Dealing with Difficult Teachers Second Edition by Todd Whitaker

This was required reading for winter term. As always, I was not disappointed with this book. It provides so many strategies in dealing with difficult teachers. A great resource that will come in handy in the future.

Quick Synopsis

Inevitably, an administrator will run into three types of educators: superstars, backbones, and mediocres. This book discusses how to deal with those considered as mediocre teachers. Mediocre teachers are those that are not very effective in the classroom and often stymie the progress of policies and or initiatives.

Before implementing a new policy or initiative, it is often germane to ask the following three questions:

1. What is my true purpose in implementing this rule or policy?
2. Will it actually accomplish this purpose?
3. How will my most positive and productive people feel about this policy?

Most importantly, an administrator should never try and prove that they are in charge. The more they prove, the more that staff will begin to wonder. Another piece of advice is to give difficult teachers a higher level of responsibility  This may seem counterproductive, but it works. In addition, sending difficult teachers to workshops or professional development seminars and then having them present the information to the staff once they return, also aids in improving behavior and participation. Furthermore, praising in front of superiors  is a very powerful motivator.

"An incompetent teacher is much worse than an incompetent surgeon, because an incompetent surgeon only cuts up one person at a time."

In the end, sometimes a difficult teacher has to be let go. This is never an easy task; but a necessary one if it improves the education of students.