Absolute power corrupts absolutely
Many years ago, I was talking to a colleague, and the principal walked by and the colleague asked him if he was going to suspend that kid. The principal responded, “I don’t want to talk about it now.” Then the issue seemed to drop. However, a few hours later, the principal came to my door, and waved me to come outside and talk to him. I walked outside, and he said to me, “I don’t know what Mr. Teacher told you, but don’t get involved. I mean, you can, but I wouldn’t.” As he was saying this to me, he had an enigmatic smile that served as a warning. He implied that I would get into trouble if I were to pursue, and here I was thinking that I was just listening to my colleague vent some frustration.
This was the first time that I was threatened in a school environment and it was not from the kids- it was from the principal! Too many principals are weak when it comes to leadership and discipline. You don’t have to walk around and be a tyrant, but you do have to get out of your office and walk around.
