When Teachers Should or Should Not Speak Up

From the Marshall Memo #432

“One of the most common mistakes new teachers make is showing up on the administrative radar too early, too often, and for the wrong reasons,” says Miami teacher Roxanna Elden in this Educational Horizons article. Noting that rookies will probably make a few mistakes and need support from above, she advises keeping a low profile, being quiet and attentive in faculty meetings, and earning credibility in the classroom. Some specifics:

• Choose a good moment. “Certain times of day or year are tense for administrators,” says Elden. “If your boss is handling an emergency, district supervisors are in the building, or a high-stakes test is next week, it’s a bad time to knock on the office door to ask about a field trip.”

• Keep it private. “Airing private complaints in public is never professional,” she says. “Questioning an administrator’s decision-making skills in front of others is likely to throw your own decision-making skills into question.”

• Don’t overload the boss. Focus on one issue at a time, and save others for another time.

• Suggest a solution. Principals are more receptive when a problem is presented with a possible plan of action for solving it.

• Keep records. Elden advises teachers to keep a “professional responsibilities” folder with copies of paperwork turned into the main office, especially notes of any interaction that could affect future employment. E-mail exchanges have the advantage of providing a record of both sides of the conversation. “Proofread carefully before you hit ‘send’,” she says, “and never write work-related e-mails when you are mad.”

• Less is more. You don’t want to be seen as a high-maintenance employee, says Elden: “Before crossing an administrator’s radar, consider your own scorecard. Did the principal have to calm down your students’ angry parents last week? Have you just requested a schedule change or ordered expensive supplies? Have you been writing lots of referrals? If so, give it some time.” 

• Be realistic. Don’t go to the principal with issues outside his or her control, Elden concludes. “School-level administrators aren’t in charge of every decision, and there’s a limit to the number of times your principal can approach higher-ups with requests or grievances. Principals need to stay on their bosses’ good side, too.”

“Your Principles vs. Your Principal: How to Speak Up and When to Shut Up” by Roxanna Elden Educational Horizons, April/May 2012 (Vol. 90, p. 29), http://www.edhorizons.org