Many teachers will be hard-pressed to remember when a principal last said a good word to them about their teaching abilities.

True, principals constantly remind us to give our students positive reinforcement, but it is rare indeed for them to set the right example with teachers.

You may find a note in your file for a perceived violation of school policy, but you will rarely find a note praising you for good work.

Some outstanding principals may be noted as exceptions to this rule. It would indeed be wrong to generalize. However, principals should be trained to encourage their teachers, instead of noting the few who instinctively act properly.