School principals! Here's what teachers wish they could tell you

[@robhutchins2721]

To be honest teaching a class once a quarter should be part of a principals annual evaluation.

[@shannonpitt8281]

My favorite principals have been the ones who stood by their teachers and supported teachers' judgement and decisions. They did not cave in to parent demands for better grades or consequences. You really felt like they had your back.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

YES! I had a principal who once called me in to talk about a parent complaint. After I explained what was actually happening, he just said, "Great. Don't give it another thought. I'd take care of this." And he did. Now, that's a leader!

[@jenniferreynolds8203]

Yes!!!!

[@susanchristie9322]

Yeah, it’s all about the teachers...who cares what’s best for the students!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

@@susanchristie9322 I care. A lot. It’s never been an “either/or” for me. It’s always been an “and.”

[@GrnXnham]

Yeah, unfortunately principles like how you describe appear to be in the minority nowadays.

[@emmawolf-saxon9]

I had a principal who knew one of my student’s parents was super intense (she would threaten a lawsuit almost weekly) and he told me never to open a email from her just to forward them directly to him to deal with. It was an amazing service both to me and the student (great kid). The principal’s intervention meant the parent behavior never came into the classroom to mess with my teaching.

[@blossomofjoy7849]

That is so amazing!!!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Now THAT'S some good leadership!

[@abookgirl1306]

That is great. Situations like that really impact my mental health in the classroom.

[@hiswife2002]

THAT is flipping AWESOME!

[@emmawolf-saxon9]

6 years later I still miss working with him. He also gave amazing feedback after visitation. I miss the real conversations about education with a supervisor that helped me be a better teacher.

[@jstraw88]

The best principal I ever had was a master at chain of command. She wouldn't speak to any parent until the parent spoken to the teacher about a situation. She was one of only 2 in 16 years that didn't usurp my authority when it came to parents and my classroom. My other "best" principal trusted my teaching skills. He would come in and observe and do a little write up about it. But, his attitude was, "You're the mathematics professional, I taught history. I can't really tell you how to teach math. If you're struggling, we can send you to a workshop to talk to other math professionals." Man it was so nice to be treated as the professional I am, which sadly doesn't happen often in education.

[@mariawaugh-clayton7978]

Yes. Now they want to disparage your ability but you on evaluation, take your raise and have someone who has been teaching for 2 years waste your planning time and write meaningless notes. No thanks, I'll just find someone who can appreciate my abilities.

[@GrnXnham]

Jennifer, they sound like awesome principals! My wife teaches math and the principal who used to be a music teacher tries to tell my wife (28 years experience) how to teach math.

[@mariawaugh-clayton7978]

@@GrnXnham I can't stop laughing. People trying to be principals that never really taught anything but handing out evaluations that mean nothing! In elementary school we have P.E. teachers becoming principals. That's insane and shouldn't happen. We all know about P.E. right?

[@jstraw88]

@@mariawaugh-clayton7978, and my experience is that P.E. coaches don't make for great principals. I know there are exceptions, but my experience has been anything but steller...

[@mariawaugh-clayton7978]

@@jstraw88 It's a shame and should be exposed by someone!

[@shannonshore193]

The best principals I have worked for believed in me as a teacher. They allowed me to do what they hired me to do...TEACH. If they noticed what I was doing in my classroom for my students was working, I was given an opportunity to share with my peers. I also learned so much from principals who believed in building rapport with students. They understood that the relationship was the key I needed to unlock so many layers (especially with challenging populations) Mrs. Bratton, Mr. Watts, and Mrs. Rogers will always be principals I admire.

[@jenniferdixon9707]

I really appreciate your efforts here! I retired last year (2020) from teaching high school English. One item I would like to add is principals must avoid making their students and teachers feel that the only value they hold is based upon standardized test scores. The attribute I most admired about one of my principals who served for 15 years at my high school was her constant presence among the students. At student drop-off/pick-up, she was out there every morning/afternoon during peak traffic greeting the kids. Then, she would move to the commons area. During ALL lunches? There she was in the cafeteria. Between EVERY class change?There she was walking the halls. What was she doing? Besides monitoring behavior, she was chatting with everyone. New haircuts or new shoes were noticed. Last night's ball game was quickly dissected. A passing grade or new job was celebrated. And so forth. Granted, we were a small school (850-1000 students), but it still amazed me that she knew most of our kids by name. Though she had her flaws as we all do, nobody ever questioned her devotion to the staff, students and community of our school.

[@jmcdhome]

I like the principal getting to know the students. Btu they should try to get to know them all, not only the jocks and cheerleader and the problem kids. But the in-betweeners, who often feel left out.

[@beckyhall531]

Principals who micromanage drive me nuts. Whether it’s standing by the door at arrival to catch folks who come in 2 minutes late or second guessing decisions you ask teachers to make, trust your staff to be professional. Then deal with those who aren’t in a private setting. The best principals I’ve worked with have trusted me and let me do my job.

[@craigcavaliere6744]

Inner circle: That's a reason I think promotions should not come from within. Teachers looking to become admin should go to a different school.

[@goddessneptune]

I taught at a private school, not a chain, many staff left when it was announced that two would be internally promoted to principal and vp the following year. It's because they already knew the character of these individuals. During the year I was there, I was never treated worse in my entire career. Of course in this case it did not really have to do with the inner circle, just they just trampled all over people to get to positions of power, and as it wasn't a western country, they weren't held accountable for certain acts they would have been in western countries (such as repeated instances of targeting female workers). It was gross.

[@cheryl-lynnmehring8606]

My mother was a teacher. Most of her principals were "failed teachers." They always took the side of the parents, (even when the parents were wrong)!!!

[@dreamcrone]

Yes

[@nodrogytsirk]

Am a teacher...we call it failing up

[@GrnXnham]

Exactly! If you can't teach, you go into administration so that you can tell others how to teach.

[@BlurredUniverse357]

@@nodrogytsirk sounds so much like the Military.

