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Aug 15
32m 48s

Working With Difficult School Administra...

Grace Stevens
About this episode

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Whether you're facing a Program Improvement Plan (PIP) or dealing with a challenging administrator, this episode provides practical strategies and mindset shifts to help you navigate these difficult situations with grace and professionalism. Grace shares her own story of working with a demanding administrator and how changing her perspective transformed the experience.


What You'll lEarn:


1. Mindset Shifts

  • Other People's Experiences Don't Have to Be Yours - Don't let colleagues' negative stories shape your reality
  • Focus on Facts, Not Feelings - Write down what has actually happened vs. what you've heard or assumed
  • This is Temporary - A PIP is a chapter, not your whole story
  • Assume Best Intentions - Approach the plan as a tool for improvement, not punishment


2. Practical Strategies

  • Document Everything - Keep daily logs and confirm conversations via email
  • Request Specific Feedback - Ask for concrete examples of what success looks like
  • Find a Thought Partner - Get support from a trusted mentor or colleague (without gossiping)
  • Focus One Thing at a Time - Don't try to overhaul everything at once
  • Maintain Professionalism - Stay calm, neutral, and professional even when provoked


3. Setting Boundaries

  • Time Boundaries - Don't let the PIP consume your entire life
  • Emotional Boundaries - Respond, don't react; pause before responding to feedback
  • Communication Boundaries - Don't overexplain, overjustify, or constantly seek reassurance


4. Growth Opportunities

  • Use the experience to evaluate if this district is right for you
  • Learn what you can, even if the situation isn't ideal
  • Build resilience and professional skills
  • Remember: most teachers outlive their administrators

Key Quotes

"Other people's experience doesn't need to be your experience.""This is not a personal indictment - it's often a reflection of a broken system or poor communication."

These aren't just for teachers on improvement plans.

Back to school special 2025/6 Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries Course is everything you need to thrive in the upcoming school year. LIMITED TIME: Use code BBB27 at checkout for a special discount.

Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
Check out my signature on-demand self-study course, Balance Your Teacher Life. Complete details here: www.gracestevens.com/balance


📘 My latest (and greatest!) book:
The Empowered Teacher Toolkit
Check out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here
Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here

My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms

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Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)

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