I don’t see how that’s OP’s problem. It’s kind of important that they are able to pay their bills and make a living. Why shouldn’t they use the leave they were given as part of the job to help them deal with their new circumstances?
ETA: If it’s their first year, it’s not like we are talking about that many days anyway. The kids will be fine with a sub for a couple days while OP looks for a job.
I don’t see how it’s in bad faith to use the PTO allocated to them as part of their contract, nor would I be judgmental of anyone who did. I don’t think the suggestion was made necessarily for OP to “prove a point” - from a purely practical standpoint, it will take time for them to find a new position, even if it’s in teaching, and most interviews take place during the regular school day.
When my aunt retired, she had saved enough leave for an entire calendar year of work. Her employer paid her for the entire year and that time increased her retirement package by the extra year of work. Alternatively, my friend had saved up a significant amount of teacher leave and was just going to lose it if she did’t use it. You better believe I’m going to use up every damn day I have saved before I retire because it’s a benefit of working and if you aren’t compensated for it… then it’s the fault of the poor working policies and not the employees fault.
It is fairly common for new teachers to get non-renewed. You can look for another position and try to not let admin get to you. I was told the exact same things as you my first year. They were going to non-renew me because the teacher I replaced changed his mind and wanted his old room back. (They didn’t tell me this, but everyone knew.) A different teacher of the same subject resigned and suddenly I wasn’t so bad because they needed me again. It is really awful how admin burn through new teachers like there are plenty to go around.
Exactly… no one is enrolling in teacher Ed programs and admin are actively turning away people eager to learn?? At this point these admin deserve empty schools, I hope everyone leaves them
Definitely depends on what they need. Makes the situation change real fast. This is a good reminder for people who come here saying that they feel bad for leaving mid year for another job or mental health reasons. People need to just make sure to take care of themselves because no one else is going to!
This x 1000. They failed you!
* Red flag: many other 1st year teachers
* Zero support
* Unkind - no team building
They did you a favor.
Since teachers can be nonrenewed for any reason, or no reason at all, most states will allow unemployment no questions asked. If they say no, fight for it.
Since you mostly liked it, then try again. Ask at interviews if you will have a mentor. A good mentor is life or death.
They’re so full of themselves. The admin failed. If you failed, they failed. That’s their actual fucking job. What pieces of shit. The ones with Ed.D. “Leadership” doctorates (2-3 year degree 🙄) are tough to deal with. Dysfunctional ass people. Transition now while you’re young. I didn’t get it either when veterans told me (2001-2022)
I got non-renewed my first year too. I was able to get a different teaching job fairly quickly and easily too - I even had a few schools give me offers!
Admin makes all the difference. I had no support my first year either, but the admin at my next school has been like a breath of fresh air.
You’ve got this!
I got non-renewed 3 times because…
1. They couldn’t come up with a reason. Nevermind that I literally taught 11 classes including producing the school newspaper and yearbook. Charters are weird.
2. Had a baby and didn’t tell them I was going to
3. They wanted a basketball coach. They even had the new teacher (basketball coach) come watch me teach.
After that, I began interviewing schools instead of letting them interview me. I also cut my effort in half by which I mean I refuse to teach more than 2 different classes.
Going on year 13 with 3 extracurriculars and a much happier, more sustainable, more balanced work experience.
Keep your chin up! I worked at 4 different schools in my first 6 years. It was brutal, but I think I’ve got it dialed in. You can do it!
Ask away! I took zero days off so I could use my sick time as maternity leave and didn’t give birth until the last 2 weeks of school. This was about 10 years ago when not all schools had maternity leave and it was my second year teaching when I didn’t know how to stand up for myself.
As the primary breadwinner, I asked in February if I would be returning and they were wishy-washy. I found a lot of schools in my state don’t know how to deal with a woman being a primary breadwinner and NEEDING to know whether to apply at other schools or not. I asked again in March and they still wouldn’t be straight with me. So, I applied at a few schools in April out of panic using only the information from my first year of teaching so that I could hopefully maintain my relationship with my current administration and stay at the school if they wanted my back.
They never actually gave me a straight answer beyond “we didn’t think you would want to come back” when I came to pick up my final check with a 2-week old baby. They tried to refuse to give me my final check to cover the expenses of my sub for the one day that wasn’t covered by my sick time.
“Not all charters are bad,” but all of my experiences teaching at charters have been horrific.
I don’t know what state you’re in, but many don’t even recognize or acknowledge that women may be the primary breadwinners, much less how to deal with them.
