As a teacher, it’s important to stay in good graces with your school administrator. You don’t have to be the teacher who’s always at their beck and call, and you definitely don’t want to be the one who always complains. But it is important to stay on their good side. Here are 10 tips to help you do just that.
Staying on Your Boss’s Good Side
Be on Time
Being late to school or a staff meeting shows a lack of respect and gives the impression that you think your time is more valuable than everyone else’s. Make sure you’re on time, or better yet, be early. It shows you care about your job and value the school community.
Dress Professionally
If you show up to work dressed like you’re heading to the gym, you’re not giving a great impression of the school or yourself. Dress in a way that shows you respect the job, your students, and your school. Your administrator will notice.
Read Your Emails and Memos
Teachers are constantly bombarded with emails and paperwork, but you must make it a habit to read everything that comes your way. The last thing you want is to miss an important message from your administrator. And when you’re sending emails to staff, read them over before hitting send. You don’t want to end up on your principal’s radar for sending a drama-filled message because you were frustrated or upset.
Volunteer at School Functions
Yes, teachers are busy. And yes, being asked to volunteer after school hours can feel like a lot. But try to say yes when you can. The more staff support at events, the smoother they run, and your principal will take notice. It’s a simple way to show you’re committed and dependable.
Keep Control of Your Classroom
When your principal walks by your classroom, they’re looking to see that you’ve got things under control. There’s a big difference between a noisy classroom where kids are engaged and learning, and a noisy classroom that’s pure chaos. Believe me, your administrator can tell the difference. Aim for the kind of classroom that’s full of energy and structure.
Stay Away from School Drama
Some teachers spend their lunch breaks gossiping about coworkers or venting about the administration. Steer clear of that crowd. It always gets back to someone, and you don’t want to be associated with negativity. Chances are that those teachers are already on the principal’s list of people not to count on.
Communicate with Parents
This one’s big. Stay in regular contact with parents, especially if their child needs extra help or is having behavior issues. The last thing you want is a parent going to the principal, saying they’re being left in the dark. Keep lines of communication open, and your administrator won’t have to step in to clean up the mess.
Get Your Grades in on Time
When grades are due, get them in. No excuses. You don’t want your principal chasing you down or reminding you more than once. Be timely, it shows you respect their deadlines and your responsibilities.
Be Flexible
Flexibility is one of the top qualities administrators look for. If you push back on every new decision or change, you’ll start to seem like someone who isn’t willing to work with the team. It’s fine to share your opinion, but be thoughtful about when and how often you do it. Pick your battles.
Be a Team Player
So what makes a great team player and collaborator? Be someone others can count on. Be open to feedback, and be kind. Speak up when needed, but also know when to ask for help and when to just listen. If you’re someone who doesn’t work well with others, the administration will notice. So, make the effort pay off.
Extra Tips That Make a Big Difference
Follow Through on What You Say
If you tell your administrator that you’re going to do something, do it. Whether it’s joining a committee, submitting a proposal, or trying out a new teaching strategy, they’ll remember if you follow through. And they’ll definitely notice if you don’t. Reliability goes a long way when building trust with your principal.
Keep a Positive Attitude
No one expects you to be cheerful every minute of the day, but a generally positive attitude can shift how you’re perceived. Principals notice the teachers who find solutions instead of always pointing out problems. Be someone who brings calm instead of chaos. Even during stressful times, your outlook matters.
Embrace Feedback (Even When It’s Hard)
It’s not always easy to take constructive criticism, but how you respond says a lot. Don’t get defensive. Listen, ask questions if you’re unsure, and reflect before reacting. Principals respect teachers who are open to growth, even if they don’t always agree with the feedback.
Support School-Wide Initiatives
This is a tough one because every school has goals and big-picture plans. Whether it’s a literacy push, SEL initiative, or new behavior system, be a teacher who’s on board. You don’t have to be the face of the program, but your effort to align with what your administration is working toward will go a long way.
Be Someone They Can Count On
Sometimes things come up last minute, like a schedule shift, a quick coverage request, or a tech issue. If your principal knows they can turn to you in those moments, that’s huge. It doesn’t mean saying yes to everything, but being dependable when it counts builds a reputation that sticks. Always be the one they can count on.
Staying in your administrator’s good graces isn’t about sucking up or trying to be perfect. It’s about being professional, consistent, and respectful. Be mindful of staying out of school drama, complaining to other teachers, and learning to work as a team. Meet deadlines, manage your classroom, and show you’re dependable. This will only help you stand out and be the best teacher that you can be.
Remember, being in their good graces doesn’t just make your life easier, but it may open some doors for you that can make a huge difference in your career and life.
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