When Admin Promised Support - But You’re on Your Own

beginning elementary teachers new elementary teachers teacher stress

Click the play bar below to listen to this week's show now:

Show Notes:

The beginning of the year is always full of promise and hope for a successful, smooth school year - and that same optimism often extends to the support we expect from our administration. But when the reality sets in that you’re suddenly navigating everything on your own, the question becomes: What now?

While many teachers suffer in silence, start to feel powerless, or assume this must simply be “what teaching is,” there is another way. By advocating for yourself with confidence and professionalism, you’ll discover that your voice can be your strongest tool. In today’s episode, I’m sharing strategic steps you can take to regain your power, protect your boundaries, and build a support system even when your administration isn’t showing up the way you need them to.

It’s completely normal to feel hurt or abandoned when promised support isn’t being followed through on. And although your first reaction may be emotional, it’s important to shift toward logical, solution-focused thinking. I break down specific ways to advocate for yourself in ways that are professional, clear, and collaborative, especially when revisiting the expectations set at the beginning of the year. Additionally, each strategy becomes a building block in creating the support system you deserve.

At the end of the day, advocating for yourself isn’t about confrontation, but about clarity. When administration doesn’t deliver on promised support, you have every right to speak up with purpose and professionalism. In doing so, you’re also modeling the exact self-advocacy skills we teach our students. And while you can’t control the response you receive, you can control your voice, your boundaries, and the standards you hold for the support you need, which is exactly what a courageous and confident educator does.

Inside this week's show, you'll learn:

Practical advice for regaining your power and confidence when dealing with an unsupportive administration.
Why shifting your mindset from emotional to logical can help you stay solutions-focused during conversations with your admin.
Specific, actionable ideas you can implement right now when requesting the support you need in your classroom.
A reminder that asking for support isn’t complaining - it’s advocating for your needs.

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode:

I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for your first, second, or third year of teaching. Until next time, remember, just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.

💛 Lori

Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor

Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy and The Classroom Management Club, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast Beginning Teacher Talk and author of Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com.

Want to listen on a different platform? Here are the links:

Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts.

Click here to listen on Spotify.

Click here to listen on YouTube.

Click here to listen on iHeart Radio.

Click here to listen on Audible.

Click here to listen on other apps.

Related episodes you might enjoy:

Follow:

Are you following my podcast? I release fresh, new content every single week and I don't want you to miss out! 💛 Click here to follow on Apple Podcasts.

Leave a Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you are loving the podcast, I would be so grateful if you would leave me a review over on Apple Podcasts or on Audible. Each time you leave a review, Apple Podcasts or Audible recommends my podcast to other new teachers so they feel a little less alone as they navigate their first few years of teaching.

To leave a review on Apple Podcasts, just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know how this podcast is helping you inside your classroom!

To leave a review on Audible, just click here. Under "More Options" you can select "Write a review." I so appreciate your support in helping me get the word out to new teachers around the world.