Let’s be real: There is often an invisible wall between what teachers really think and what they end up saying. They may smile and nod during staff meetings, or say, “Don’t worry, I got you!” where the reality is slightly different. In this article, we pull back the curtain. It’s not that teachers don’t appreciate their leaders (we like to celebrate great principals!), but there are a few things they wish to express without pushing soft lines. So, even though it may sound silly, here’s what your teachers are thinking but may be hesitant to say. Trust us—it will make your school community even stronger.
1. Stop comparing our jobs to yours (or complaining that yours is hard).
Listen, no one says that the principal’s job is not difficult. You have more (and angrier!) parents to deal with than us, and on game night, your workday easily stretches past midnight.
But if you look to encourage us, complaining is not, chief.
2. Stop asking us to remember our “why”.
Over the past decade, the motivational slogan “remember why” has invaded the nation’s schools with the goal of motivating tired teachers. But while the intention is good—to show the love that brought you here—it often feels like a way to put the onus back on us when the system is so wrong.
We already know our “why”. What we really need is you support.
3. Actually, can we stop with platitudes in general?
Some platitudes we’d like to avoid:
- “Relationship” as a magic wand to fix any classroom problems.
- “We’re doing what’s best for the kids.” What’s good for kids doesn’t have to be the extended boundaries of teachers anymore.
- “We’re not doing this for money.” I’m sorry – who in their right mind can get into teaching… with money?
Read the most famous school phrases that promote toxic poison here.
4. Please try to protect our programming sessions.
When I first started teaching, I was shocked that my preparation time rarely happened. More meeting coming up. There is a last minute training. You are asked to pay for another teacher, and so on. If there is an emergency, of course we will come in. But many teachers wish the director would schedule meetings during what should be our one chance to reset and breathe. It is sacred.
5. Start engaging us in conversation before decisions are made.
There is nothing more frustrating than experiencing a sudden change in a curriculum, policy, or program that was apparently made without the teachers’ consideration.
We understand that there is often not enough time for a round table before the release happens—and some changes are mandatory and out of your control. But trust us—we know when you’re avoiding our expertise, feedback, and solutions.
6. Be present.
You never know what’s going on in the classrooms or hallways if we never see you leave your office. Show. Cover classes if we run out of registrants.
7. Show—don’t tell.
It’s really nice when principals thank teachers. But it is very difficult for teachers to hear “You are the best” and “No one works harder than you” only after they have agreed to do more.
Instead of telling us to protect our mental health, support us when we take a break instead of shaming us.
Instead of telling us how you know how this new policy adds to our plate, pay a small portion (or provide it yourself) to give us 30 minutes each to get the paperwork done.
Instead of telling us you turned your back on us, share how you spoke up for us in your meeting with the superintendent.
Principals, we need you. We know that you are under a lot of pressure from district-by-district expectations. We know that parents pull you in every direction. Show us your vulnerability. Listen to us. Speak up for us. Where there is trust, there is a workplace where we can all thrive.
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