Teacher voice: My principal’s belief in me cultivated a deeper belief within myself
One of my most powerful experiences as a teacher came from a principal who believed in my capacity more than I did at the time. Even though I was new to her campus, she thought I would be a good fit for a leadership role. When she approached me, I thanked her for considering me, but I let her know I wasn’t sure I could be successful. I was still adjusting to the new campus culture, and I worried about living up to the responsibility of having a seat at the leadership table.
She respected my response but gently circled back after giving me some space. She came to my classroom, sat with me at a table, and said, “Tiffany, I really see potential in you. I think this is a great role for you, and I want you to reconsider.”
I asked, “Are you sure I can do this?”
She leaned forward, looked me in the eyes and said, “You are the one I want for this position. I am confident that you can do this.” Her confidence in me helped cultivate my confidence to embrace the leadership role.
It’s so important for principals to not pressure teachers to add too much to their plates, but in this situation, the issue was a matter of confidence. At that time, I didn’t have the confidence – and that was all my hesitation came down to. She helped me start to believe in my own capacity and ultimate belief that I could grow into the role.
It was also impactful that my principal met me in my space. Typically, when you’re called to the principal’s office as a teacher, there’s a power dynamic reinforced by the space: You’re on one side of the table, and they’re in the principal’s seat across from you.
But this principal came to my classroom, where I felt comfortable, and that changed everything. That year ended up being magical for me. I went on to become our district’s Teacher of the Year. And I believe wholeheartedly that my principal’s nod of confidence propelled my teaching career forward in ways I could have never imagined.
Compassionate understanding from principals can provide teachers the courage needed to take the next step. I wasn’t focused on where I’d be years down the line, but after that conversation, I knew I could confidently walk into the campus leadership meetings as a strong contributor because my principal believed in me. There is an enormous amount of power in a principal’s choice to lean in. It empowers teachers to lean into new roles and opportunities.