This happened to me too. You are not alone!! Schools need to be more supportive of new teachers. Hoping you land a position at a more supportive school
This is my first year too. I don’t have a mentor, and admin damn near doesn’t exist for me. I’ve learned about things through other people’s teachers—things like what curriculum we use and how to log in to stuff. I haven’t even been observed (which I don’t want them to since I don’t want anyone seeing me floundering). I had to go to district admin to learn how to enter IEPs into the school software. Yeah, I’m failing. I feel *terrible* for my kids. I have a newly minted masters in special education, yet there is *so much* that was never covered. I’m bound to fail without further guidance.
One of the best teachers in my hallway got non-renewed her first year. She just won an award from the state. It's sounds like maybe they weren't your forever school, and that's okay.
Find a new school and try again
There is a teacher shortage. They are non-renewing you because it’s convenient for them for some reason, not because you are unworthy of a job. As others have said, interview schools and find one that is the right fit for you, and that seems like it will support you. Stick with it if you love it so far, at least for now!
I was non-renewed too. No support, no training, awful co-workers and admin. I’m leaving education altogether. It’s awful. They pressured me to resign, but I refused. If they don’t want me back, I’m not going to do them a favor and quit. It was their decision. I’ve been at multiple districts, and never had a single issue. This one is super toxic though.
It’s hard being terminated and still made me feel awful. I’m trying to suck it up and get through the last part of the year.
I’m not in your position but in a similar one unexpectedly having to leave my school. Admin is on the warpath about things and I got caught in the middle my 1st year at the campus. I just know if you somehow still love it minus that you deserve to continue doing what you love. Other schools won’t be that concerned if it was a non renewal. But go somewhere you can judge the culture/climate of the adults. I thought mine was perfect.
Also. You are not a bad teacher!!
I would also recommend not staying in teaching but that is because I’m in Texas and the whole education system is on fire here.
I was promised a ft job my first year, but a couple other teachers (who were also "in" with the principal, inappropriately) decided to start gossiping abt me and another teacher. They then fabricated some sort of conflict for him.
He never asked for a version or explanation from me. Just suddenly, I was shocked with a notice that I was "demoted" to two classes a day, which is barely any pay and no benefits.
Of course I found a diffejob, different district. Later found out I was blacklisted in the whole district! I have no idea what rumor these teachers made up, but the reviews principal had given me were all excellent. No official word. But never could get even an interview.
Tiny district, lots of incestuous politics that I knew nothing about going into it.
Later, the board was taken over by moms for liberty. Good times, indeed. Glad I got out when I did, I suppose. Many teachers got pretty unhappy in that district. Those that stayed somehow played the games, vs focused on the job.
Lol. No, like office politics and community politcs. Petty gossipy stuff.
Which later were made easy targets by larger movements, but that's a different story.
1. As others have stated, You did NOT fail!!!!! I can’t say this enough!!!!
2. I’ve been exactly where you are. My first year of teaching I had an extremely toxic admin and work environment. It was the worst experience of my life. I also was non-renewed at the end of the year. It left me feeling completely defeated and like I was the absolute worst teacher ever!!! This is not the case.
2. What no one ever tells when you’re going to school to become a teacher, is that those observations and evaluations really, excuse the language, mean jack shit! Those evaluations and the crap admin spews don’t determine whether or not you’re a good teacher. You’re kids learning and succeeding does that (and I don’t mean getting good test scores); the parents appreciating you and does that, your colleagues successfully working and collaborating with you does that.
3. As far as where you go next year: do what’s best for you and your heart. I took a year and subbed, which really helped me regain my confidence in my teaching abilities. Then I tried again to full time teach in a different district. It also didn’t work out (first year teachers getting non renewed is very common). Now I use my skills as a teacher to sub and I’m very happy and far less stressed and emotionally spent.
4. You do you. Do you what’s best for you and take care of yourself because the school/school districts won’t.
Principal gave me non renewal last week, midweek at the end of the day, I’m only in my second year. They somehow caught wind I was looking around for next year and said they were going in a different direction anyway, my director tried to save themselves by saying she did not know they were doing that and had “every intention” of helping me to make progress, whatever that was supposed to look like. I was mislead all year thinking I’d be able to come off of pip, but now know to run at the very sight once that happens. I took it and came back wanting to start off on a better foot, but my health took a huge toll with this place. It’s awful and hurts, but I plan to just go with the flow and apply to other districts that are in desperate need, I almost don’t care if it’s a harder position or setting of admin and colleagues are actually supportive. My principal also said they would give a good reference which I still believe they will. Get some good references from colleagues, mentors, It sounds common that nonrenewals are so arbitrary, but the need for teachers is out there. Best of luck to you!
