4 min read

Welcome to The PEN Mondays! Let’s start your week off with a little pep in your step!

To all the teachers out there feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed, or maybe even a little frustrated with their administration—take a deep breath and remember, you’re not alone. 

And to the vice-principals and principals out there juggling a million roles while trying to keep everyone happy, this one’s for you, too.

FOR THE TEACHERS

Teaching is a tough gig. Between lesson plans, grading, classroom management, and those infamous “parent emails,” it’s no wonder so many teachers feel like they’re swimming against the tide.

But sometimes, it’s not just the kids or the workload; it’s the feeling that you’re not getting the support you need from above. Maybe it’s a principal who seems more interested in pushing new policies than supporting you on the front lines, or an admin who’s always ready to appease a parent at your expense.

It’s easy to feel like they’ve forgotten what it’s like to be in your shoes. But here’s something worth considering: most administrators started exactly where you are.

Yes, before they were managing budgets, handling parent concerns, and trying to juggle a hundred priorities, they were in the trenches.

They had the late-night grading sessions, the after-school meetings, the surprise fire drills in the middle of the most crucial lesson of the semester. In other words, they get it—maybe more than we think.

While it might feel like they’re out of touch, many principals and vice-principals know your struggles, and some of those seemingly unpopular decisions often come from that shared experience.

FOR THE ADMIN

Now, for the administrators reading this: your teachers need to know that you remember where you came from. They need to feel that you’ve got their backs, especially when the pressure mounts.

Teachers who know they’re supported are better teachers; they take more creative risks, they bring more enthusiasm to their classrooms, and they ultimately create a better learning environment.

So when a parent comes in with a complaint, or someone’s questioning why their child isn’t getting the grade they “deserve,” try standing by your teachers first. Hear them out, trust their judgment, and let your actions show that you’re on their side.

Being a leader means more than just enforcing rules or keeping peace in the school. It means fighting for your team, even when it’s not the most convenient choice.

If teachers know you’ve got their back, you’re showing true leadership. And let’s be honest—when teachers are backed by their administration, they’re far more likely to back you, even when your choices are unpopular.

It’s easy to forget, with all the pressures and demands of the school environment, that teachers and admins are working toward the same goal. Teachers are there to educate, inspire, and challenge their students, while administrators are there to create the environment that makes all of that possible.

When we’re all pulling in the same direction, everyone wins—especially the students.

So, teachers, give your administrators the benefit of the doubt now and then. They’re probably balancing a million demands, some of which you may never see. And administrators, remember that a few words of encouragement go a long way. Stand up for your teachers, let them know they’re valued, and trust that they’re doing their jobs with integrity.

In the end, it’s not “teachers versus administration.” It’s one team. And the best teams know how to stick together.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Would any of this work in your school? Have your admins tried something similar? What’s worked and what hasn’t?

We would LOVE to hear from you!

Reply to this email, or send us a message on Instagram! We’re here to walk with you in these crazy times!

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