Search Virtual Teacher

The Principal's Dilemma

or

How to live with Disequilibrium

 

The school principal, like all other educators, should expect to please no one. All too often he is caught on the horns of a dilemma regardless of the action he takes, or fails to take.

 

If he reports to school to early, he has insomnia; if he leaves school late, he is a slow worker.

 

If he attends sports events, he is over-emphasizing athletics; if he misses an event, he has no school spirit.

 

If he corrects a teacher, he's always picking on someone; if he doesn't correct teachers, he is a weak administrator.

 

If he has a friendly personality, he's a showoff; if he's quiet, he is anti-social.

 

If he calls a meeting, he has no regard for teacher's time; if he doesn't call meetings, he doesn't call meetings, he doesn't believe in democratic administration.

 

If he makes quick decisions and follows up; he is an autocrat; if he is slow to make decisions, he is indecisive.

 

If he visits the classroom, he is being nosey; if he doesn't visit the classroom, he doesn't care what is going on.

 

If he buys a new car, he must be overpaid; if he doesn't buy a new car, he must be a miser.

 

If he speaks up for some new program; he's on the bandwagon; if he's cautious about change, he's living in the past.

 

If he suspends a student, he doesn't understand children; if he doesn't, he's a weak disciplinarian.

 

If he uses the public address system, he likes to hear himself talk; if he doesn't he fails to keep his staff informed.

 

If he attends conferences of principals, he's goofing off; when he doesn't, he's unprofessional.

 

If he checks with the superintendent, he hasn't a mind of his own, if he seldom checks, he's assuming to much authority.

 

If he regularly has a hot lunch, he's not watching his weight; if he seldom has a hot lunch, the school lunches aren't good enough for him.

 

If he phones there's no school on a snowy morning, why did he wait so long; if he doesn't call he must be driving a snow plow to school.

 

If he's young, he's got a lot to learn; if he's old he just doesn't have it any more.

 

But take heart fellows. Keep giving your best, for no matter what you do there are those who will always say "it isn't the school that's to blame; it's the PRINCIPAL of the thing."

 

© Cathy Brown 1998 - 2020