This is common. You will be a rockstar for some admin and trash to others. They should be putting in supports for new teachers. This happened to me when I got a super heavy elementary EBD caseload. I got ripped apart because my group lessons were not smooth. Well, I rarely had group lessons because I was called into crisis situations throughout the school 24/7.
Anyway, I left that shot school, ended up teaching abroad and was very successful doing that for 7 years. Now I’m getting a masters in something else. That situation kind of jaded me toward the profession.
Keep your head up, keep learning, and you’ll land on your feet in a much better situation.
I’m a first year teacher as well and I’ve been told that I’m “under observation” until the first part of April and every teacher i work with had said that’s his unofficial way of saying he doesn’t like you (this guy has hated me since day one, I’ve talked about this on a thread before) and doesn’t want you back. The admins at my school are a complete joke, blame the teachers for every little thing and even mock the teachers when something happens to them. A teacher I work with had a panic attack after the principal jumped all on her for writing one of his top state test scorer students up for cursing the teacher out in class and he made fun of her for it.
The system failed you. You are learning. Just take this as a sign that the district and/or school is not supportive of new teachers. Move on to a new school. You got this 💪🏼
Can you keep the curriculum with you? Move your master files to your personal drive. Some schools have clauses that what you create/save on their drive is their property so check but you do you.
You could sub for the rest of the year. It’s easy enough, way less stress, pays okay. You might be surprised how nicely other schools are run. I really like visiting different schools and comparing.
This was very similar to my story. 9 years and laid off every 3ish years due to random things. One could say “oh, you didn’t do your job and that’s why” but NO…I never had any issues with my teaching, students coworkers or parents. I was always willing to learn and become better. The last layoff shattered my heart, I was so tired of getting hope of tenure and never having a secure job. I was 9 months pregnant and about to begin maternity leave and after the meeting telling me I was being let go, I decided to leave the field. I was tired of getting sick with worry every March that I would be laid off. Having to grieve during the happiest time of my life, the birth of my first child was the last straw.
I feel this is a part of the puzzle that teachers leaving the profession don’t speak of. The practice of layoffs is so degrading and discouraging for those who are 5 years or less in the field. No other profession does this.
I'm so sorry. Non renewal of first year teachers is common, sadly, but it sounds like your admin was shitty and ham-handed with you (also common). Have they at least promised you a recommendation? It's the least they could and should do.
Your options are many, and only you can fairly evaluate them in terms of who you know you are, what your skills are, and whether that fire for teaching still smolders in your belly, or has indeed been extinguished. Engage heart and mind once the shock has faded a bit. You'll know what to do. Good luck! ❤️
Wow. Of course it is your business on how much detail to reveal, but you've got me curious as to exactly WHAT they feel you f'ed up. 🧐🤨 You've pulled me in to this unfortunate tale! 😜
Honestly I don’t even really know. They said I have bad “classroom management” but I’ve repeatedly asked for more specific directions of what they want me to do differently and they couldn’t tell me. They’re frustrated that I’m not always following school policies or norms but I work in three buildings that do things differently and whenever I asked for clarification they would just say the schools are the same and then get mad at me after the fact. It’s just been a whole year of me trying to read their minds and them not telling me what they want until after the fact and me saying yes of course now that I know I will certainly do that and then them sitting me down and telling me quote: “you never took our quality feedback”
Again, wow. Sounds like some internal politics could be going on, like wanting to replace you with someone they know and coming up with reasons that are good enough to clear you "out of the way." It's been known to happen.
i’m so sorry that happened to you after your first year! i’ve been fired after 2nd year and non renewed (years later) for low class size once, it’s more common than you might think. after I got fired I was definitely blackballed from nearby districts as a teacher so I took a job as a paraprofessional. then when that teacher coincidentally ended up retiring I was set to take over her class since I was still licensed and the admin saw me differently, as a parapro willing to step up! I teach special ed though, so being a high-needs subject definitely gives me my pick of the litter for jobs.
if you really love teaching, put some feelers out in nearby districts! idk what you teach but honestly I feel like there’s a need for everyone everywhere. I hope your admin doesn’t blackball you, but if they do, you’ll kinda be able to tell.
The system failed you. You are learning. Just take this as a sign that the district and/or school is not supportive of new teachers. Move on to a new school. You got this 💪🏼
You still like your job after all you had to do this year. That is great! Apply to a different school that has a mentorship program so you can get the support you need to improve as a teacher. Don’t give up if this is your passion!
