https://www.reddit.com/r/Teachers/comments/1j7ipqr/principal_doesnt_like_me/
created by R4A6 on 09/03/2025 at 21:51 UTC
14 upvotes, 6 top-level comments (showing 6)
I’ve been a teacher for 10 years and I have always loved my admin. They were always so supportive and we had the best relationships. Fast forward to now, I resigned from my former district due to commute time (I’m in CA) and my new principal just doesn’t like me. Im in a long-term sub job until I can get a contract position. I can’t put my finger on it, I just sense that she doesn’t care for me. I have done nothing but a great job. The problem is - I am applying for other districts and have to list her as my supervisor. I’m worried she’s going to foil all my efforts to get a job elsewhere just because she doesn’t like me and she will give me a crap review. How do you get another job as a teacher when your current principal just doesn’t like you and you depend on them for a reference? I have to put her down - in CA we by law have to include every district we’ve worked for. I am so sad!
Comment by boringmom at 09/03/2025 at 22:06 UTC
12 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I am not invalidating your feelings at all but wanted to point out that our thoughts aren’t always factual. It seems like you just have a feeling that she doesn’t like you versus any actual evidence to support that. Sometimes our insecurities make us perceive things differently than how they actually are.
But maybe she doesn’t like you. So what? Just keep doing your best. If you haven’t done anything to warrant her disapproval, I doubt she’s going to tell someone who contacts her for a reference (if they even do) that she just doesn’t like you.
Focus on what you can control and forget the rest.
Comment by whimsyandwonder11 at 10/03/2025 at 00:49 UTC
3 upvotes, 1 direct replies
My old principal did not like me (feeling was mutual) and in my letter of recommendation after I resigned they simply stated i worked there, nothing else. Nothing positive or complimentary. It felt like a slap in the face. I ended up including my ela coach as a reference as well the admin and she sang my praises. I didn’t have any issues finding a new district!
Comment by Intrepid_Cranberry_7 at 09/03/2025 at 22:00 UTC
2 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Can you put your AP as your supervisor? (If you have a better relationship with them)
Comment by suprunown at 09/03/2025 at 22:05 UTC
2 upvotes, 2 direct replies
Had a similar situation. Had a principal who REALLY didn’t like me, and poisoned our new superintendent to believe that, when the school had to layoff positions due to decreasing enrolment, it was the right thing to release me, a 19 year vet, instead of the 5 year new hire, because I lacked “the qualifications, experience or ability to teach any other subjects” (NEWS FLASH: I am retiring from the same division next year… my former admin got busted back down to the classroom, and the teacher he kept over me is in the midst of being investigated for assaulting a student, amongst other things…). I was told by a superintendent friend that not including your current principal on your resume was a HUGE red flag, so against my better judgment, I kept him on there.
I later found out from friends in other divisions where I had applied that he tanked at least two reference calls for me, with the calls being characterized as “brief, disinterested and overwhelmingly uninspiring”.
So…. Be prepared.
Comment by renonemontanez at 09/03/2025 at 22:34 UTC
2 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I wouldn't list her as a reference unless you are fine with her addressing her perception of your performance. I hated my first principal and didn't list her at all. Got my 2nd teaching job.
Comment by Desperate_Owl_594 at 10/03/2025 at 08:24 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I see a lot of "will"s
Have they done?