Good Morning Y’all,

If you teach long enough, it’s going to happen. You’ll eventually work under administrators who just aren’t great at their jobs. Sometimes it’s not even their fault—the district may not have prepared them for the unique challenges your campus is facing. I went through this about five years ago, and I can still feel the battle scars.

Before we jump in head-first… if you find value in this issue, share it with your teacher bestie, your administrator ally, and all your campus companions!

Moments like these test our resilience as teachers. They remind us that schools don’t just survive because of top-down leadership—they thrive when teachers step up for the sake of students and colleagues. Our classrooms are too important to allow ineffective leadership to derail learning.

Instead of only venting to a teacher bestie in the lounge, we have to take action. That means offering help, showing initiative, and becoming the kind of leader we wish we had. Not for recognition. Not for credit. But for the well-being of students and the sanity of our fellow teachers.

3 Signs of Ineffective Administration

Before you can respond effectively, you have to recognize the warning lights. Ineffective leadership doesn’t always come crashing down in obvious ways; sometimes it shows up quietly in the culture of your campus. Pay attention to these signs—not to place blame, but to understand when your team might need to step in and carry some of the load.

1. Lack of Clear Communication
   Confusing directives, last-minute changes, or mixed messages from the front office leave teachers scrambling and students paying the price.

2. Avoidance of Hard Decisions
   When problems pile up but the administrator is slow—or unwilling—to address them, it creates frustration and instability across the campus.

3. Low Staff Morale
   If you sense that teachers are constantly discouraged, unsupported, or disengaged, weak leadership is often at the core.

3 Ways Teachers Can Lead When Admins Can’t

Once you recognize that leadership is struggling, the question becomes: what can teachers do about it? We can’t control everything, but we can choose how we respond. By stepping into small but meaningful leadership roles, we can protect student learning, strengthen teacher morale, and keep the campus moving forward. Here are three powerful ways to lead when administration falls short.

1. Be a Bridge, Not a Barrier
   Step in to clarify information for your team and support communication between colleagues. Even small acts—like summarizing meeting notes—help stabilize the campus.

2. Model Positive Action
   Instead of spreading negativity, channel your energy into solutions. Volunteer to help problem-solve, mentor new teachers, or create systems that keep students at the center.

3. Support Each Other Publicly and Privately
   Rally around your colleagues. Celebrate wins, share strategies, and encourage one another. When morale is shaky, peer support can be the anchor that keeps the ship steady.

Bottom Line Y’all…

Ineffective administrators don’t have to mean an ineffective school. When leadership falters, teachers can rise. Our classrooms are mission fields, and our students deserve consistency, encouragement, and direction—even when leadership above us feels absent.

Teachers! Don’t just survive tough leadership seasons. Use them as opportunities to show students (and fellow educators) what real leadership looks like—servant leadership that builds trust, inspires hope, and keeps learning at the heart of everything.

You Are More Awesome Than You Know!

Blessings,
~ Mitch

🎬 Class Prep At The Movies 🎬

Turn your classroom prep time into an epic adventure! This playlist brings the iconic main titles and unforgettable themes from cinematic greats like Jurassic Park, The Avengers, Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Rocky, and more. Whether you’re grading papers, planning lessons, or just gearing up for the school day, these powerful scores will inspire focus, boost energy, and remind you that teaching is nothing short of heroic.

✨ Whether you're a veteran teacher or new to the classroom, let this movie themed soundtrack help you start the school year on the right note.

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