I became a principal by default, and I was, indeed, intimidating to some of the staff, and that annoyed me no end.

Does that mean that a school should refuse to participate in district-sponsored awards? I don't know. Maybe that dilemma offers a teachable moment.

Should the staff nominate one of its members annually for "best teacher" awards the Boston public schools give out? Should we nominate a student for similar recognition?

Conversations play out quite differently when they take place in the shadow of punishment.

What and how should I respond to a student who is making another child's life miserable?