How to Reduce Overtime Work in Schools Part 2
The head of academic affairs is gentle and kind to everyone.
He is an obedient person and not the type to initiate reforms himself.
However, he does harbor doubts and anxieties about the direction the school is heading.
I heard various things about how it was before I arrived.
"In any case, the staff room never closed, and 8:00 or 9:00 PM was the norm."
"The principal was very enthusiastic. That's great, but he was too rigid. The pressure was immense."
The head of academic affairs is surprised by the changes.
"Since the vice principal arrived, the school has changed. There are so many things that were unthinkable until now!"
So, what has changed?
・Overtime work has decreased.
・There is no more yelling at children.
・Individual support has increased.
・Work speed has increased.
What did I do? I'm just doing things normally.
There were several teachers who were not valued by the principal. I decided to accept those teachers completely.
Mr. Y, who is slow at work. Mr. Y often causes trouble because he cannot read people's feelings. He also messes up with children and parents. The principal disliked Mr. Y. I understand the feeling of dislike well. Because it's frustrating.
I decided to stick with Mr. Y until the end without complaining at all.
I never say things like "Go home early!" or "What are you doing!"
As I continued to build that kind of relationship, I was able to hear his true feelings.
An unexpected response: "I want to go home early if I can. It just doesn't end."
"I see. Of course. I'll help you. I'm on your side, teacher!"
"Thank you!"
I focused entirely on being there for Mr. Y. Sometimes I actually help him, and there are more things we work on together. While doing so, Mr. Y began to open his heart to me.
Me: "What time are you going home today?"
Mr. Y: "7:00 PM!"
Me: "6:50 PM!"
Mr. Y: "I'll do my best!"
We continue conversations like this.
When he keeps to the time, I say, "Wonderful!"
If he goes over the time, I respond with, "It can't be helped. Next time!"
As I continued to respond in that way, overtime work decreased. Mr. Y opened his heart to me with the sense of security that his existence was acknowledged, and he is trying to understand my way of thinking. There are times when I get frustrated, but I never get angry. He is an important and dear teacher.
Valuing everyone. That leads to everyone's happiness.
School is a place to recharge! It is not a place to blame!
That applies not only to children but also to adults!
Reducing overtime work! That is not the goal. Everyone's happiness is the goal!
How to reduce overtime work in schools = Valuing everyone
Simply put! It is the acknowledgment of existence!