This might be the boldest post I’ve ever written for BISD.

I find that there is such a difference between principals.  I tell anyone, that tells me they want to be a teacher, this little observation, “Schools are like little fiefdoms.  We have the King (Superintendent - if you ever met Thomas Tocco - I’m DEAD ON!), the Lord (Principal), and we are the peasants.  You have to find the right Principal or your life will be completely miserable for one contract year.”

Principals are evaluated by the Superiendents.  Everyone knows keep certain numbers up and certain numbers low and status quo is in place.

I whole-heartedly believe that.  Anyone who has worked for those prinicpals who have a god-complex.  My first teaching gig was so horrible.  My principal actually walked me out of her office, directed me to some index cards on her assistant’s desk, and told me to fill one of those out and she’ll respond.  I wasn’t allowed to approach my boss!?!  In meetings, she’d solicit ideas and I offered an honestly good one.  I got completely berated.  It being my first teacher gig, I hadn’t noticed that no one spoke in that meeting except the principal  “We forgot to catch before the meeting.  Never offer any ideas.  Even if she asks.  Sorry about that.  You didn’t do anything wrong.” my coworker explained to me after I was stitching up my backside.

You have those principals that are complete push-overs.  They seem strong until a parent challenges them and they buckle like a dollar store paper plates.  “Door mats’, “spineless”, and “push-overs” is typically what they are called behind their back.  Your staff doesn’t respect you and they won’t until you grow a backbone.

One type of principal is the one that you cannot even imagine how  and why they became principal.  Whether they lost a bet & had to become one or they were sent certification by accident.  This person has no business being in charge.  I’m thinking of an AP I had my first year.  He made some wrong judgments during ARD meetings.  EVERY teacher knows what I’m talking about.  Everyone is in agreement how the behavior is LINKED to the child’s disability but this AP decide to be a maverick.  I almost pegged him in the head with my diet soda can!

You have those that ask the staff for ideas and feedback.  Then, they do the exact opposite.  Why the mental screw job?  It would have been better not even include the staff because it leaves them with a sense of cooperation and their opinions are valued ONLY to have a very personal rug pulled out from under them.

LASTLY - the worst principal of all.  Those principals who bring serious issues to work with them.  I had one that pushed her religion on EVERYONE.  “I noticed that you didn’t come to my church on Sunday.  You would really like it!”  One had an alcohol problem.  He kept his bottle of Gentleman Jack in the bottrom right drawer.  Open House was REAL interesting one time.  One had diagnosible mental illness and got committed during the school year after all KINDS of fun meetings and policy changes.

NOW - here’s the rub - if you are an administrator and you think you might be one of the listed above - you are.  This blog is supposed to be public and google might pick this up.  Principals, APs, and district administrators - if you are on of the above - change for the good of the staff, students, and community.  Loosen the bolts a little.  If you are one of the spineless - TIGHTEN ‘em up!  Leave your personal agendas at home.  This is a team and we need to work together…

THE GOOD PART (if you are still reading this) - I have worked with some amazing administrators in BISD.  Dr. J taking his tie off and answering almost any question in a public forum. WOWZERS.  Brass ones, Dude!  Now, I moved schools about every two years when I started this eleven years ago.  I followed the money or I saw I was working with one of the adminstrators listed above.  I’ve worked for Janna for four years (this is my fifth).  That should tell you all that needs to be said.  Robert Moorhead gave me the best PDAS review ever.  Now, he isn’t my boss now.  What’s gonna do to me now?  Huh?  Moorhead can’t do anything to me!  (Hey, why is my room getting hotter?)  No, seriously, he gave me great advice, some of the most accurate observations, and truly wanted me to develop my skills & talents.  This summer was really a treat.  Darr was great to work for and he earned my respect.  Powers treated me with dignity, respect, and professionalism.  She made firm decisions.  I’d work for her anytime.

So, principals and assistant principals, here’s some ideas for you to consider.  If something I said might have touched a nerve, I apologize (I’m not sorry though) for being insensitive.

HOW’S THAT FOR MY FIRST BLOG THIS YEAR?