Kabbolas Ol for Teachers Too?

Question:
I am a teacher in a Chabad institution and I’m having many disagreements with the administration about curriculum, teaching methods and techniques. When speaking to other teachers, it is clear that I am not the only one. I know that one of the foundations of Chabad Chinuch is the complete ‘ashmaas (discipline) and kabbolas Ol (obedience) that a student must have towards his/her teacher and members of the hanhalla. Does that apply to faculty’s attitude towards the administration as well?

Answer:
Being open and transparent, I was considering ignoring this question. Not because it is not an important question — to the contrary, it is very important — rather because as a member of the administration of an educational institution myself, I may come across as biased in addressing this particular issue. Nevertheless, the necessity of clarity in this sensitive area propelled me to present the following letters of the Rebbe:

“This Must Absolutely Stop Right Away”

(1) “It is painful to hear the rumors that there is friction between the administration and the teachers. It has reached a point that each teacher is deciding on their own what to do. This needs to come to an absolute stop right away. It is known how much our holy Rebbeim were stringent about this and especially that this type of friction inevitably spills over to a lack of obedience and discipline on the part of the students towards the teachers.”

The Rebbe adds: “It is self-understood that the administrator is also human and can make mistakes. Yet, we all believe that everything is by Divine providence. Thus — while a person can complain to the senior administration and request a review of certain decisions or policies — still, one should not destroy an institution that belongs to the Rebbe [with such an attitude].” (Igros, Vol. 13 p. 3; #4275).

(2) “Just as there needs to be obedience of the students towards the teachers and Roshei Yeshiva, the same applies between the ones that chose (the administration) to the ones that were chosen (the staff).” (Ibid, p. 227; #4494)

“The Obedience Of The Faculty Is More Important”

(3) In a letter written to Rabbi Nissan Pinson (long-time shliach to Morocco and Tunisia), the Rebbe writes: “I am glad to hear about the improvement in the obedience of the students and the obedience of the teachers. They are both a necessity and possibly that the obedience of the faculty — to the administration — is more important than the obedience of the students towards the teachers.” (Igros, Vol. 15 p. 341; #5666).

(4) In 5718, there was a dispute between a teacher and an administrator. The teacher seemed to feel that he was personally more capable and experienced than the administrator and thus felt entitled to do things the way he felt was correct.

“What Is Relevant Is The Hierarchy Of Positions”

The Rebbe (on 4 Tishrei 5719) responded: “I am pained to hear that you have developed a lack of obedience at the school. The personal character traits of the individuals (the teacher and the administrator) are not relevant at all to the discussion. What is relevant is the hierarchy of positions … the lack of obedience has a very negative effect on the students in the school.” (Igros, Vol. 18 p. 8; #6509).

“The Institution’s Existence Depends On The Obedience Of The Staff”
(5) “In response to your letter in which you write about the changes in your classroom that you are not happy with. You also write that you spoke with other staff members — and even members of the administration — and they agree with you. You are asking me [i.e., the Rebbe] what to do: should I follow the decisions of the hanhalla kallis or do what I feel is right?”

[The Rebbe replies:] “It is self-understood that one must follow the directives of the hanhalla of the institution. The entire existence of the institution is dependent on the obedience of the staff to the hanhalla. You can definitely explain your reasoning to the Hhanhalla — as I’m sure you already have — and get others to discuss it with them. These discussions are only suggestions, but the decision remains in the authority of the hanhalla.” (Igros, Vol. 15 p. 258; #5576)