Good Morning Y’all,

Let me start by saying this: I’m blessed with an incredible principal right now. Supportive, visionary, and humble. But let’s not pretend that’s always been the case.

In my teaching journey, I’ve had to answer to some real stinkers. I’m talking about the “I’m-only-here-to-climb-the-ladder” types. You know the ones—they treat the principalship like a temporary pit stop on their way to district office, barely engaging with staff and avoiding tough decisions. I’ve also had micromanagers who placed every move under a microscope, making even the most routine classroom decisions feel like a compliance drill.

If you’ve ever had a bad school principal or felt crushed under poor leadership, you’re not alone.

But here’s the truth:
Your mission as a teacher doesn’t stop because leadership fails.
You were called to teach. So teach.

The students in your classroom still need you to show up—mentally, emotionally, and professionally. That’s why I want to share three battle-tested strategies to help you stay strong, stay positive, and keep thriving—even when you’re working under weak, toxic, or unsupportive school leadership.

As alwyas, if you find this info helpful, please share it with your teacher bestie!

When dealing with campus leadership who are “less than stellar”, what can we do?
I’m so glad you asked…

1. Protect Your Classroom Like It’s Sacred Ground

Your classroom is your sanctuary. It's where the real work happens. If leadership is chaotic or absent, don’t let it bleed into your teaching zone.

Instead:

• Set healthy boundaries. Keep your classroom mission-centered.

• Develop your own classroom systems that support student growth, safety, and joy.

• Focus on what you can control—your preparation, your tone, and your relationship with students.

Bad leadership might mess with logistics, but they can’t take your impact away unless you let them.

🧠 Pro Tip: Revisit your “why” often. Remind yourself who you’re really serving—it’s not the admin office; it’s the kids.

2. Find Your Tribe and Lean In

Toxic leadership isolates. So fight back by surrounding yourself with educators who inspire, encourage, and uplift.

• Join or create a support group of like-minded teachers.

• Vent when needed—but always return to solutions.

• Share ideas, collaborate on lessons, and build each other up.

You don’t have to suffer in silence. Community is your lifeline.

💬 “Iron sharpens iron.” When you align yourself with passionate educators, your flame stays lit—no matter how dark the leadership hallway gets.

3. Stay Above Reproach and Document Everything

This one’s not as flashy, but it’s critical. When you’re under a bad administrator:

• Be professional, consistent, and ethical in all things.

• Keep a log of any questionable directives, meetings, or incidents—just in case.

• Always communicate in writing and cover your bases.

This doesn’t mean you’re paranoid. It means you’re wise. And it positions you as a leader of integrity, even when the people above you are losing theirs.

📁 Documentation isn't drama—it's defense. Stay sharp, stay clean, and always take the high road.

Bottom Line, Y’all…

There are going to be seasons where your school leadership is anything but inspiring. Some principals are checking boxes on their resume. Others are so deep in the weeds they forget they’re leading people, not spreadsheets. It’s frustrating, it’s draining—and it’s real.

But don’t you dare let it knock you off mission.

You’re not in this profession for recognition. You’re in it for redemption—for showing up, lighting a fire in young hearts, and pushing back the darkness with knowledge, kindness, and truth.

If leadership stinks? Rise anyway.
If you feel undervalued? Teach anyway.
If it feels unfair? Grow anyway.

You were called to lead from your classroom. So lead.
You were called to teach with passion. So teach.
You were called to shine, no matter how dim the office down the hall becomes.

So no matter what kind of leadership you’re working under—good, bad, or barely-there—you’ve still got what it takes to make magic happen in your classroom. You’re the heartbeat of your students’ day. You’re the one who brings the energy, the passion, the order, the laughter, and the love. So walk into that room tomorrow like the pro you are. Own your role. Command the atmosphere. Be the reason a kid feels seen, safe, and inspired. You’ve been called to this work—and trust me, you’re more powerful than any poor leadership above you. Now go out there and be awesome! You've got this. 👊🔥

If this post resonates, share it with another teacher who might need a reminder that they’ve still got power in their purpose, even when the leadership is weak.

Need more encouragement and practical tools? Subscribe to The Classroom Newsletter—your weekly dose of wisdom, AI-powered prompts for your classroom, and real talk for real teachers.

~Mitch

🎵 Teacher Tunes Tuesday: April’s Playlist 🎶 

🎙️ Crooners' Corner – The Coolest Grading Groove This Side of the Staff Lounge 🎶

Teachers, it’s time to trade in that chaotic classroom energy for something a little smoother. Enter Crooners' Corner—your monthly teacher playlist packed with velvet voices and timeless charm.

Featuring the golden sounds of Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, The Andrews Sisters, Rosemary Clooney and MORE, this playlist is your go-to soundtrack for when it’s time to grade papers with style, sip your coffee like a boss, and remind yourself why teaching is both an art and a vibe.

Whether you're knocking out lesson plans, prepping tomorrow’s genius lesson, or dodging emails like Neo in The Matrix—let these legends serenade you back to sanity.

It’s retro. It’s classy. It’s your personal lounge act while you work.

🕶️ So pour yourself something warm, grab that red pen, and let’s croon our way through the chaos. This month, we’re not just teaching—we’re swinging through the school year.

Share TCN, Earn Some Swag!

Would you like to unlock a fun and fancy membership to Homeroom Swag—our ever-growing inventory of 150+ fun, entertaining, and educational bulletin board letter and number sets?

Here’s how: share your personal subscription link (“Click To Share” button below) with your teacher tribe. When three of your teacher besties subscribe to The Classroom Newsletter, you’ll gain free access to Homeroom Swag’s treasure trove of designs! It’s our way of saying thank you for spreading the love—and for being part of this amazing community of educators. These resources are designed to make your classroom pop with creativity while encouraging student participation and interaction.

NOTE: This offer is for subscribers only. The link is in this issue’s email that was sent directly to subscribers. WANNA JOIN? Simply click on the “Subscribe” button at the top of the page, and BOOM…You’re In!