10 Things Principals Don’t Tell Their Teachers, But Should…
From our newsletter of April, 2016: Jackie offers this for a little perspective. 🙂
1. “I really do care how you feel about me.”
I want you to like me, and I know you don’t like everything I do. When I come off like a hard-ass who doesn’t care about your opinions, it’s mostly because I’m insecure or uncertain of my authority. I’m your boss; the school is at least partly an extension of myself. So I want you to like your job. And I definitely want you to like me.
2. “I don’t think I know everything.”
A few people stepped in, without being asked, and made a huge difference in my professional life. I will always be grateful to them as mentors and coaches. So I don’t offer advice to you because I think I’m all knowing or all-powerful. I see something special in you, and I’m repaying the debt I owe to the people who helped me.
3. “I like when you’re having fun.”
You don’t have to lower your voice and pretend to be serious when I enter your classroom. I know it’s possible for students to perform at a high level and have a little fun at the same time. Busy, engaged students aren’t necessarily quiet and serious. I used to work that way, too. When you enjoy what you do it makes me feel a little better about our school and about myself. I get to feel like I’m part of something more than just the administration.
4. “I really would like to pay you more.”
I have a budget based on the number of students in attendance each day. The largest expenditure is teacher salaries, benefits, and payroll taxes. I am challenged all the time to […]