Phi Delta Kappan Article Review: How to Improve Student Engagement

This article is based on educators' two questions and two answers provided to them by Phyllis Fagel. The first question is asked by a teacher who is hesitant to resume in-person teaching during the Coronavirus pandemic. The teacher argues that their school lacks enough resources to ensure that students and teachers are not exposed to infections. However, the teacher also feels that the pandemic has caused inequality in society as other students lack the necessary equipment to access reliable online studies. The teacher asks Phyllis for advice on what to do to ensure that they will be in the right emotional state when the time comes to go back to the classroom. Phyllis then answers that it is not their responsibility to worry about going back to school since responsible parties will ensure that various policies and procedures are implemented to control the situation. Also, Phyllis states that it would be necessary for the teacher to see a behavioral therapist who would help them get answers about their concerns. The second question is asked by a principal who resigns from their position to teach students for two reasons. First, the principal claims that they lacked support while being the leader and had many concerns about their office. The principal also resigned because of the cozy relationship that the superintendent had with the district board members. This cozy relationship hindered his/her ability to be ethical. The principal then tells Phyllis that he/she is afraid of what people think and asks what can be done to ensure those good principals are retained in schools. Phyllis answers by telling the principal to stop caring about other people's opinions as he/she did the right thing. She also advises the principal to see a therapist who would help them adapt quickly to the career change. Finally, Phyllis tells him that good principals can only be retained if they are in their right mental state and can make ethical decisions while doing their jobs (Fagell, 2020). 

Analysis of The Article 

This article has one strength and one weakness. Its power is that it has provided a more comprehensive perspective of issues, pointing out the positive and the opposing sides of issues being addressed. However, the article does not follow the correct procedure of articles and lacks an introduction and a proper conclusion. I support what the author says in the report. The pandemic has indeed caused uncertainties. Therefore, it is okay for people to be in a dilemma about many things. However, if parties are affected by their decisions, seeking help and answers from relevant professionals is essential. Also, it is necessary to be ethical while in a leadership position. Therefore, if there are factors that limit the use of ethical ways of decision-making, a leader should do the right thing to avoid being placed in an awful position. 

Reference 

Fagell, P. L. (2020). Career confidential: Teacher feels guilty that she doesn't want to return to brick-and-mortar teaching.  Phi Delta Kappan ,  102 (2), 66-67. doi: 10.1177/0031721720963239