[@leinad5243]

Shit floats

[@rosestewart1697]

My principal gave our Eng dept. a free day for grading that you could take any time during the semester. So helpful. One thing that I wish would be addressed is PLCs ... I luckily have had a great partner and we really do great collaboration during that time but the endless documentation and “data” analysis is whack. I say “data” bc what ends up happening is busy work not true analysis. We ARE collaborating and making our classes better. We are discussing grades and scores. We don’t need to fill out 100 forms about it.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

"A free day for grading" = Hell, yeah! Great morale booster. And, as for PLCs, I've only had one - ONE! - that was a true cross-department collaboration and a value-add. The others were mostly about checking boxes. It makes me sad.

[@sshaw4429]

My principal was forced to take my class due to a sub no-show and the kids sooooo disrespected her, there were fights, lol, and she informed me the next she almost had to expel the entire group. She acted like it was my fault, and I had never even had to write up a student. I wanted to ask her “WHAT is YOUR behavior management style.” She also allows her secretary to dole out the discipline, yelling at students in the hallway, over their teacher, instead of her dealing with it. She is the single most hated principal in this schools history.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

@@sshaw4429 One word: Yikes!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

@@cathyalonzo8486 Thanks for sharing this, Catherine. What's been the best thing/your favorite thing to come out of your time with your PLC?

[@Beesmakelifegoo]

Principal Pontecorvo, Had cancelled her observation,I questioned It,she apologized and came to observe,the outcome was wonderful. She became principal when the founder passed.He used to visit classes and stayed after school to help teachers who needed legal advice. Most of the principles that served during my 30 years were good. A few not,they broke rules had unethical ways and even broke the law. Wonderful advice.

[@kitparker271]

I LOVE that my principal can remain calm MOST of the time when dealing with situations that she knows just needs more clarification. She doesn’t get mad at mistakes, and she has time to chat about things when asked. She is a champion for kids, but she is also a champion for teachers, and when we have kids that struggle in regulating their emotions, she uses as many tools as she has, or gives us more tools to use, so we can do our jobs.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

She sounds delightful! :)

[@susanhatcher6726]

Before landing my current job, I subbed for a couple of years in my local school district. One day, while I was teaching a music class to a group of 4th graders, the principal walked in. She went quietly over to the whiteboard, drew a little smiley face, and wrote "my compliments." Then she quietly walked out. She has been my hero ever since! What if every principal did something like that for each teacher every year!

[@LeilaniLight11709]

The custodian from my jr. high, was the custodian when he was a science teacher, and he said that he had no respect for the principal because the kids were out of control and spitting spit balls on the ceiling! And this guy was at the helm of the ship and our leader! Others, seemed interested in pushing us around, and were addicted to micromanaging or bullying as the "boss". Teamwork was not a word in their vocabulary. It made me wonder if many sought out being a principal for more money and for assuaging their ego!

[@kitsune303]

Lots of common sense and wisdom here..purchased at a great price no doubt. Teaching has degraded into a numbers game. I decided to fold in 2014 rather than implode on myself. I have no idea how people still show up to work every day in K-12 now.

[@4373fashionlane]

Principals need to become true defenders of their Teachers! Less noise; more empathy for us during Covid.

[@shannonbrown560]

yes I wasnt given a contract for next year. I felt parents opinions of me were more important than mine

[@MegaIndecisive]

My elementary school principal in Vancouver, Canada, was amazing. He didn't just know every teacher's name, he knew every student and parent's names as well. All of us kids loved him and it was one of my favourite schools I ever attended. Contrast that to my elementary school in Calgary, where the principal made all of the kids call him Dr. and who would stand outside his office to ensure kids picked up their feet when they walk...and called me out once, in an assembly, on microphone, for walking with my hands in my pockets.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Yup. Leaders matter.

[@hnickyj83]

My husband also asked me to consider administration. I laughed! He asked me for years before he finally gave up. No one could ever pay me enough to do that job. As for principals, my two best were both “old school” and unfortunately (for me) retired; they were straightforward and “with it” when it came to student and teacher interactions.

[@TheBusyteacher]

One admin used to do exactly what you said, just walk in, sit and talk , visit for a few minutes now and then. One time she walked in and looked at the stuff that were displayed in prep for a lesson in writing. We were learning beginning, middle and end of a story (K children). I had pictures of myself , slightly enlarged and had arranged them to represent a story of a fall outing in the mountains in a sequence to show beginning, middle and end. She looked around and before leaving put a shoulder star on me saying "golden star". Later, she said that she was exempting me of a "formal" unannounced observation because she knew I knew what I was doing and doing it well and my kids were thoroughly engaged (That was before SEEDS and all those garbage ..of course) .

[@myxochi]

My best principal was the one who got out of the office to meet the students. He was seen not just at school games/events but at local events. We were a country community and he was from the city, but he really worked hard to know the families and the students. His name still echoes with good comments and memories.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Yes! It's all about community-building. True for our classrooms and true for our campus as a whole. Thanks for watching, Wendy! :)

[@xuxagirl87]

That last “do” struck a cord... I’ve legitimately been told that a parent was threatening legal action over something ridiculous. No constructive support. On a Friday afternoon. Yeah I cried all weekend

[@laurarandazzo1158]

I hate that so much, Lia. I mean, we're here because we care. Don't mind-trip us.

[@teresazephrobsc7281]

My policy is to cater to my liticaphobia. The minute you seem to be a liability, I go rogue with "minimal necessary legally required contact" and I will not give you a second chance.

[@jessicawebber4846]

What's oddly comforting about this video is the universality of these do's and don'ts. I've taught high school English for 16 years in Maine, and each and every one of your statements could apply to every principal I've had also. The two best principals I've had always did two of your do's. One was constantly on the move in the building, sweeping the halls and randomly popping in to classrooms, just to see what was going on. This had so many benefits, including letting the kids know that the principal could appear around any corner at any moment, but also letting teachers know that they better be on their game because he could show up at the door at any moment. The other always protected us from the garbage. I would find out months later that he just dealt with something and never even brought it to me because he knew it wasn't worth my time (usually some ridiculous parent outrage). This showed me that he trusted me as a professional educator and that he was willing to have my back, even without having to get my side of the story. Thanks for your videos - it must be so freeing to say these things!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

"I would find out months later that he just dealt with something and never even brought it to me because he knew it wasn't worth my time." THIS is the best! And, yes, I feel a weight lifted, for sure. It's not that I'm saying anything new on my channel these days. It seems I'm just giving voice to all the things we've all been thinking but haven't been able to say aloud.

