Why My Post “When the Bully Is the Principal” Went Viral and What Needs to Happen Next

 

When I hit “publish” on my blog post “When the Bully Is the Principal,” I had no idea it would resonate the way it did.

Within hours, it was being shared across teaching groups, messaged to friends, and quietly passed along by educators who felt seen, many for the very first time. Teachers wrote to me privately. Some thanked me. Some shared that they are currently seeking therapy. Others simply said, “That’s my exact story.” Honestly, I’m still surprised at how quickly and widely it spread.

The inspiration for that post came from a personal moment. I did something deeply uncomfortable: I confronted my own principal about one of his recent actions. I approached him calmly and directly, hoping the conversation might lead to clarity or at least some reflection. What I got instead were cold stares, awkward silences, and a noticeable shift in tone from both leadership and a few who align with it. The air quickly thickened. 

Sadly, I now understand even more deeply why so many teachers stay silent. Speaking up comes with a cost and I’m choosing to pay it, because our students deserve better than silence.

Time for Accountability: Are Principals Fit to Lead?

If anything, the response to the post proved one thing loud and clear:

The Ministry of Education needs to step in.

We cannot keep placing the wellbeing of teachers, and by extension, students, into the hands of principals who are not emotionally or professionally equipped to lead.

Here’s what REALLY needs to happen:

• Principals must be regularly assessed, not just for academic performance, but for leadership conduct and emotional intelligence.

• Mental health support for administrators must be coupled with accountability. Support is important. Enabling toxic behavior is not.

• Teacher feedback must be part of the leadership review process. If a principal is building a culture of fear, teachers should be free to communicate this trend without fear of reprisal.

It’s Time for Change

The fact that “When the Bully Is the Principal” was shared so widely tells me this:
Many teachers are walking around stressed, burnt out and fearful. The source of these feelings are coming from inside the building, behind closed doors and most importantly, not the children.

We need brave conversations, yes but we also need systems in place that protect teacher wellbeing and demand professional standards from those in charge.

To every teacher who shared, commented, or said “me too”, thank you. You are not alone. You are not imagining it. And it should not be allowed to continue.

Let’s keep pushing for the kind of leadership that uplifts, not crushes the people doing the real work in our schools.