It only takes one teacher dismissal and the entire faculty is on edge. Everyone feels they have to watch their p’s and q’s or they could be the next one on the chopping block. No one likes the feeling of being watched. But as a teacher, your every move, action and even word is up for review. Additionally, it’s not always just what is observed, but what a child goes home and tells that can lead to additional reviews. And when you feel you’re being watched, how can you teach as effectively as you could normally?

There are steps you can take when you feel you might be dismissed or you feel you’re being monitored for possible action. Keep in mind, one tiny slip up is usually not going to get you fired. For the most part, it’s a multitude of these slip-ups that cause the documentation police to go into action. Every time you’re given a write-up, you need to write your point of view as a rebuttal. Always seek others who will back up your side of the story. If possible, have them put in writing what happened for you to submit with the write up. You always have the right to look at your personnel record, so if you feel you’re being railroaded into a write-up, ask to see what is being entered. In addition, wait a few weeks after the episode is over and ask again to make sure nothing additional has been added after the fact.

No matter how much you perceive that you’re disliked or targeted, the school cannot discharge you without a disciplinary meeting. You will be notified in advance so that you can begin to prepare your defense. Note, the school disciplinary board is required to assume your innocence until it’s proven otherwise, just like in the justice system. You also have the right to examine all the documents and “evidence” they are using against you. A word to the wise. Pay your union dues and stay in the teacher’s union! This way, you’ll always have someone on your side to help you fight unjust charges and to present your side of the story in case of a misunderstanding.