[@janmillerstopmotion]

Great advice! One principal, during school hours, went on the all school intercom to scold teachers who weren't "dressing professionally". We were scolded in front of our students, and still had no idea what she didn't like. Was it open toed shoes, polo shirts, who knows?

[@helosbl]

I'm a Brazilian middle school ELA teacher and I'm shocked to see that we have the same problems here as well.

[@beckylopuh9311]

I'm starting my principal certificate and this is the kind of administrator I want to be! Thank you for the validation!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

I'm so glad you're ready to dive in, Becky! The fact that you're here watching a video like this at the launch of your admin. work is proof to me that you're going to make a future staff very happy. Go, go, go!

[@Pterodactyl-kn3ve]

Becky, PLEASE do not forget what it’s like to be a teacher in the classroom.

[@ms.bubs4fun506]

Please do not micromanage the teachers. Treat them like professionals. Support the new teachers more.

[@heatherruble3177]

One of the issues in our district is that many of our principals have never been teachers. Some have been counselors, but many of them do not know the ins and outs of what it is like to teach.

[@wilburdonovan53]

Wow can I ask what country this is in? It blows my mind that anyone can be a principal without being a teacher.

[@carolwhelihan1514]

I had a principal who was a religious community organizer and became a principal. He never taught elementary grades. He also came into classrooms and screamed at teachers in front of the students. This was just a few years ago. He is still a principal, different state now.

[@JP-rb1js]

I bet you’re a really great teacher 😊 I’m a new administrator and watch videos like this to help me understand how to do my job better. This was helpful!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Aw...thanks so much, JP! The fact that you're watching videos like this shows your heart is in the right place for the massive responsibility you've taken on. Thanks for being here and doing this work. 🙌

[@kristinsearight3813]

I grew up in rural Maine and we had 5 total principals in all my years in school. All were loved by staff and kids alike. They saw themselves as partners not only with the teachers but with the kids. Kids were treated as valued members of the school community. They were on a 1st name basis with every teacher. When a teachers husband was diagnosed with cancer over and was gone a month she came back to school and was greeted by a huge gift basket and a trip for 2 for Hawaii. They knew all of our names, our siblings names, our parents names, the teachers kids and partners names ect. The connection was important. All of our principals had been teachers at some point. I remember in Middle School we got a new principal because ours retired. Our teacher had to run mid day because her son broke his arm so he stepped in to teach. We ended up playing flag football math. I am almost 30 and remember these things like yesterday. I know a lot of us were super disappointed when we started looking at teaching jobs and realized none of that was a thing. No way in 2021 is your principal going to play flag football math with a bunch of kids and let the kids tackle him and chase him. My highschool principal Mr. Shorey would ALWAYS make sure teachers were presented with flowers or some kind of something special for mothers day, birthdays ect. Every time a teacher had a baby, he threw a huge baby shower for her in the gym. He often ate lunch with the kids in the cafe. He spent more time amongst us kids than in his office. He was visable and available. When a male teacher was having a relationship with a student he knew because he was close and approachable. I know this isn't always possible but I think a lot of us had a vision of how teaching was going to be and then quickly realized that is wasn't how it used to be. The best principals I have ever had or dealt with as a parent, student teacher and a child viewed themselves as part of the team and as an equal. The ones that act like a boss controlling the masses are universally disliked. After watching this I feel genuinely fortunate to have had such great teachers and staff. Everyone down to the janitor loved the kids and staff. One principal who worked for the district for 60 years and passed recently. Every single former principal, teacher and staff member showed up along with thousands of former students. I think principals need to remember that the relationships they create are the most important. I have fond memories as a child, student teacher and as a parent, of great principals and the good ones always made sure that their relationships were the forefront of their work. The bad ones are the ones who cared less about relationships and more about paperwork and statistics than the people. They forget that they shape who children become as well. Kids are watching them.

[@SteveHartline]

Such simple but important information. I'm walking away from this profession after a five year stint on an alternative campus. It's my only experience teaching (this was to be a second career for me) because the environment is, to borrow your phrase, toxic. I LOVE working with these over looked and lost in the system kiddos, but my mental and physical health must come first. Luckily another opportunity awaits me. I truly wish leaders in education would be required to watch this, or something similar. Thanks for making it.

[@ms.bubs4fun506]

What is your new career?

[@deniseabrahams735]

Really appreciate that open letter and yes, there are many more things. The best ever my previous principal would say is: “How can I help you?” She was very empathetic and a real “mother” figure to learners and staff.

[@jaidenlee4128]

We have had two different principals and two different supers in the last 4 years. No consistency whatsoever, just policy change after policy change. We need leadership not politics and agendas. Thanks for this video Laura.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Longevity definitely matters, too. It's hard to build community if the principal's office is built with a revolving door.

[@daniellemitchell3118]

My favorite principal ever was the late Shirley Harrison-Jenkins. She told me what she wanted/ needed from me and when. Then she left me to do it. She trusted my professional judgment. In my 5th year of teaching, she made me the grade level chair(for the first time). I had 3 first and second year teachers working with me. She let me lead them. It was one of my best years ever! I am an Aquarius. We are rebels who move to the beat of our own drummer. The principals I've had who understand that about me, have always gotten my best.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

I'm so glad you had this example of leadership, Danielle. Wonderful!

[@marygrise8490]

My favorite principal had been the one that valued me enough to develop me my skill as a teacher. She gave me positive feedback and she actually had me pick on things that I needed to work on. She had people model it fir me. Then she would check on my progress for that skill. When I mastered it, it was a celebration in a sense because I did not feel like I was a gotcha but a I know you can do it. I became such a better teacher under her direction. She did this for everyone whether you were a new teacher or a veteran.

[@ResetEDU]

Oh my gosh, PLEASE answer emails! Nothing makes me feel as invisible and invalidated as having emails completely ignored. Why is this even a thing?

[@laurarandazzo1158]

I know, right?

