Kristin Gilger, Assistant Dean for Professional Programs at the Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, discussed the importance of working strategically with a boss. During her session, Gilger had the 35 teachers attending the Reynolds Institute practice navigating through a difficult discussion between a boss and an employee.
In addition to maintaining a strong working relationship with my boss, my principal and I believe in fostering a strong relationship between the principal and the students directly. Many of the journalist students are student representatives on different panels on campus, which helps them get to know her better. At the beginning of the school year, she always visits my class, lets my students know that her door is always open, and compliments them on writing a quality paper.
After the first issue of the paper, she sends a note of congratulations to the students to be read at our first issue celebration.
When there is questionable content in the paper, either the writer of the story or the editors-in-chief discuss the issue with the principal. Sometimes the students are reluctant (because they know they are trying to get away with something), but more often than not, they are excited. My journalism kids regularly interview her, so they know her and are comfortable with her. It is really reassuring to me that my kids are learning the skill of approaching a superior and explaining their position, even if it may be unpopular with the administration. In fact, when we interview students for the editor-in-chief position, one of the key questions is how comfortable he or she is talking to the principal about the paper.
When a student is excited about a topic and is sitting right in front of the principal, the principal has more information on which to base her decision.
I also talk directly to my principal and send her emails, but as a former teacher, she loves it when the students pay her a visit, and I see a lot of educational value in teaching the kids to do so.
They need to know that they are worth a really important person's time.
Jill Bhowmik
Granite Hills High School
El Cajon, Calif.
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I'm glad to see other teachers have their students talk to the principal when issues come up with their articles. While my students were at first very hesitant to interview and talk to the principal, by the end of the year, they were confident in his presence. And what a great way to prepare students for the real business world and life! Kristin Gilger also suggested to me after the session to have students use the 10 guidelines to navigate through potentially difficult situtions in practice before they talk with the principal.
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