I just answered a new teacher who was having a horrible time at school. (Read what's going on in the questions and answer section on the homepage.)

Okay here's why I'm so surprised. Principals have to be teachers first (in most states) before than can become a principal. So why are they so rude, disrespectful, and unprofessional with teachers? I can't answer that, but what I can say is that the cycle has to be broken.

This new teacher says that she is "petrified" to have her principal or ap walk into her classroom again. She is a new teacher without a mentor or support. Why is this? Teachers, especially new teachers need all the support they can handle.

It is almost impossible to function when you are so scared that you can't even think what to do next.

Principals should know this, Right?! I hope this new teachers is able to grow into a teacher that can change lives. How can she do this if she is petrified?

One thing the teacher can do is to become overly prepared (we talk about this in the book) in order to be more at ease.

I didn't care who walked into my classroom, because I was over prepared and my lesson had several different strategies I could use. I think it's key to know a way out of a lesson that is going down hill.

I do hope this new teacher and many other new teachers get the support they need to continue in a very noble profession.