[@shirleyduffer2081]

I taught at a charter school for 17 years and it grew exponentially over the last 5 years. Long story short, our principal had the IT team do an email bankruptcy. That’s a thing. All emails sent to her were deleted due to such high volume. I resigned a few months ago .

[@laurarandazzo1158]

@@shirleyduffer2081 Whoa. What? So...she just never received any emails?

[@shirleyduffer2081]

@@laurarandazzo1158 we had a staff meeting in April (2018)and she shared she had hundreds of unanswered emails dated at least 30 days. She consulted the person she reports to how to streamline communication and he suggested an email bankruptcy ( there's a real definition for that!). So the IT department deleted all emails that were sent to her dating 30 days back.....so if we had sent her an email in that time frame and if she hadn't responded it was because the IT team deleted it. She did say if a message needed a response to re-send it and she got about 30 emails after finishing that sentence.....

[@laurarandazzo1158]

@@shirleyduffer2081 I’m laughing and crying right now. I just can’t. 😖

[@johnhill3706]

You are so right there’s the inner circle of the outer circle is such crap

[@academictransformations3504]

I quit public education after 15 years in 2005.... then I ran my own school for 10 years trying to maximize student achievement... which proved to me that we CAN do better, because I was moving reading and math skills up to 3 years on ONE YEAR! Now I work with small groups of learners... and I wrote a book during the pandemic "The Struggling Student" and its on AMAZON. That is my legacy and I loved how you care about that too..... my next book is what needs to change in education. xoxo

[@mememe1216]

I recently made the decision to look into my administrator license because my boss is amazing and this world needs more good bosses. My hopes are that I can protect the teachers from the garbage and foster a school environment that focuses on teaching the kids. Thank you for the video Laura.

[@julietroletti6188]

Thank you for this. As a Prinicpal, I like to think that I already do the 6 dos and 6 don'ts, but I'm not always sure if things are seen or perceived that way! The one thing I wish teachers knew was that we are trying our best. We are dealing with parents, staff, and parents and trying to prioritize things- our priorities for all are not always aligned with your priorities for your class. Thank you again.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Thanks, Julie, for watching and commenting. "I wish teachers knew was that we are trying our best." I do believe this is true of most of the administrators I've known. Above all, we should all be striving for what's best for the student in any particular situation. It's far from easy, I know.

[@saranapa1]

I can’t imagine doing your job. I understand you are often in a Situation that you cannot win at. Defend your teachers. If you do this you will have their support on things are hard for you.

[@leinad5243]

Doing ur best is a function of competence

[@christiebostictalbot7168]

I had one principal who was a calm and strong force of wisdom in our dual language school. It helped us to know we had someone standing for us at all times. He got into the trenches with us. Thank you, Eddie Caballero! Another principal I know loves the kids as much as I do and I am sure of it. She has dyslexia and will tell students that they can do anything that they want and shares that she struggles sometimes with letters or numbers. She also danced with the teachers to beat for an assembly before state testing. :) (lead it actually)Thank you, for being vulnerable and a great example to the kiddos Nicole Enriquez!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Sounds like you're surrounded by wonderful people. Love this!

[@kelseyfranklin1231]

My principal sent me a lovely email about my discipline methods, instead of talking to me. Our 5th grade classes have been rough for the past few months and she was in on the development of the flow chart for behaviors. I have been going by the flow chart consistently, and apparently I am being mean. She told me to ease up because it's the end of the year, and that the students need to trust the teachers for a support. She also loves to pat kids on their heads whenever they act up. She doesn't back us up on discipline and prefers to correct us through email. I am in my final year as a teacher assistant, and am dreading my evaluation with her. The last two evaluations have been RIDICULOUS.

[@MrOoglebog]

I had a principal in high school that didn't only know all of the teacher names, but all the student names. And it was a 3000+ student school. I was surprised when one day I talked to him during lunch and he used my name. I'd never talked with him directly before.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

I WISH I had a memory like that. Wow.

[@suzettephillips8292]

My best principal was my very first principal. I could tell she cared about me, and she knew how hard I (we) worked. One time she told me, "Make sure you have one day a week where you don't do any work; it's much healthier for you that way." I took her advice for all of the 18 years I was a teacher because I never worked on Saturdays. Brene Brown has said that who we are is how we lead, which is so true. This principal was so personable, and she led with high expectations (for us and herself), empathy, integrity, humor, and warmth.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Sounds like a wonderful leader! I need to take that one-day-a-week advice, too. :)

[@brandont8209]

I’m making (trying to) the leap to administration. I’m looking for more videos and , personal resources to learn more of the nuances. This seems like a good start!

[@margaretklosowicz1630]

Laura, it was a privilege to listen to your deepest passions about teaching

[@rosasnapp9684]

Love this video. I'm also not a principal and have no desire to be one. What really makes a difference to me is any kind of positive feedback with my teaching. It's amazing how positive feedback can pull me from burn out mode and a little goes a long way. Not that I don't need negative feedback, I'm sure I do, but that positive feedback gives me hope that I'm doing something right and that's been so needed while teaching in a pandemic.

[@chrisingram940]

My first principal earned my undying gratitude and respect when he stood up for me when there had been a confrontation with a student - accusations were made, lawsuits threatened, way too much drama for a first-year teacher - but the principal waded through all of the crap, saw through the student's bs and smoothly dealt with all of that, while supporting me and helping to keep me safe and sane through the whole ordeal. Afterward it became a learning opportunity for me, and with his help I was a better, more confident teacher. Years later we ended up with a principal who was about as opposite as possible - the students couldn't possibly be at fault, the teachers should never allow this or that to happen in the first place and it was more common for the principal to side with the students and parents than with the teachers. It was quite literally more common for the teacher to be written up than the student. Morale took a nose dive, and respect for the principal evaporated quickly. It was a miserable few years until he moved on.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Yup. The principal creates the weather. I, too, had that whiplash experience at one of my schools.

[@chrisingram940]

@@laurarandazzo1158 I appreciate what you are doing now, and enjoy your wisdom and experience. It is unfortunate that current circumstances and conditions inside education keep most of us from speaking out - I hope some of what you share will make it to those who should hear and listen. I will stay tuned.

