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Plotting Director

Posted by Uncomfortable on 2/28/2023, 8:59 am

I'm in need of some advice. I will preface this by saying that I initially spoke to the individual, but after they put me in the place they felt I belonged, I have not broached the subject again and instead I have been listening and observing.

All that to say, I am in the middle of a situation in which another director seems to be quite purposefully undermining and talking behind the head director's back in order to show themselves as the better choice for head director. They have involved boosters, students, and other band staff in their actions. It has made the work environment very dysfunctional and tense. The head director has no clue (or at least doesn't put on that they know), and meanwhile the person bad talking is gaining the approval of most. The thing is, the head director is not doing a poor job, the other director just thinks they could do better.

This person was very difficult to work with before adding this situation in. They have an ego bigger than Texas with the experience smaller than a farm town. They have made it very clear that they want and would be better suited for the head job in past conversations.

I guess my question is: Should I continue to just observe, do nothing, and get out when I can? Talk to the head director? Talk to the director causing the problems? I don't want to make things worse and even more uncomfortable, but I also don't want to sit back and do nothing while someone tries to weasel their way into a position they are not ready for just to prove they can.
Thoughts?

Re: Plotting Director

Posted by Well on 3/5/2023, 7:15 pm, in reply to "Plotting Director"

If you spoke to the individual to try to resolve your issue at the lowest level and it is unresolved, then you have the right to take this issue that makes you uncomfortable to your next highest supervisor who may be either the head director, fine arts, or principal depending on your district. At this point it’s up to the district. If your description is accurate then in most districts the person can be written up for violation of the educator code of ethics or for not following district policy in matters involving work place concerns.

Re: Plotting Director

Posted by Dragonharper on 3/5/2023, 4:11 pm, in reply to "Plotting Director"

Not sure what the others have said, but here's MY 2 cents.....
First of all, he's making a hostile work environment. No, he's not talking about you, but his frequent attacks (and that's what they are) are making it difficult for you to do your job. Y9ou might want to consider having all 4 of you sitting down to talk: The Head Director, you, him, and someone from Admin. Lay it out for the other two.
Secondly, involving the students in this conversation is an absolute NO-NO!!! THAT is something Admin needs to address. I'm kinda ambivalent about getting Boosters involved as they don't work for the school and you haven't mentioned anything about the students being hurt in any way.
Finally, STAND!! YOUR!! GROUND!!

Re: Plotting Director

Posted by Been there on 3/2/2023, 3:21 pm, in reply to "Plotting Director"

I had an assistant do this. I spoke to principal and the issue was solved. The HD is the one accountable for the program. He/she needs to know somehow. I would recommend talking to an administrator you trust. Doing nothing is not fair to the HD.

Re: Plotting Director

Posted by Me on 3/1/2023, 10:15 am, in reply to "Plotting Director"

I actually went thru this as a head director. The head probably knows what's going on. Unfortunately, there's almost no way to win most of these situations. It doesn't matter how good of a documenter the person is or you are, evil often finds its way. I actually had to leave before the year was over because of my situation. My advice is to pray, not participate in the political upheaval one way or another and if it bothers you ethically...start aligning yourself with people in a new job so you can get away from the sadness that these people are creating. It's for reasons like this that I'll never feel like I owe anything to anyone in this business. The second someone important doesn't like things they can ruin your life in this business. Prayers for you and your head director. Oh, and don't worry about it too much, according to my religious beliefs, these people will be held accountable at some point. =)

Re: Plotting Director

Posted by anon on 3/1/2023, 8:02 am, in reply to "Plotting Director"

I would suggest you also speak with your teachers' association, if you belong to one. Get the advice of one of their lawyers, as well.

Re: Plotting Director

Posted by Me on 2/28/2023, 6:07 pm, in reply to "Plotting Director"

Tell the head director.

And follow the rest of the advice already posted.

Re: Plotting Director

Posted by Beagle on 2/28/2023, 3:46 pm, in reply to "Plotting Director"

If the assistant truly feels they can do better, they should be interviewing for other HBD jobs.

The principal (and/or fine arts admin) has decided that the HBD is the one to lead the program. If the assistant isn't willing to be led, they need to get out of the way and go work somewhere else.

Every single thing you hear, every single thing you see - document, document, document. Keep a notebook. It may be that the HBD knows what's going on but is attempting to be the professional one and not stoop to the ABD's level. But this is easily grounds for a reassignment to another campus, since our contracts are with a district, not to be "assistant director at XX High School" after all.

Furthermore, by not raising objections to their insubordination and undermining, you could be interpreted as giving tacit acceptance to their point of view. Even a simple "This is not a discussion we need to be having" is enough to deflect here.

You need to protect YOURSELF first in these situations. Pardon the expression, but sh!t rolls downhill. Careful you don't get covered in it when it hits the fan. I'd also polish up your resume just in case - in situations like this, it's not unheard of for EVERYONE to get blown out of town within a year or two as admin gets tired of the drama and wants a clean slate.

Re: Plotting Director

Posted by OP on 2/28/2023, 5:36 pm, in reply to "Re: Plotting Director"

All great advice, thank you! I've been documenting things on my own, but it's mainly been the other issues that this person has caused. I'll definitely start documenting the things they do/against the head.

Re: Plotting Director

Posted by STTBBD on 2/28/2023, 1:34 pm, in reply to "Plotting Director"

As assistant directors, we forget that it is our job to be a part of the team and support each other. I've been in similar situations. I would recommend that you mention the importance of being a team. Those of us that are fortunate to teach in a team teaching situation, often forget that it is a privilege. I do not know the current dynamic of your team but our team openly discusses everything. We even discuss the things we disagree about. It helps us ensure that we are providing the students with every opportunity to succeed. In my experience, a good team will compliment each others strengths and weaknesses. They will also have healthy discussions about teaching styles, decisions being made & anything else you can think of. Take some time to have these discussions with this person about being a good team member. Also, encourage team discussions about new ideas and teaching styles. It is possible to help lead a team, even if you are an assistant director. This individual really sounds like they need a mentor to quietly and patiently steer them in the right direction.
Just my 2 cents.

Re: Plotting Director

Posted by OP on 2/28/2023, 2:03 pm, in reply to "Re: Plotting Director"

Thank you! I have actually tried facilitating group discussions before, but I know things go unsaid and then I get to hear about it later or that director goes to others to complain about it. I will try to open the door to group discussions again. As far as getting the other director a mentor, I agree, but this individual has made it clear to everyone around them that they already know everything. It's hard to talk down the ego, and I'm not sure how to help.

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