Administration can be two-faced. When interviewing at schools, a false impression can be given about how wonderful everything and everyone is that works there. I interviewed with the principal only and she seemed like the sweetest, caring person. I knew I wanted a supportive administration as a first year teacher. After being hired, I realized that the principal always put on a front that she cares about her employees, but she would often lie to make sure she looked good (especially to the Superintendent). After making a few mistakes (which we all do, it's part of the learning process) there was no mercy. She decided that I was not fit to be a teacher and very bluntly said so several times and in front of the AP. She also shared you bias that I went through an Accredited Certification Program (that doesn't prepare teachers well - in her opinion) instead of getting a 4-year degree in Education. I continued to have hope and tried my best using all the people and resources available. Time and effort meant nothing.
Evaluations were difficult because my appraiser was looking for things to mark against me. The mindset of the appraiser is not to find things you do well and give you a pat on the back. It's the glass is half empty way of thinking. I was rated Developing (the lowest score basically) for things like, one student didn't want to participate in a think-pair-share and I was too slow to react and get him to join in or one student wasn't clear on my instructions and so another helpful student got out of her seat to explain the objective of the assignment while I was working with a small group, BUT she didn't have permission to get up and I failed to explain and be sure that every student was paying attention.
