This year was my first year teaching. While I know it wasn't perfect, I was surprised when I was recently informed that I will not be re-employed for the next school year. The reasoning given was my classroom management. I have had three observations by the assistant principal, followed by post-conferences, and that was the main topic of discussion for improvement each time (although there were also a lot of good things). However, I don't think I was informed of the seriousness of the situation, or perhaps I was being naive. I am teaching biology (freshman) and chemistry (sophomores and juniors) and the behavioral differences are astounding. I admit that I did not start the year off as strongly as I should have from that perspective, which made getting ahead of it all the more difficult later, but I have seen some recent improvements. Unfortunately the administration hasn't seen them, or they have been "too little, too late." I was also never given any sort of improvement plan or much advice from administration on how to solve my classroom management issues. Regardless, I find myself looking for a new job for next year, and I am unsure how to best answer the inevitable question about why I need one. I have already applied for several positions and sent a follow-up email to a principal, who replied by asking me why I applied for the position at his school after one year at my "current" job. I have not yet replied as I am afraid that I will shoot myself in the foot somehow. I want to be honest, as I am sure it will come up again if I get an interview, and if he was to call my current school I don't know what they would say so I don't want to contradict that. I know I should probably focus on the positives and emphasize that it was a learning experience, but I am struggling with the wording. If anyone could help me with this I would be very appreciative as I really want to say the "right" thing!
Just research information about the school you are applying to and basically kiss butt...i.e. they have technology in the classroom, been awarded many things, test scores, programs, etc...and that you are impressed and can see yourself being a great asset to the district.
I suggest asking your current supervisor for a letter of recommendation, which will let you know what your current school is going to say. Technically, you have already been non-renewed, so not sure if asking to resign is feasible. Also, resigning avoids the terms non-renewed, but many applications specifically ask if you resigned to avoid a non-renewal, so are you comfortable lying about that? With non-renewal, you will be entitled to unemployment benefits, which can be valuable if you are paying your own way. Just a thought.
I am unsure of the difference, but I was informed that I was not non-renewed, I was just not "re-employed" and I am supposed to answer "No" if I am ever asked if I was non-renewed.
You could always say the school wasn't a 'fit' for you. If pushed for more info, you could hint at support/mentoring for new teachers, professional development opportunities. I do think that you need to do some work on the management issue before you accept another position. You were told after each observation that behaviors were an issue yet you didn't understand the 'seriousness' of the situation. Without classroom mgt, learning is compromised. What will you do differently next time you get control from day one?
Thank you for your advice, everyone. I know I have work to do in the discipline area and I feel like what I have learned this year will be helpful. I need to start the year off with clearer expectations and more consistency in managing behavior. Follow-up with effective consequences has been my weakness. In that regards, I don't feel like I was adequately prepared to handle all of the issues. Now I have a better idea of what to expect, and have this past year to reflect on to get a better start next year.