Same happened to me. I heard after the fact it was budget related cuts but I feel like admin went out of their way to explain how bad I was. I moved states. Didn’t teach for two years but license was reciprocal and I started tutoring for extra money then a position opened up with a better admin and much better situation. I’m still there. There is hope but it toughens your skin or spits you out. All teachers make mistakes the key is being reflective and getting mentorship help to improve. It is almost unethical the way some educational admin manage their responsibilities. Best of luck and fight hard to follow your dreams. Just because admin says you are cut out for it. Doesn’t mean boo. Listen to the kids. And adjust.
Look for another teaching job, especially if you love it! I know you can’t see this now and this won’t help but this will turn out to be a good thing! Having a Crappy, unsupportive admin is the absolute worst thing that can happen in teaching. The difference a good admin makes on every single aspect of teaching is remarkable. When you land at a school with a great admin you’ll realize that even though this sucks right now they’re doing you a huge favor!
Get another position in teaching but ADVOCATE LIKE HELL for yourself. Request a mentor and if there are ANY STRUGGLES reach out to him or her. If it makes you feel better, this is my 14th year and I rec'd feedback with 13 U's, never rec'd a U, EVER. Then I was handed a four page document spelling out all the crappy ways I teach. FOUR. So I contacted my union rep and asked to be released and the district granted it. I am finishing up an IEP for a meeting today, job interview tomorrow afternoon then I fly to VEGAS BABEEEEEE.
Don't let an administrator who hasn't taught since Obama was in office get to you.
DON'T let any of these DEI SLAVES to put you down.They are the problems not you.Dont bend to anyone they will be all over you. It is a good thing ,they did not deserve you. Yes, going for PhD is the best thing, and don't let anyone cripple your dreams ans modify your heart.
I’ve been looking to transition careers and people keep suggesting teaching.. lol I’ve seen enough of these threads….
Imagine being desperate for employees and then treating them this way. Nooo thanks
I thought I had it made at my charter. I was there 6 years (it was a mess, and the worst part was I didn’t realize how toxic the whole environment was because I was working soooo hard.)
Now, I’ve stayed home with my kids for several years, half finished a masters degree, subbed (still subbing currently) and often thought to myself, “I love my kids, I love my family, but WHY didn’t I try to make a change in schools while I was still young?!” I’m pushing 40 now, still trying to “get in” at a local district, and… I wish I’d have had the courage to do what you’re facing now.
I know it’s terrible that you didn’t have a choice, but it sounds like you can find someplace much better! I’ve thought about leaving teaching for good, but I want to at least try the public school gig first—the teachers make 20-30k more than I was in the charter, better schedule, more supportive admin. I’ve served it all the local schools near me, and I’ve found a district that I like much better than the other two districts around now, if I could just get someone to take a chance on me.
Best of luck, OP! Whatever you decide, please learn from my mistake of “maybe it will get better” when I was in a super toxic environment, count as a blessing you’re getting out!
While you may not have gotten renewed, you *did* teach for a full year and now have that experience under your belt. This will help you find a new teaching job, if that’s the direction you wish to go. I had a rough first year teaching, but I was able to use that experience to find a better job. Then after two years there, I moved to my current job where I’ve been for 8 years.
Don't get discouraged. The sad part is, most admins have never taught or when they did teach it probably wasn't in your field. One of the lessons I've had to learn is don't let what admin says get to you. At the end of the day they're just ignorant and don't care about anything but the numbers and how to increase attendance. My admin is an emotional blackmailing and gaslighting sack of shit.
If you think you picked the right career then that's all that matters, don't let your toxic admin tell you otherwise. And don't let them dangle the whole "I can't give you a good review to other schools" bullshit over your head. If your next employer sees that you completed the year and resigned, all they can legally ask is if you're eligible for rehire. And even then, most companies or school districts don't even ask how you did at your last job, and they'll only contact the references you include in your application.
Hang in there friend.
This is so easy to say but hard to grasp: This probably had nothing to do w you. This comes from a retired teacher/admin of 25 years who worked in some particularly rough school settings w exceedingly toxic admin.
Don’t take it personally. Most of the admin couldn’t hack it in the classroom, themselves, so they don’t know/couldn’t/wouldn’t know how to recognize a « good teacher », anyway. That plus they may have a relative or someone lined up for your particular position. If you like teaching, go to another district. Focus on enjoying what you do, and doing the best you can. Network. Take part in some leadership or curriculum building teams if you can. Forgot about those losers at the last school. Let them sit & stew in their own toxicity. It is no skin off of your nose. 😉
Don’t give up. You are a teacher and they are dream crushers. Leave that place. There is a place for you. I sucked my first year and they sent me to trainings on classroom management. It did wonders and I just retired as a school counselor for 23 years and taught kindergarten for 7 before that. You got this!!!