[@chris6135savestheday]

The gift of time. Haven't been "given" more than two plannings a week yet this school year.

[@allanbriggs807]

Thank you for the video. Very good. I live in Australia and the system is quite different here as funding mainly comes from the State Government. Our high schools max out at about 1400 students. I was a Principal, teacher, consultant and tutor. Have seen it from all sides. As a Principal my most important job, by far, was to employ good teachers - and that , in itself, required specific skills. I had rules for parents - see the teacher first - then see me if required - teaching pedagogy is off limits to parents (that was my responsibility). I had some rules for teachers. I didn't give them administration that wasn't necessary (ie - helped the kids). I protected teachers from system administrators. I expected them to teach (that's what they are trained to do) A couple of other things. I kept my hand in at teaching (I loved Maths - PE - English.) I ran my own ship, even when that meant I upset system administrators. I have lots of examples but I've gone on long enough. PRINCIPALS. Don't be bullied and run your own school - the kids will benefit.

[@mariee.5912]

Yes!! don't use the problems of a few to get everyone. It doesn't fix the problem. Thank you!! I am new and I am glad. It feels like venting with a fellow teacher. My husband can't understand and I don't want to vent with him. I had a principal that let me vent and she vented wwith me in the professional way.

[@An__-]

He said he was sorry and that he made a mistake. I developed more respect for him that day than I ever have for a principal before or after. And that is saying a lot because I have a lot of respect for principals and what they do.

[@margypryor6825]

I'm a teacher and a principal at a small private secondary school. I try to do the dos, and I try not to do the don'ts. Thanks for the reminder. Someone in the comments said something like principals should stop being cowards. It's so true. There is no room for cowardice!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Thanks for wearing two hats and trying to do the best for your school, Margy. True leaders in any venue, from the front office to the classroom, are the ones brave enough to have those necessary conversations with kindness and candor.

[@dianefrancis8813]

One other thing a principal should not do is treat a staff member who is a parent of a student differently than all the other parents- and treat my student/child worse than anyone else's student in a conflict with another teacher. And do not bring any child into your office and go through a parent email and demand "how much of these items are your fault!" It makes both your student, your teacher who is the parent of this student, and their family not feel welcome at the school they are giving so much to! Thanks Laura for your video! I have had some awesome principals, and I have had some not so awesome ones, but I do know that all have a job that I could never do!

[@cynthiamoss7421]

Hi Laura! I am so excited to have found your channel. It's hard to find forums where teachers can be 100% open and honest, especially about administrators, without fear of repercussion. Your tips were spot on! I agree that if administrators visit more regularly, that it actually makes each visit less stressful and would give them a more wholistic picture of our classrooms. If a principal offered to teach one of my classes, it would blow my mind. They are supposed to be instructional leaders, but more often than not I feel they are focused most on discipline, logistics, and the out of the classroom concerns. Thank you for your honesty and insight!!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Glad you found me, too, Cynthia. Yes, it's sad but I feel like I can say these things now only because I'm not immediately in need of a teaching job. There are repercussions and folks need to be mindful about that. Sad, but true. And, yes, a principal who volunteers to lead my class once a year would be an ah-mazing leader!

[@louisacoote2337]

I worked in a Montessori school as a general dogsbody ( only speaking in English, helping in 3 different classrooms and doing after school club) and we used to have staff meetings where the headmistress would make comments about things that needed to be done/changed, and it was always super obvious who the comment was directed towards but she never said the person’s name. Drove me mad, especially as one of the comments basically meant I had to be in two places at once ( supervising snack/activity during after-school club while also staying with the children who needed to go to the toilet). I am no longer there and am so much happier!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Yeah, our English department also knew who "that" person was, too. Ugh.

[@meaganfrazier7814]

I’m loving these recent videos. You’re speaking truth and helping develop us emotionally. Thank you, Laura! My favorite school leader saw his job and office staff’s job as being the gatekeeper to teachers. The overall mentality was “protect teachers and their time so they can do what they need to do for kids.” Love him!

[@kennethryan5216]

As a teacheri love this... Especially bc I work in an alternative charter academy and am switching into a different school.

[@schampie99]

I’d add...know the special programs at your school. I once interviewed for a job that the principal couldn’t fully explain to me and she had to pull in some teaching assistants to explain it. Then when she did my evaluation, she didn’t really know enough to write an accurate evaluation or give me good feedback.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Great addition to my list, Sarah! Yes! Know what's happening on your campus. Why are we doing the things we're doing?

[@prisspunky]

I am an aspiring Principal. This video was really helpful!! 😁❤️

[@laurarandazzo1158]

I'm so glad, Jeannine! That fact that you're here and listening speaks volumes. Good luck on your admin. path!

[@teresazephrobsc7281]

I admire you... please don't cater to crazy parents. That is one of the greatest causes of the mass exodus.

[@prisspunky]

Don't worry... I won't. Lol!!

[@myxochi]

These are really good points with valid examples. If I may add, Don’t “assume” the squeakiest wheel needs oil. I had a parent, who had left teaching my very same subject, complain about every step I took. Her daughter was mortified and liked my way of teaching and I was left second guessing my every move. Not once did the principal ask this girl how she felt, nor ask any of my other students how they felt, and he never once looked in at my class, plans, or evaluations. I had this go on for two years in a row as I was the AP teacher. It was humiliating and my confidence in what I knew I was doing very well was shattered. I began to dread anytime my name was announced (over the PA no less) to see him in his office because I knew there was another complaint. Other staff would tap me on the shoulder or give me words of comfort as I walked down to the office b/c they knew what was going on. Several staff pleaded with him to stop b/c they could see that the former staff member was far out of line. Ugh, it still “triggers” me just relaying this on here.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Sheesh. That sounds awful, Wendy. I mean, just come to my class and see what's happening for yourself. If there's a problem, tell me and I'll work to fix it, but don't just take so-and-so's word for it. Come on...

