Managing Up: Navigating the Challenges of New Leadership as an Experienced Teacher

5 min read

It's an unforgettable memory: my first year teaching in a new state, walking into the school office one September morning to find the principal shuffling through papers, clearly overwhelmed by the mounting responsibilities. Schedules had changed three times that week, and directives seemed to shift with the wind. As an early-career teacher, I learned to adapt quickly, but as I gained experience across both private and public schools, I realized these moments were not isolated. Leadership transitions and growing pains are universal, and managing up became a hallmark of my professional journey.

Understanding Managing Up

Managing up isn’t about undermining authority; it’s about fostering supportive, two-way relationships to help the entire community thrive. Having taught in varied school systems across several states, I’ve worked with and learned from leaders at every stage of their growth journey. Each encounter- whether with a visionary administrator or one still finding their footing- has refined my perspective, informed my approach, and deepened my appreciation for emotional intelligence.

Strategies for Managing Up Effectively

Build Trust Early: Make it a priority to understand the new administration’s values, communication patterns, and goals. Share your own experience empathetically, showing openness to new ideas while offering perspective from your background working across systems.
Communicate Proactively: Rather than waiting for confusion to snowball, use gentle check-ins (“Would you like my take on this process?” or “Here’s what’s worked in the past in similar situations-could that help here?”).
Frame Feedback Constructively: When something isn’t working, propose solutions rather than just highlighting problems. For example, “I noticed our schedule changes are creating confusion in the classroom; would it help if we developed a shared planning document?”
Leverage Research-Based Approaches: Studies show that teachers who engage in open, reflective dialogue with administration are more likely to see improved school climate and clearer pathways for student achievement. Employing the principles of emotional intelligence- self-awareness, self-regulation, social skills, empathy, and motivation- can make difficult conversations more productive.

Real-Life Examples and Anecdotes

In one public school, I observed an issue with inconsistent discipline protocols. Rather than point out flaws, I initiated a conversation using data and classroom anecdotes: “I’ve tracked student referrals, and I’m seeing patterns that might signal the need for more consistent expectations. Would you be open to collaborating on a staff PD session focused on restorative practices?” This approach sparked dialogue and ultimately, a positive change in school climate.

In another scenario, during a curriculum rollout, confusion around resource allocation left teachers scrambling. I collaborated with a small group to formally document concerns and suggest a streamlined communication chain. Our proactive engagement turned a stressful situation into a collaborative problem-solving effort.

Initiating and Engaging in Difficult Conversations

Responding to challenging situations requires both tact and courage:

Use Specifics and Stay Solution-Focused: “I’ve noticed that our intervention plans aren’t being consistently followed. Are there barriers we can address together?”
Ask Open-Ended Questions: Invite dialogue rather than deliver ultimatums: “How can we clarify our classroom observation expectations so teachers feel more supported?”
Acknowledge the Administrator’s Journey: Recognize that leaders are developing too- sometimes more visibly than is comfortable. “I appreciate the direction you’re trying to set; is there any way I can help bring the staff on board or ease the transition?”

Making Challenging Decisions

Sometimes, teachers observe situations that necessitate managing up, such as:

Chronic miscommunication about policies.
Inconsistent application of discipline.
Gaps in student or teacher support services.
In these cases, it’s critical to weigh the potential impact on students and staff before acting. Using calm, data-informed approaches- coupled with a willingness to listen- can open doors to constructive change.

Emotional Intelligence: Self-Reflection and Adaptability

Having worked for a range of school leaders, I’ve learned that my own emotional intelligence is key to productive managing up. Realizing where my own biases and blind spots lie, engaging in self-reflection, and adapting my communication style has helped me remain solution-oriented- even under pressure. Practicing empathy with administrators helps shift interactions from “us vs. them” to true partnership.

Final Thoughts: Choose Courage and Collaboration

No matter where you teach or how seasoned you are, managing up is a dynamic blend of self-awareness, strategic communication, and genuine collaboration. By approaching administrative challenges with empathy, integrity, and a solutions mindset, we as educators can help shape the kind of schools that serve all stakeholders- students, staff, and leaders alike. Empower yourself to see every leadership transition not as an obstacle, but as an opportunity for growth for everyone involved. Let’s lead from where we stand, together.

References

Brennan, Mark. "How to Manage Up Without Overstepping Boundaries." Edutopia. August 20, 2023. https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-manage-up-school-staff.
Doran, Michelle. "Emotional Intelligence and Teacher-Principal Relationships: Strategies for Productive Dialogue." Teaching Channel. April 12, 2022. https://www.teachingchannel.com/blog/emotional-intelligence-leadership-schools.
Smith, Laura. "Building Trust and Communication Between Teachers and School Leaders." Education Week. September 8, 2024. https://www.edweek.org/leadership/building-trust-between-teachers-and-leaders.
Sparks, Sarah. "How Teacher-Principal Collaboration Improves School Climate." Education Dive. December 15, 2021. https://www.educationdive.com/news/teacher-principal-collaboration-school-climate.