Many educators describe the move from teacher to administrator as coming over to the Dark Side. The belief is very much us versus them. The idea is that administrators must take on the characteristics that made Darth Vader so powerful.
In many cases, it can be a very adversarial relationship. It doesn’t have to be that way. It shouldn’t be that way. But sometimes, it is.
The dark side comes to be when the teacher transitioning to administrator finds himself in charge, holding power over the teachers in his charge.
The dark side emerges when the power trip goes to the new leader’s head. She forgets about building relationships, and instead reminds everyone of the title on the door.
The dark side exists when the administrator is so focused on what he wants and forgets about what everyone else needs.
Avoid the dark side by remembering these 5 pieces of advice:
Make the people around you better.
Roll up your sleeves and chip in any way you can!
You can’t do it all by yourself. Rely on others.
Don’t be fooled to think that your role is more important than anyone else’s.
Most of all, don’t forget where you came from. And if you feel yourself becoming too much like Darth Vader, just take a step back toward the light.
Rich