The English teacher relates personally to me about his day to day experience. According to these stories, he is pretty well supported by the administration. He seems to get along well with the other teachers in the English department, providing the spontaneous, improvising element.
I can't help but wonder sometimes, if the other teachers see him as a resource or not. The department doesn't seem to spend much time working together. Perhaps there isn't a lot of collaboration because of differences in style. Putting myself in their shoes, I can see why they might not. Would you rely on an unknown quantity, even if he's a very benevolent one? I wonder what the standardized test scores look like in that department?
The other resource I mentioned, working at the local elementary school gives me a lot of hope, at least for the future of that school. She's been there long enough to remember and relate to me what a mess it was before the current principal took over. She describes a very hospitable and cooperatve environment. She also tells me that most of the teachers are in solid control of their classrooms. As a bi-lingual staffer, she works hard to support the principal and the teachers in the building. As a PTO member, she is engaged with the school on behalf of students and parents.
The fact that both of these folks are working toward the same goals of ensuring student success is encourageing. Perhaps there's room for me, too.
