I'm the kind of teacher that likes to continually develop teaching/learning programs to make the programs better. I especially like to do this with a good team because program development profits from the work of a strong and diverse collaborative group. In addition, I believe it's positive to see the students, educators, and families as a learning/teaching team that works together to promote the best of whom we can be and what we do. This is positive for all.
There are times when developing and growing programs is difficult since this activity is sometimes not supported--some people don't like change or the new and different tasks and responsibilities change brings. They favor the way it's always been. This may create struggle when you want to develop programs to better what you do.
What's a teacher to do when this happens?
I think it's best to continue the good work, but you have to be reasonable too. If those who don't want change make the change so difficult that you're losing sleep and positivity, then you may have to rethink what you're doing. It's impossible to work for good change with little support and it's even more impossible when you face efforts that obstruct the good work you hope to do.
While my vision is big for what schools can be, I'm only one person--I can't do it on my own.
It's discouraging when good programming is not supported and even more discouraging when efforts obstruct the good work possible. As an educator, I know what good teamwork and collaboration can do for program development, the kind of positive development that truly enriches students' experience of school. To witness a lack of support for that kind of programming often translates into sleepless nights. It's discouraging at best.
All we can do is the best that we can do by taking one step at a time--often what we eventually find to be most rewarding and positive is the result of struggle, hard work, and staying the course of what is right and good. Onward.
