating and everyone we put with him comes away with his ignorant attitude and experienced teachers refuse to be near him or use him as an excuse saying "At least I am not as bad as him ". To make it worse a management person new to our school has put him in charge of giving seminars to our new instructors . He tells them things like "No student can acheive a perfect score because they would have to know more than me ". I find this situation hard to deal with because the new manager has placed him on a pedistal without even asking anyone or interviewing this grumpy old teacher.
this can tear down a staff, this person neeeds to be work with and coached.if you cannnot correct it you have to relocate him to change the vibe of the staff for the better.
Jeffrey,
This is a great story. I'm glad that you see how every word and action can effect others.
It's very unfortunate that he has been promoted. That type of attitude gives the whole organization an huge obsticle to get over. It also sets the tone for discouraging students about how far to set their goals, lets face it my own goal sitting in E.M.T. class was to perfect on everything, tests and practical and it made me very mad when the instructor said no one get perfect scores so don't think you will. Well my personality is the screw you attitude and watch this and I did very well. But for some others they didn't even try the instructor had already crushed their goals of doing well on the first day. Now as an instructor myself I am reminded that there is power in the words we speak and all of them that come out of my mouth WILL be uplifting and encouraging or I need to do something else for a living. I would hate to think that I was stumbling block or a brick wall that got in the way of someone elses dreams, that is not acceptable...
Cynthia,
You will be an excellent instructor. Being an new instructor you will see several things that can be modified or developed because you have new eyes. As seasoned instructors, we sometimes get in a routine and stuck with this is the way I've always done it.
wow, your story sounds so familiar... unfortunately I've worked with this kind of character (not at an instructional level) with the same negative. know-it all attitude. It does affect everyone in general. I managed to stay "alive" (focused) by staying true to my ethics. I'm currently in the process of becoming an instructor, joining many years of seasoned instructors (in the school). My drive and focus will be to keep the beauty of why we choose to teach present in my mind. The mentoring aspect is really a privileged position to be in, why not make it a great experience for everyone. I look forward to helping students in their paths to success and help develop excellent professionals in our industry!
Look forward to any advice you may have.
Instructor-to-be
negitivity breeds more negitivity it is too bad it sounds like this person has forgotten why he began this career in the first place when it comes to that point he should step up and find something else to do with his time because he is not doing anyone any favors
Dan,
This is very unfortunate for the students and faculty. Gregory is correct in his post that negative people are detrimental on people, especially those students who already have a background with uncertainty.
A negative and jaded person can have a very detrimental effect on alot of people.
