[Jeff]

I’d go ahead and give your current administrator’s contact info. If they don’t like you they might see this as an opportunity to get rid of you through you getting another position.

Also, 98% of the bad things we think are going to happen don’t and the other 2% aren’t as bad as we thought it would be.

Worst case scenario you’ll confirm your suspicions about the individual and you’ll know exactly where you stand.

[Laura]

I’m sorry to hear you are going through this. It’s far too common in the education sector. One person shouldn’t have the power to single-handedly sabotage the career of a subordinate, but alas, it’s allowed.

I wouldn’t worry about their perception of your performance. If you know deep down you are a leader, you don’t need to wait for anyone to affirm you or validate your leadership skills, ESPECIALLY if you’re a female.

You’ll be waiting for their approval your whole career!

There’s a reason why of 13,000 superintendents in the U.S., only 1,000 of them are female, in a sector with 75% female representation in the workforce.

It’s corrupt and patriarchal but do you think the men in power want to step aside to make things more equal?

No.
So, if you’re a female, look for other ways to demonstrate your leadership.

Serve on a board, serve on accreditation committees, serve at the state level (there’s often opportunities to serve on curriculum reviews, etc), serve with advocacy organizations (ie CEC, COPAA) – basically build up your skillset so you have a lot of different experiences to call upon while interviewing and other references who can speak to your skillset/expertise.

If you’re a male candidate, the easiest way to stand out from the pack is establishing yourself as a leader who empowers females in the work place.

Lead faculty book talks on empowering women, help lower wage employees (ie bus drivers, food service) get into better opportunities, ask women how you can help them and actually deliver on their requests.

This is a win-win strategy because you will be known as a leader who can see the “big picture” and women will win because they have a male ally in their corner.

I’m happy to connect to talk through more ideas. This is 100% my wheelhouse.

[Stef]

Can you switch districts for a year to get a new and better supervisor?

If you don’t get what you want this hiring cycle.

[Audrey]

I would just switch school districts for the following year and find an administrator who sees your value and leadership potential.

I wish I had switched campuses long before I did, and I had two wonderful campuses.

But working with different people gives you better perspectives, a wider network, and huge growth.

Even if you have a not-so-great evaluation, you have the upper hand in the midst of a teacher shortage.

You got this!

[Author]

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