How to handle a principal who hates you....

[youlovetonyt]

OK so let me give you guys the short version of my story.

I had my internal open class on Monday. This was one of the steps I needed to complete in order to extend my contract. My principal, vice-principal, head teacher, and old co-teacher were present during this open class.

First off, my CT decided to completely change my original lesson plan to some terrible writing activity. I told her that I was following an open class formula I used last semester that ended up being a big hit with my evaluators. She didn't listen to a word I said, and we ended up teaching her terrible lesson. I wont bore you with the exact details of the class, but it went terribly.

Anyway, because of this open class, I think my principal now thinks I'm a terrible teacher, even though my head teacher vouched for me after the open class. I really wish he would just walk in to one of my regular classes to see how much I really care about this job and how well the students normally reason in my classroom. 

I was told that my CT and I have to do another open class in July, but this one will be focused on my CT, and not me. This was actually another thing that pissed me off because I was told that we were both being evaluated, which is why I let her change my lesson plan to begin with. If I had known otherwise, I would have told her to **** off.

ANYWAY, has anyone else ever been in a situation like this? I really want this principal to know that I am an awesome teacher.

[minamteacher]

Just be super polite whenever you see him and bow very low. Also, try to make a good impression at staff dinners Kill him with kindness as they say.

[Tootsie]

That happened in my very first year, very first open class. My CT got the rap on the wrist. I felt so sorry for her.

[sweet_potato]

How does the Principal "hate" you? Did he say anything to you that leads you to believe that?

And would your P understand any English? If you were to, say, invite him to one of your classes, would he understand what you're saying?

My VP is new to the school and I guess wherever he worked before, the NET was apparently useless and did nothing. So he came to my school and dumped ALL this crap on me (marking, drama, essays, etc) and my coteacher tried to tell him that I'm really busy (because I plan and teach all my lessons) and he wouldn't hear it - I guess he assumed I do nothing like the other NET he dealt with. Anyway, I wanted to prove to him that I actually do well at my job, and I considered inviting him to my class (since he didn't bother showing up to the open class). Anyway, I didn't do it, because I'm done in August and I really don't give a damn, but since you're renewing, why not invite him to your class? Just say something like "Today is a special English class. Please come see it! 2nd period!" Or whatever.

And your coteacher is a douche for changing the lesson on you last minute. Sorry you had to go through that.

[ISangHae]

First, how do you know your principal hates you? Even after your co-T went to bat for you and apologize to him (this is very strange, I would have done it myself but whatever)

Also- you said your class that was used before was a hit. Did you have the same principal? If you changed schools it could be understandable. Just do as the above posters mentioned and attend staff dinners, say hello in Korean and try to talk to him about things that he is interested in (golf/ soccer/ whatever) without looking like a suckup. You will be fine.

[Yu_Bumsuk]

Does he have a kid you can tutor? A bit of free English tutoring can change a principal's mind very quickly.

[Jyang486]

I hate the concept of open classes.  Teachers try too hard for these and turn it more into a performance than a class.  Principles/vice principles should just walk into random classes to see how classes are really taught.  And if you've already done an open class before, then how did you not know that you were going to be evaluated?

With that said, one way to get on the principle's good side is going to his office before classes and bow to him.  It is a huge sign of respect if you do this with both the principle and vice principle.  If you are know how to say "anyonghasaeyo," then say it while bowing.  If you haven't learned that phrase, learn it.  It's a great way to get on his good side.  You don't need to stick around to converse with him, just do it and head back to wherever you need to go.

[chantelvanbeek]

I'm so sorry that you had to go through all that. Just remember that you are a great teacher and that will be noticed by students success and their interaction with you. Although it wasn't your best open class I'm sure they understand that sometimes things don't go exactly perfect. It sounds like  your CT might be seen as the weakness so I would think maybe you are in the clear. Good luck

[Jozigirl]

Anyway, because of this open class, I think my principal now thinks I'm a terrible teacher, even though my head teacher vouched for me after the open class. I really wish he would just walk in to one of my regular classes to see how much I really care about this job and how well the students normally reason in my classroom.  I really want this principal to know that I am an awesome teacher.

What makes you think your principal hates you?

My VP keeps stopping in on classes that are a) my worst students or b) lessons where the kids are sleeping/very unresponsive and yet he apparently adores me despite these poor lessons he's seen.  My colleagues have all given me top scores in my evaluations and the students love me so these two things are apparently more important than what he's actually seen himself.  I keep wishing he'll stop in on one of my good lessons so he can see that I'm actually a good teacher instead of always witnessing the flops but that's just the way the cookie crumbles.  My principal has never (to my knowledge) even seen me teach but still thinks highly of me.  People here tend to base their opinions on what they've been told by others - if you co-teachers say that you're a good teacher, other teachers, the P and VP will probably agree despite what they may or may not have seen themselves.  I wouldn't worry about it too much.