Functionality

This is what it looks like when a school functions:

Exhibit A: After my rug was reclaimed the day before the start of school by the elementary school with which we share a building, my principal told me she'd order more rugs. And did.

Exhibit B: When I asked my principal where I could find an extra table for my room, she walked me over to the storage room, helped me root around and move furniture, and pulled out the table I needed. She then "borrowed" one of the elementary school's rugs (warning me to call the elevator and keep an eye out for the elem. school principal), carried it out of the storage room and into the elevator for me, shouting "Congratulations!" as the door closed.

Exhibit C: My staff developer sent around a memo to teachers asking us what WE'D like help with this year, what we would be working on, and how we would like her to help us (push in to our room, or visit other rooms with us). She then quickly emailed us a tentative schedule.

Exhibit D: The 6th grade teachers discussed having our trip in the winter instead of September, as we've done in the past. One of our principal interns agreed to contact the site to find out about available dates. Within a couple of days, we had a memo with possible dates, and a flyer to send to parents.

Exhibit E: Ah, forget it. I could go on and on, but that would make the rest of you jealous.

Notice from where most of the functionality stems: administrators. Their job is to help me do my job better. In schools that don't function, administrators mostly serve as obstacles to teachers doing their best work. Walking around with clipboards and giving unreasonable directives without any constructive feedback or real support is a recipe for a failing school with an unhappy staff. My principal is very demanding. She expects a lot from us, and so do our parents. But you've seen the evidence--she helps make my job easier.