[@carolwhelihan1514]

I so understand this. 2 years in a toxic environment teaching 2nd grade at a new schol after leaving a state where I had taught for 10 years. I ended up leaving the "new school" and seriously felt like I had PTSD. On top of that, the principal clearly had her favorites, including the front desk secretary. THAT women created a very toxic front room area. If she didn't like you, she would gossip, and sabotage. The teacher's lounge. was also a huge gossip center. A couple of the teachers never had lunch in there because of the toxicity. (as told to me in secret. Yes, we sometimes vented.) I tried, but then began eating at my desk, when and if we had a 20 minute lunch. We had lunch and recess duty as well. My principal, upon evaluation, told me some of the teachers thought I was being "reclusive" by not eating lunch in the teacher's lounge. Are you kidding me?? Thankfully, my 25 year old daughter decided not to become a teacher. 2 years out of that school, I still feel anxious when I think about it. The burnout we face is tremendous. It is like a parent eating its own young.

[@myxochi]

@@carolwhelihan1514 oh, I can totally relate to all you have shared. Please, please consider getting help to discuss this with someone like a counsellor as I have. It really helps in a situation like this. What you experienced is real and needs to be discussed. Please know there is help. I hope you’ll consider this.

[@ManhalYounes]

SO glad I found this channel. You cut right to the quick. Thank you for sharing. Makes a big difference to hear this stuff.

[@shannonhogan2632]

Yes!! Best admin was a vp. He knew my name, knew I read books and swam laps in the morning. He popped into my class just bc and left a little note in my mailbox. He was hard and stern with discipline but always fair and supportive of teachers. He also brought the fun- scheduled activities that brought the school community together for fun activities and quarterly prizes.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

He sounds like a dream! :)

[@englishspeakinglaboratory7725]

Thanks for admiting that you have favorite students. Most teachers would never admit it. Yes, there are certain students that enjoy having in the classroom and others not as much, and yet, we must treat all of them the same and never show favortism.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

True. We're human. Of course, we have favorites; we just can't allow that to show or sway our even treatment of everyone in the room. Thanks for being here with me on the channel! :)

[@CR34567]

I do remember you not being afraid of the “principal evaluation visits”. Your class was the one we could just be ourselves and not put on an act for the admin.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Christian!!! You're still here with me?!! I loved being your teacher and I loved our class. You guys made it easy for me to look good - anytime, all the time. :)

[@gibsonedu]

Really glad you’re making more videos again. Middle school STEM teacher so while I don’t tune into the English videos, love the general teaching talks you do. A lot to learn from you. Best thing a principal did; asked me what kind of elective would I want to teach. He let me build the ‘KZbin Video Production’ class from scratch.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Thom! So glad to see you're here with me again! As always, I appreciate your support and aspire to your video production greatness. Did you notice I figured out jump-cuts? :)

[@gibsonedu]

@@laurarandazzo1158 I see those jumpcuts! You're doing so much right w/ your videos; great hook at the beginning of each one, meaningful storytelling, clear thumbnail, enticing titles...and of course just sharing such great commentary on all things education. Excited to see you continue to grow and reach more teachers.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

@@gibsonedu Aww...now if I could just figure out how to stop rambling and throwing in sidebars. Man, this stuff is hard!

[@greenhousefun3235]

Great video. All of the things you said not to do the principal I work with does gladly. This is the very first video I clicked on with this topic. I thought it was me.

[@barbaragarvey6839]

My first principal had my back from Mean Girls at work and parents who has a personal vendetta. My second principal always walked in and out of my room, interacting with the students. He also never came to me to blame, always posed it with a question and asked my view. The last three I can't say anything nice, so I won't say anything.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

I get it, Barbara. The good ones are gold! The bad ones are...well, you know.

[@alaareynolds4793]

I was an AP at an international school overseas, and it seems like we have the same issues. I love your advice!!! You’re spot on. I would say if all teachers thought like you, our jobs would be easier in admin. As long as teachers truly care about their kids, I’m in. I can overlook any minor issues and see beyond the petty stuff. The kids have to come first.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

I love that you said this, Alaa. It really is all about the kids. Thanks for watching!

[@alaareynolds4793]

@@laurarandazzo1158 Thanks for your kindness, and I really love your content! You’re really helping a lot of people. 😍

[@RLeaguer_Saint]

I'm just starting my teacher training, so have been watching a ton of your videos, and for the most part, just learning and absorbing your advice, so thank you for that. In this video though, I feel this is one I bring some experience to, not as having been a headteacher/principal, but coming to teaching having had a 30 year career as a scientist, where I rose to be leading >35 PhD level scientists., so have some related insight into the experience of managing talented, educated people. You made a lot of great points, but I just wanted to comment on your observation that principals should only golf/hang out with other principals, or anyone EXCEPT the teachers from their school. I found management extremely isolating. You wouldn't believe how similar the behavior of adults being managed can be to how I expect the students I will soon teach to be. For example, in every meeting, the chair next to me, on either side, was ALWAYS left empty - no one wants to sit next to the boss! Pathetic, right, amongst highly educated adults, where going to play the game of no one sits next to teacher on the bus, for fear of being called a teacher's pet?! That's a simple example of how lonely management can be, so your suggestion that the principal can't have personal friendships at their workplace (because this is what it would mean, if they can't invite all 150 teachers, then they can't invite 15 either), would make this isolation that leaders feel, feel MUCH worse. People managers like principals, and the position I held before going into teaching, are just people. They've risen the ranks, typically because they were good at the job that the people they manage now are doing. It doesn't make them different as humans. It doesn't mean they don't need social relationships at work, some closers than others, just exactly as you do. Sure, the hierarchy means this has to be managed carefully and sensitively but please, let's leave the classroom exclusion of who can be friends with who, to the students, because then we can teach them how wrong and divisive this is, but let's set the expectation higher for the adults. Anyway, great channel, and thank you - I'm learning a lot.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

I appreciate the insight. A thoughtful leader with an open-door policy should be able to navigate and eliminate these tensions by building friendly relationships, and yes maybe even some actual friendships, with all staff in the building. Alas, my experience was that the principal had an inner circle of favorites and didn't even know everyone's name on staff, moves that corroded overall morale. Great leaders are great people first. Same for teachers. Same for all us, of course. I would've sat next to you at lunch. :)

[@RLeaguer_Saint]

