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See all the wonderful things Sara McElroy has made

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I've worked at two jobs so far in my professional career, and have had very different experiences! In my first job, I had absolutely no administrative support. In fact, it was the end of the year and the principal at one of the schools I was placed at thought I was a student observer (WHAT!?!?). My current job, however, I feel so supported by administration. It's amazing how big of an impact that has on how much I like my job! I think just support in my decision making is extremely important. I'm lucky enough to have an administrator who trusts my professional judgement, and that makes my job so much easier!

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During my first 2 years of teaching in the first school district I worked, I had zero support. I had a mentor, but she did the bare minimum to help. All she cared about was filling out the documentation on her end to make sure she got paid. The principals were not supportive of what I did, nor did they understand the needs of my students. I was a newbie, so I didn't know how to advocate for myself. In my current position (in a different district), I do feel supported. I had a great mentor who cared about my success! I feel that in the end, the people who work the closest with you are the most important, and although the administrators play key roles in your success as well, they aren't always around.

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I do not have much experience (first year teacher). I do know, last year, around October, I was freaking out. There was so much to do (kind of like how I feel right now) and I did not know what to do. I actually went to my principal and told him about how overwhelmed I was. I even cried. He was really supportive. He asked what he could do to help me. He offered to look at my future lesson plan so he could suggest which corners to cut. I really appreciated his help.

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Since I only have one year under my built, I have only had one set of administrators. We are a transition school, so my administration is very supportive and understanding of our students' needs. I think it helps that both have special education backgrounds. In my field base experience in a general education school, the administration was not understanding or willing to help in stressful behavior situations. The most important support to receive is understanding and direct support in the classroom.

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There have been times when I have felt very supported by my administrators, and some times when I feel unsupported by my administrators.  Early on in my teaching career, I did not get the support I needed, but I felt like I was the new teacher and needed to just go along with what was asked of me.  I have had times when I felt like I wasn't as valued as much as the general ed teachers, or like I wasn't as much as a teacher as them.  Like their opinions were held to a higher standard.  I feel like my current administrator is supportive of me and I've never felt like my position is any less than the other certified staff.  It makes work a lot less stressful.  I feel like I have a voice and people are really listening to me.  It makes my job much more enjoyable.
Patti

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I've had both types of administrators. I've worked with some whom I felt very supportive of, and I've worked with some who didn't even know my students names.
The best ones I've worked with are the ones with special ed backgrounds. I think they know the challenges I face with my students and families and are better equipped to help me problem solve. The most important type of support I feel is an admin who "has your back". I've worked with difficult parents and it makes all the difference when an admin is willing to step in and deflect problem parents who tend to be verbally aggressive or will want to drop into my class and "talk" for an hour when I have students.
Tiffany

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I have had two types of support. My first principal was very relaxed and allowed me to run the show in other words. It was nice at some times but slightly hard for a new teacher. I think it was definitely a learning experience for me. My new principal is very set in her ways and structured and I am also this way. I think I respond better to the support that she shows just because I feel like we are on the same page. I feel support in relation to IEPs and student/parent involvement is critical to effective support.

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I just finished up my 4th year teaching.  The support I feel I get from my admin varies from time to time.  If it comes to parents/students, I feel my admin does support me greatly; however, in comparison to other teachers,  I don't feel like I get enough support.  I don't have a special education administrator to turn to, just a principal.  I think she's too busy to fully support anyone.

Alysha

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As someone who does not come from a special education background I cannot speak to the support of special education by administrators personally. I travel between buildings (2-3 per school year) so I have had the opportunity to work with most of the administrators in the district. I feel that many of them want to be supportive but do not always know how best to do this. In the field of ESL I feel that many of the principals have a lack of knowledge so this hinders them from being as supportive as they would like to be. I have heard/observed this from special education colleagues as well. I think it is important for administrators to ask what they can do to be supportive and then actively show that they are taking steps to follow through.

Tori

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I have felt supported by every administrator I've worked with, and I know that's shocking to say. I've had my ups and downs with the administrators similar to each of you, but I really feel like my administrators have been student-centered and have supported me. I especially felt supported this year by my administrator when I wanted to make the move to another school. She wrote me a glowing letter of recommendation and made it happen for me. I think you just have to develop a relationship. Our administrators have A LOT of work. I think sitting down with them one-to-one and getting to know them, sharing your stories, and allowing them the opportunity to be a human with you is key. We all make mistakes, including our administrators. When we realize that, we can have a better relationship and collaborate.

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I have been in many different districts and have many administrators. Most of them did not really understand Special Education and the needs of our students. It was disappointing and frustrating to the point where I left the district. The saddest part was the administrator who was a special education teacher first. It is hard to advocate for your student needs when they do not have any idea on what is going on and do not want to deal with your students. I have also had administrators who just did not come around which had its positives and negatives. You could do pretty much whatever you wanted, but then when they did come around did not have a clue what was going on or the students goals.
Jen

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I have had four different administrators at this point in my career and it makes a huge difference as far as job satisfaction goes in my opinion. For some administrators I feel that the Special Education program was not on their radar. This had its pros and cons. On the plus side I felt that I was left alone to do what I thought was best for my students. On the con side, there was no one to go to when I needed help or guidance in tough situations. I have also had administrators that have had a lot of input, but not much knowledge and this has been frustrating when I felt they didn't know enough about the legalities of special education to be a good resource or know what to expect. I think the most beneficial support is when an administrator is willing to listen to your concerns and help problem-solve through them with you.
-Tammy

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This past year, my principal/superintendent was as helpful as I allowed her to be. I relied a lot on my special education administrator for assistance. When I was student teaching, the principal was not helpful at all and never came to meetings, observed the classroom, and many other 'typical' principal things. However, the special education administrator was wonderful! She was so great at helping and giving ideas to me even as a student teacher.

Hilari

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after 11 years of teaching, I have NEVER felt supported by my administration (principal or district level).
I think that no one really cares. My students do not "bring in the money" . Good test scores do.
I only see my administration if I am being evaluated or there is a major problem.
I think my administrators do not know what to do with us. They need better training to better understand the population of students.

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I haven't been teaching that long, but mostly I feel neglected. Unless I go to them or it is time for my evaluation, they don't have a clue what is going on in my room. I wish they would treat my class like a regular class. My students still do work, they still learn, they skill have fun. Why can't they get the supplies and attention other kids get?

Cecilia