PEN Mondays - Reading The Signs

5 min read

The Whisper Before You Begin

You’ve landed the job. The classroom keys are in your hand, your name is freshly printed on the staff list, and you’re mentally arranging your bulletin board. Then someone says it — casually, quietly, maybe in the staff room or through a well-meaning DM:

“Oh… you’re at that school?”

Suddenly, your excitement takes a hit. Maybe it’s a look. Maybe it’s a story that trails off mid-sentence. Maybe it’s a warning not to get on the wrong side of a particular admin, or a cryptic comment about high turnover. Whatever it is, it’s enough to make you pause.

In education, these kinds of whispered warnings are everywhere. Sometimes they’re grounded in truth — a school with poor leadership, unrealistic expectations, or no work-life boundaries. Sometimes they’re more myth than reality, fueled by mismatched personalities or a few bad years.

But either way, when you hear them, they stick.

What do you do with that? How do you walk into a building that’s already been painted with someone else’s disappointment?

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Real Red Flags vs. Ghost Stories

Not all warnings are created equal. Some are cautionary tales; others are just spooky staffroom folklore.

A real red flag sounds like this: “Leadership does not support teachers — be prepared to advocate for yourself constantly.”
A ghost story sounds like: “The principal’s a micromanager who made Susan cry one time in 2016.”

One is information. The other is… a vibe.

As a new teacher, it’s hard to know the difference. But here’s a rule of thumb: real red flags usually come with examples, not just feelings. And they show up in patterns, not just one-off horror stories. If three people independently warn you about something specific — that’s worth noting. If one bitter soul posts anonymously in ALL CAPS about “THE TOXIC HELLHOLE” you’re about to enter? That might just be their therapy session.

The goal isn’t to dismiss every warning — it’s to avoid carrying someone else’s baggage into your own story. Be cautious, but not consumed.

Trust Your Instincts — Not Your Panic

Early career teachers are often stuck between wanting to be liked and trying not to get eaten alive. It’s a fun little dance we call “survival.” And when someone suggests you might not be safe, emotionally or professionally, it’s easy to spiral.

But here’s the thing: You are allowed to trust yourself. You’ll feel it if something’s off. You’ll know when a boundary is being crossed. And if you don’t — that’s okay. That’s why we write things down. That’s why we check in with other staff. That’s why we listen for patterns, not isolated outbursts.

Documenting concerns, asking for clarification, or even saying “Can we circle back to this?” — that’s not paranoia. That’s professionalism. And no, you don’t need to record every conversation like you're a secret agent with a wiretap. But you should feel empowered to protect your time, your peace, and your paper trail.

It’s Okay to Hope You’ll Be the Exception

Just because someone else had a hard time doesn’t mean you will. You might connect differently with the team. Maybe leadership changed. Maybe the school had a rough patch and it’s recovering. Maybe you bring a different energy. Maybe, just maybe… it’ll be a better fit for you than it was for them.

You don’t owe anyone your dread.

This job is hard enough without carrying someone else’s ghosts around. Let your own experiences teach you. Be smart. Be aware. But don’t let warnings become prophecy.

And if things do turn out like they said? You’ll deal with it. You’re not trapped. You’ll gain clarity, support, and maybe a few wild stories of your own. And eventually, if you choose to leave, you’ll do so with your dignity — and your coffee mug collection — intact.

Remember: You’re Not Alone

Maybe you’re reading this already feeling uneasy. Maybe you have already heard something — or felt something — that’s got you worried. You’re not wrong for feeling that way.

But you are also not alone. One of the worst parts of these kinds of warnings is that they make you feel isolated before you’ve even begun. Like you’ve stepped into a building where trust is already broken.

You don’t have to walk in suspicious. But you do get to walk in with eyes open, and with people in your corner. Whether it’s an online teacher community, a friend in another district, or a newsletter that tries to meet you where you are (hi), find your anchor points.

Don’t let fear run the show. Let curiosity lead. Let care lead. And let confidence — even if it’s a bit wobbly — remind you that you deserve to start fresh, no matter who came before you.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

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