Instructional Managers should "walk their talk"

Reflection 1

On the First Day Class for Management of Instruction / Instructional Supervision under Dr. Olga Alonsabe

PHD Program, Capitol University, Cagayan de Oro

16 June 2012 4:00–7:00 PM Room 352

Management of Instruction as a distinct course in the PHD Program of Capitol University is a necessity for future instructional managers and supervisors ourselves. With the discussion and interaction we had in the day 1 of our class, I was able discover and learn many things about the course. For one thing, ‘Instructional Supervision’ is the main work of the principal. Second, ‘Instructional Supervision’ is ‘Instructional Leadership’. Third, ‘Instructional Supervision’ is seeing the process from the top to bottom. And lastly, ‘Instructional Supervision’ is not only intended during classes but also during ‘Between Classes’. All these thoughts are necessary because these are all realities. And because these are realities, practicing these necessary things is being real to one’s self. The managers of instruction then should be real in practice. Theories in management of instruction are good but how will it be when theories are not applied and practiced in the real scenario. The managers of instruction should ‘practice what they preach’ and should ‘walk their talk’.

Learning those things, what did I realize? As a classroom teacher, the way I successfully manage my students is a humble achievement. As the department coordinator in the second year level of our school, the way my colleagues trust me in giving them instructional assistance is another good thing happening in my teaching career.

In the near future, when I am to be appointed as a manager of instruction; this time in a large–scale setting i.e. school, district, division, etc., I shall do my duties with dignity and dedication because being a manager of instruction does not only portray my ‘bread and butter’ but also my mission to help spread the culture of excellence. I believe teaching as the noblest profession should be strengthened and that teachers should then be further empowered. Teachers are always the frontliners and forerunners of quality education so why not give them what they deserve. I shall propose a strengthened mutualism between the teachers and managers and so giving justice to the cliché ‘it takes two to tango’. But at least before the two, either party should know how to dance the tango. Instructional supervision is the main work of the principal so when I become one, I shall not play biases and prejudices because these are the root–causes of conflicts. I shall display the work ethics I possess and profess so my teachers shall do the same. Seeing the process from top to bottom is another mission for me to accomplish. This is meant in order to uphold the spirit of fairness because it is another thing that the teachers should enjoy with as they deal with their principal and consequently follow him as he take the lead. Moreover, seeing the process from top to bottom is seeing how the end really justifies the means.

Omar Quidlat Hussien