Confilct in Communication

At the beginning of our school year, we have what is called “phase in days.”  Students come to school in small groups for the first couple of weeks to get used to the schedule and we do screenings.  Always before the students have attended until 1:00, the normal dismissal time.  This year, however, one of the teachers decided to check on getting it changed until 11:30.  I personally liked the 1:00 time as students got to experience the full day including lunch in the cafeteria.  It was not until we were eating lunch out that one teacher said she had spoken to our Pre-K supervisor and the state consultant and had gotten the time changed until 11:30.  I was furious.  I did not say anything.  I decided best not to speak my mind. 

When we got back to my campus, I told my two fellow teachers that I was not a big fan of this change.  One of the teachers said they could tell by looking at my face.  I asked why we were not consulted on this. 

I think that I could have used reciprocation.  I could have looked at this with the knowledge that the teacher who suggested it has been doing this a long time and that she knew from experience this would be best.  In retrospect, it turned out great.  I have a very young group of children this year who were extremely immature at the beginning of school, and this really worked best for them.  I tend to be an escapist when it comes to conflict, so I was not going to say much even though I felt like it.  I also feel like I could have struck a compromise with the teacher and the supervisor.  I also could have shown her respect, knowing that she has the best interest of the children at heart.