@@laurarandazzo1158 I agree, not knowing names is divisive, and combined with a perceived inner circle, creates tensions. But please don’t conflate these 2 points, they’re very separate. I really hated the juvenile isolation that management led to, and asking specific people not to make personal friendships at work would have effects beyond what you may have anticipated, and certainly beyond what I’m sure you would hope for. Positive mental health at work is critical for everyone, and leaders/principals are no different, or immune to the negative effects of social isolation, so let’s not place unreasonable demands on them that would negatively impact this. Anyway, as you have helpfully reminded me regarding feedback, I hope you won’t take the one point of disagreement disproportionately - I agreed with all your other points, and found this helpful and interesting, as I would tell you when you sat next to me at lunch ;)

[@RLeaguer_Saint]

@@laurarandazzo1158 I agree, not knowing names is divisive, and combined with a perceived inner circle, creates tensions. But please don’t conflate these 2 points, they’re very separate. I really hated the juvenile isolation that management led to, and asking specific people not to make personal friendships at work would have effects beyond what you may have anticipated, and certainly beyond what I’m sure you would hope for. Positive mental health at work is critical for everyone, and leaders/principals are no different, or immune to the negative effects of social isolation, so let’s not place unreasonable demands on them that would negatively impact this. Anyway, as you have helpfully reminded me regarding feedback, I hope you won’t take the one point of disagreement disproportionately - I agreed with all your other points, and found this helpful and interesting, as I would tell you when you sat next to me at lunch ;)

[@derrickmcneill2127]

Oh my god, i just found this channel and i love it.......A story about #1 first year of teaching ever and the Admin in charge of the new teachers never learned my name and had the end of the year conversation and was asked "so how do you think you did?" when she was filling out my eval because she never showed up to my classroom

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Yup. I've been there, too, Derrick. I've also (shh...) written a couple of my own recommendation letters because the principal was too busy or didn't know enough about my teaching to write a good letter on his own. One of them asked me to write a letter to serve as a "model" for them to rephrase and sign. They didn't rephrase anything. They just signed it and left it in my mailbox. Yeah.

[@derrickmcneill2127]

@@laurarandazzo1158 I think the worst thing ...it teaches a new teacher that you are on your own, and don't look to the front office for any help...but i have stuck it out 15 years (and still in the fight)

[@laurarandazzo1158]

@@derrickmcneill2127 I definitely survived those early years because of my informal mentors who opened their hearts and filing cabinets to me. I guess it's possible to do this job all alone, but it's not good.

[@craigmerkey8518]

Thank you for your input. As a behavior specialist for over 30 years, being in integrity for me is building relationships and advocating for what is in the best interest of the students. The most fascinating part of this journey for me has been, some people give respect and other people you have to earn it. Always speak your truth!

[@blciffa]

I always tell admin they can come in but it makes me nervous. Also, I don’t want to be sheltered from the garbage. I want transparency on what’s happening on our campus and if there’s risks. Love going into other classrooms! That is the best way to learn as a teacher. Best thing a principal said to me is that I am one of the best teachers on campus to a parent complaining about me in a parent taber conference. I never felt so cared about as that moment. I have the utmost respect for her still, even though she was transferred to another school. Our district shuffles principals.

[@kennethkotelo893]

This is actually good advice for managing your business's staff

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Here, here!

[@BD_RMNCE]

Not a principal but I really love how you approached these topics!

[@dtmdtm3413]

I retired after 20 years in the public schools where I taught High School Chemistry. This is 100% correct and I wish my Principals heard this before they started their careers.

[@rmjackson1340]

A wise teacher once reminded me of a few things... 1) What is the one common denominator of ALL administrators..... they all willingly quit teaching. 2) Not all people who get "promoted" can do the new job well and 3) All meetings over 10 minutes long (especially Professional Development) is a waste of time. Good luck on the retirement, I have a couple more to go before hanging up the pencils...

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Ah, such wisdom! Thanks for being here. :)

[@cherrieb9314]

I have a lot of respect for a principal that dealt with a problem without having to involve me in it. Another principal I respect greatly would visit classes regularly, dress up for book week and read stories aloud for the kids, establish high standards yet within a supportive framework for the staff, had a vision for the school, made great connections with the local community and was able to make a very impressive transition in hearing the problems staff had previously encountered under another principalship. He invited everyone in 1:1 just to listen to them after he took the role. He wanted to know us and to know where the school was at before he led us further. Respect him to the hilt.

[@סיגלגלעדי-ת1ל]

Thanks, dear, you always inspire us

[@firstgradereadingstars3416]

You’re so real and I love ❤️ it.

[@BrianPurcell72]

I am a community college math instructor that teaches three college classes at a high school (dual enrollment). I have taught there 2 years now, and I have never met the principal. If he walked by, I wouldn't even know it. Granted I am an employee of the college, not the high school, but it seems reasonable that the principal should have knowledge of who is teaching classes on their campus. With that said, I have a strong relationship with the school counselors. Whenever I have issues with students struggling in my classes, they are always on top of it.

[@Gaia-n8y]

I had a principal who scheduled staff meetings during our planning periods. His background was as a coach, but he acted like an educator who could relate to other fields of education; in three staff meetings he repeatedly asked us what the word educator meant to us, and then asked us to email him our definition of educator. I could go on writing about this principal ..... He may be a good person, but he was in denial about leadership.

[@kitparker271]

Also - best thing I had a principal do - she had a real talent for getting people (parents, students, teachers, other staff, etc...) to do the thing that was needed - and she made it seem like it was their idea. We were able to test kids who were struggling, get parents to take kids to doctors for medical needs, get more tutoring for children, get therapists in our building, have the first elementary STEM classroom and teacher, be the first school to use a new response to intervention method, etc... because she was so good at persuasion. Another favorite principal had a meeting with the parents of a particular challenging child. She included every person that saw this kid and we all collaborated with the parents to help this child learn school. I think it was really good for the parents to see how many people loved their child, and how many wanted to help so that child could be successful, and so could all of the other children in that classroom.

