the grass is NOT always greener on the other side!

three years ago i accepted a job at a seemingly great school within the cps system. i quickly became close to the assistant principal, sharing similar philosophies and high expectations for students. we would discuss beneficial things for both teachers and students.

somewhere in those past three years, i struck sour note with this person and somehow became "one of them". i was deemed a "troublemaker". was it because i spoke my mind? is it because i have always stuck up for what is right for my students? is it because i was friends with other people in the building already on "that" side? i don't know, but whatever the case may be, i'm on the enemy's team.
though regardless of that situation, i've always learned to just close my door and teach, worrying only about the students in my classroom.

now, this person is becoming our principal, effective monday morning. i knew that there would be changes once the new administration took effect. i didn't think, however, that this person would make changes only to exude her newly received power.

effective monday, all of my preps are changing. i have a double prep on monday and no prep on friday. no teacher will have a prep on friday so that there can be 2-hour departmental meetings. ancillary staff and esl teachers will act as substitutes (which goes against our union contract) using the lesson plans we leave for them.

all correspondance with parents must be approved by the principal before being sent home (includes newsletters, reminders, etc.).

48-hour notice is required for all requests (left very vague).

i know that many of these will fall by the way-side, but it angers me that these were even put into effect. can we not all act as professionals? it is not necessary to micro-manage me. i'm capable of making smart, professional decisions on my own.

i guess i was spoiled to have my first teaching experience in such a great school.