Is my principal lying to me?

I’m a new teacher this year. As a student teacher (different school), I was treated very nice and the teachers were supportive. The head of the department seemed to like me. When I completed my student teaching, they told me they were moving departments and I should stay on as a sub. I said yes, thinking that this was a great opportunity to have a job in a place I love, the kids love me, and to get my foot in the door. The head of the department told me she wished the district would hire me permanently because she thought I was a great teacher. I thought all was well. <br><br>Fast forward months, I asked my principal to hire me full-time. The principal declined and said she wanted the students to have consistent teaching, and she didn’t think that I was the best choice (I was a music major, and she said she wanted someone with a strong math background because she thought the kids needed math special ed). She then said she wasn’t sure if she had told me, but she had said I wasn’t a good fit for the district. I was sad (I love the kids there and I’m pregnant and they have great benefits and pay). <br><br>I asked her the following questions: What could I do to be a better teacher? Is there additional training you could send me to? What if I got a special ed certification? She just sort of brushed me off and said maybe try the school down the street. I was sad, but figured it was time to move on. <br><br>A week later, I’m at the school subbing and the head of the department comes up to me and says “I heard that she denied your request to hire you. I’m so sorry. She said she didn’t think the district would approve it. What she really means is she wants to hire her friend instead of you. Normally, she would have recommended you for the position and they would have taken her recommendation. I’m sorry she hasn’t told you the truth.” She then apologized and told me I’m a great teacher. <br><br>I’m feeling really confused. The principal and head of the department both told me I wasn’t a good fit. My principal gave me reasons: math (I know I’m not good at math, and she’s right I would be terrible at math special ed) and wanted the kids to have a special ed teacher. The head of the department said my principal wanted her friend. <br><br>Is my principal lying to me? Is she giving me reasons that aren’t true, and she really just wants a friend? Is there a way to know?<br><br>TL;DR principal said I’m not a good fit for special ed, and that she wanted kids to have a special ed teacher. Head of department said principal wants to hire a friend instead of me.