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Job security and your own personal comfort are at risk if you don't take these steps to deal with problem principals.
As a teacher, you spend most of your day in your classroom. But your administrators are responsible for making sure that all of your needs are met and that you have the support you need from the beginning to the end of the school year. That's why it's important to have a great relationship with your principal. If you sense that there may be a problem growing with your administrators, be proactive and work to rectify the situation immediately. Job security and your own personal comfort are at risk if you don't take these steps to deal with problem principals.
Step 1:

Make an effort to maintain a healthy relationship with your principal. Even if you aren't having any problems with your principal right now, there is always the potential for things to go south. The more effort you put into building a strong relationship with your administrator, the less likely your chances of experiencing any problems with him. Be proactive and stay on his good side so that you don't have to face problems with him in the future. (But don't over-do it by being a kiss-up!) Stay professional and positive and you should have no problems with your principal.

Step 2:

Keep track of everything. When you start to sense that some problems might be brewing between you and your principal, keep track of them. Write down any incident that occurs between you and your administrator. Note important aspects of any conversations you had, record the time/date, and try to be aware of how often he visits your classroom. Keeping your eyes open and being aware may just alert you to growing problems.

Step 3:

Remain professional. If your fears of mounting problems with your principal come true, don't get defensive. Remember that you're still talking to your boss, and he's the one who's going to have to give you a reference if you ever leave the school. Stay calm and focus on compromising with the problem principal to find a solution to the issue at hand. Be straightforward with the principal and don't discuss your issues behind his back. He deserves your respect, even if he can be problematic sometimes. You just need to work with him to solve the problem and move on.

Step 4:

Talk to your union representative. If you still can't seem to make any headway when dealing with problem principals, it may be time to approach your union rep for help. You may find out that you're not the only one complaining about and trying to deal with the problem administrator. That's why it's always important to step forward when you sense that you're not being treated fairly. Know your rights, and then work with your union rep to make a plan of approach that will help you deal with the difficult administrator.

Step 5:

Gauge your success. After talking to your problem principal and working with your union rep, step back and take note of the outcome of the situation. If things are starting to improve and your relationship with the problem administrator is on the mend, then you should strive to move past the recent issues. On the other hand, if you can't seem to work things out with your problem principal, it may be time to move on. Put in your transfer papers, get out of that stressful environment, and go to a school where your focus can once again return to helping students find success.

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