Let’s be real: There’s often an invisible wall between what teachers are really thinking and what they end up saying. They might smile and nod during staff meetings, or say, “No worries, I’ve got it!” when the truth is a little different. In this article, we’re pulling back the curtain. It’s not that teachers don’t appreciate their leaders (we love celebrating stellar principals!), but there are a few things they wish they could express without tiptoeing around delicate lines. So, even if it might feel a little awkward, here’s what your teachers are thinking but might be too hesitant to say. Trust us—it’ll make your school community even stronger.
1. Stop equating our jobs to yours (or complaining that yours is harder).
Listen, no one is saying that the job of a principal isn’t hard. You have way more (and way angrier!) parents to deal with than we do, and on game nights, your workday easily extends close to midnight.
But if you’re looking to inspire us, complaining ain’t it, chief.
2. Stop asking us to remember our “why.”
In the last decade, the motivational phrase “remember your why” swept through the nation’s schools with the intent of motivating burned-out teachers. But while the intent is good—reflect on the passion that brought you here—it often feels like a way to put the onus back on us when the system is so flawed.
We already know our “why.” What we really need is your support.
3. Actually, can we stop with the platitudes in general?
Other platitudes we’d love to scrap:
- “Relationships” as a magic wand to fix any and all classroom issues.
- “We do what’s best for kids.” What’s best for kids doesn’t have to be at the expense of teachers’ already stretched bandwidths.
- “We don’t do this for the money.” I’m sorry—who in their right mind would go into teaching … for the money?
Read up on more popular school phrases that promote toxic positivity here.
4. Please, please try to protect our planning periods.
When I first started teaching, I was shocked that my prep period rarely happened. An extra meeting comes up. There is a last-minute training. You are asked to cover for another teacher, and on and on. If there’s an emergency, of course we’ll jump in. But many teachers wish admin wouldn’t schedule meetings during what should be our one chance to reset and breathe. It’s sacred.
5. Start including us in the discussion before decisions are made.
There is nothing more frustrating than getting an abrupt change to the curriculum, policy, or schedule that was obviously made without teacher consideration.
We understand that there’s often not enough time for a roundtable before a rollout needs to happen—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 won’t know what’s going on in classrooms or hallways if we never see you emerge from your office. Show up. Cover classes when we’re out of subs.
7. Show—don’t tell.
It’s really nice when principals thank teachers. But it’s incredibly difficult for teachers to hear “You’re the best” and “No one works harder than you” only after they’ve agreed to take on more.
Instead of telling us to protect our mental health, support us when we take time off instead of shaming us.
Instead of telling us you know how this new policy adds to our plate, pay for a sub (or provide coverage yourself) to give us each an extra 30 minutes to get the paperwork done.
Instead of telling us you have our backs, share how you advocated for us in your meeting with the superintendent.
Principals, we need you. We know you’re under a lot of pressure from state and district expectations. We know parents are pulling you in all directions. Show us your vulnerability. Listen to us. Advocate for us. Where there’s mutual trust, there’s a working environment where we can all thrive.
