Laura Dannon, an educator with experience as teacher, assistant principal, and principal, enjoys her profession. Faculty camaraderie and student/teacher busyness at her school have led her to think all is well. A sudden outburst by a new teacher causes her to reflect on what is really happening. What has changed? Have media criticism, movements against education, attacks on teacher unions, criticisms of college education teacher preparation programs, and a severe economic downturn created an environment in which she needs to rethink her priorities? How does one lead amid criticism, crisis, and disrespect? How can one be a successful leader at the micro level when the broader narrative is dominated by negativism and perceptions of failure?