[@marymartindale996]

I have never had a great principal. However, one time was I substitute teaching and the superintendent came in to observe the classroom. He stayed for about 15 minutes, left a very positive note for me and then left. I kept that note for a long time. It turns out that he made this a regular practice because I saw many notes that teachers received from him hanging in their classrooms.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

That's a lovely practice. Wish more administrators made regular visits and noticed what was working well.

[@leinad5243]

Watdayano...someone in admin actually hasa working brain that spits out encouragement...please clone

[@moststefanitely6737]

OMG, please tell me school to shelter me from the garbage and drama smh. Well stated! Oh, and the 48 hour email return. Wow! Exactly hitting on point with the never replying to an email about stuff.. You are hitting some really good points. I wish you could do a lecture about this stuff at my school.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Oh yeah, hosting this channel has taught me that my experience is not unique. So many of us deal with the exact same nonsense. smh

[@kym3541]

email...RIGHT! I am required to respond in 24 hrs, principal maybe doesnt even respond to me

[@virginiadebva4311]

So appreciate this conversation you opened up, Laura, I just saw your channel, first time viewer. I almost never read comments, but read almost all. Thank you for refreshing take on what we all see and know to be true!

[@trocknorat]

Good video. It's professional and candid. I think we need more candor sometimes.

[@seabent]

I love my current principal. He is 100% for the teachers and has our backs whenever things get...crunchy. He's a goofball who embraces the kookiness of education (he played "We're All in This Together" from High School Musical for us during our BTS PD this year...did the choreography and everything). He doesn't play favorites and he really loves our students (I've never *not* seen him at lunch or in the commons before and after school). With that being said, his hands are tied a lot of times because of upper admin. However, I feel very fortunate to have such a great leader who genuinely cares about his staff and students.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

I love this for you and your campus! Even when his hands are tied by rules and regulations/board expectations, it sounds like he's built so much goodwill that the staff understands and you're able to move past those obstacles. Enjoy your time with this leader!

[@shakiylaishaku4062]

I've been a Headmistress for 3 years and these comments are a sweet gift!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Thanks for being open to listening, Shakiyla. So glad you're here! :)

[@JewelsofGina]

I am a Principal/school head here in the Philippines thanks great share here i learned a lot ... reflect on it too... again thanks for sharing

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Thank YOU, Gina, for being here with me. :)

[@tedclark8961]

Know this, my sister, you are a blessing. I have been seeking much-needed information that will enable me to correctly communicate thoughts and ideas to others. From the search; Laura Randazzo's

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Thanks so much, Ted! I do believe in the power of KZbin to connect and educate. 👍

[@jettchronicles8141]

Oh wow! Thank you for the very generous shout-out and, more importantly, for this video. I've watched more than once and taken notes! (My school doesn't have APs, but I'm at a comparable admin level.)

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Woot-woot! It's JETT CHRONICLES, everyone! You're famous now, you know. :)

[@bkhkh7285]

Brillant lady! I wish to have such an english teacher ever( Instead of drilling grammar on own..

[@ibelieveinjesuschrist8911]

hitting "like" to help you and your family!!! keep up the great work for all!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Thanks so much! That's very kind and appreciated. ❤️

[@rose2525bud]

This was an amazing and inspiring video!! As a school bus driver I can relate to everything u just said. We all want those things from our district. My heart related to the fb party, same thing, I saw too, was uncomfortable to see. Made me feel not included. Your still teaching, I just learned a lot from u! Everything u said, didn’t feel gossipy or pedi, it felt real and uplifting. 🤩👍🏼

[@algernoncalydon3430]

Interesting how she mentions the principals not teaching once in awhile. In most jobs I've ever had, even when the boss was an old man, he would be seem sweeping the floor, or running a piece of equipment, or doing something to show his employees he was willing to pitch in. In the school district I worked it was more like, "now that I've moved up I don't have to work anymore and do those peasant jobs, especially teach."

[@RachaelBath]

Hi Laura, THANK YOU for this video! It says so much, and everything that needs to be said and said frequently. I have one question for you...is it pointed if I share this with my principal? I feel this is exactly what our leaders need and everything you say here is essential knowledege for all school leaders across the world. I feel if I shared this, our Principal might just see me as a winger/trouble maker, telling him how to do his job when I have never had any experiene in this level of school leadership.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Thanks, Rachael, for watching and checking in with me! Yeah, sending this link would be a bold move and I really can't give advice without knowing your principal and the relationship you two already have. I want to believe that every leader would be open to hearing my message, but I know that some people aren't ready for self-reflection. I'm lucky that I'm able to say what I need to say here, but I've also worried that I may be making it impossible for myself to return to the classroom. I mean, a lot of principals might look me up during the job interview process and decide that this Randazzo lady is a bit too big for her britches. I just decided it was time to be 100% truthful, consequences be damned. I also realize this is a luxury that a lot of other teachers don't have, so if there's any concern about your email landing wrong you're probably better off just setting this aside. Or, maybe there's a parent who could send this link to your administrator and leave you out of it? Not sure. Just an idea. :)

[@RachaelBath]

@@laurarandazzo1158 Thanks for your wisdom, I have no worries about the consequences of sharing it with my leadership. I think the worst I could do is share it with them and they might just igonore it. If I send it and they do actually watch it they may actually consider the points you make and make some changes. I think I will just bite the bullet and send it...I'll let you know how it goes. :-)

[@laurarandazzo1158]

@@RachaelBath Oh! Do check back in with me and let me know how it lands.

[@95RangerGirl]

Ohhh the donts resonated with me

[@jenniferkozak4478]

I had a principal who recognized and honored all the extra time I put in as a teacher by allowing me to leave early (after students were dismissed) for Dr. appointments etc. without having to take a half day off. I was careful not to abuse this.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

YES! Take care of your people! Little things like this make a huge difference in lowering my stress levels, too.

[@kym3541]

there is a group of favorites at my school. My principal and her 4 besties have matching shirts they plastered all of social media, secret invites for drinks after work, different set of rules for the clique...high school PTSD.

[@carolwhelihan1514]

I so hear you. I swear, I had PTSD after teaching at an elementary school that sounds exactly like yours.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Awkward...

[@leinad5243]

Why call them out...they are just following best practices dontyano!