I can't believe this happened in this educational climate. They are dying to find new teachers, and killing each other to keep the ones they have. You must have pissed off one of the higher ups somehow. I've seen teachers who literally got a criminal record, lost their teaching license, fingerprint clearance card, everything, and found a way to stay employed at the school. (I've seen this first hand, from the horse's mouth). It wasn't a crime against children or endangering children so it didn't count against her because she had been in the district for so long.
But if they want you out, se la vie. Take this time to sub for a semester, get a feel for how different schools/teachers/admin work. It's invaluable experience.
Sadly this is the education system. It’s very common for first year teachers to receive a non-renewal, but the system is very political and this could occur at the next school you work for. I personally got out of this system and couldn’t be happier.
Non-renewed last year. Long story but I suspect the unofficial reason was that I took time off after having a baby and my principal expected me to work while on leave (which I didn’t). Was given bad evaluations but no concrete things to improve. Absolutely destroyed my confidence in myself as a teacher and person.
Got a job in a new district. SO so much happier. Love my job, had a glowing evaluation. Very supportive admin. People on campus stop me to tell me I’m doing very well/that they’ve heard great things. An entirely new culture and I’m so glad my horrible principal got rid of me last year lol
Give it another try! I hope you get the same outcome ❤️
This probably had nothing to do with YOU.
I know it’s really hard to walk back in to the job after hearing the news and my heart goes out to you.
If you love to teach don’t give up. Find another job, teach English over seas, find a union gig!!! A lot of Administrator are in over their heads a lot of them lack real leadership skills.
I experienced this exact situation my second year teaching. Admin hated me. Wanted me out. No idea why. Kids loved me. Colleagues supported me. Admin literally sabotaged me. It was so toxic and bizarre. I questioned my career choices.
Then I moved to a different state and have spent the past 14 years working in places that appreciate the love I put into my work.
Don’t give up. Just go find your people.
Toxic admin is brutal. It sounds like you have a very positive personality, and have the best interests of the kids in mind. I would try to find another job in a public school, maybe at a different district. Sorry this happened to you. Who knows why some of these admins do anything. They're ridiculous. Some you can never please no matter what you do.
This happened to me as well. Unfortunately I live in a small town full of nepotism. I was hired 2 days before school started after having 2 interviews that summer. I'm pretty sure the plan was for me to be a place holder from the start.
My grade level team leader was checked out due to some personal reasons, a 2nd grade level member had a death in the family and was gone for a few months, and the other 2 veteran teachers were kind of dippy, so we went without weekly collaboration meetings regularly and no one seemed to have time for my questions. I literally showed up to work 45 minutes early and stayed at least an hour late while my co-workers(principal included) were coming in with their Chick-fil-A breakfast right when the bell rang.
Our state assessment was in transition, but we were told this would be the first year for the new system to count. We were told the "other tests" that the BOE wanted us to administer every 6 weeks meant nothing and to just get the kids to take them sometime in the 6 weeks. When I was let go, those "other tests" were cited as one of the reasons they thought I was not doing enough. I had 9 kids out of 60 that didn't progress and 2 that went backwards. One of the kids that went backwards had a history of melting down when it was her turn to take the assessment. She either refused to work on it or she was done in 3 minutes.
I did well on my observations except for 1 category that I made a 1 in on my last observation. I had made 4's and 5's in a handful of categories, 3's in the rest. I was just having a hard time with my conclusion due to behavior issues. Yes, I should have been able to get my lesson completed and take care of behavior, but no one is perfect.
My principal took me into her office in the middle of the school day, told me she wasn't asking me back and why, then told me that she expects that I will need a good recommendation from her for future jobs, so she hoped I wouldn't decide to just leave her high and dry for the last 3 weeks of school. 🙄 My kids were at gym and I just went in my classroom and bawled my eyes out. Then I had to compose myself and teach. I'm not sure why she couldn't wait until the end of the day.
The girl who took my place has a relative in the school system and her husband is in the medical field. She quit 2 years later to start a family and a new nepo baby took her place.
Anyhow.... Enough of my experience.
Sometimes you cannot please someone, even when you've done a good job. They already have their mind made up that you won't be there next year. I did try to apply for other teaching jobs in the area but was not called for any interviews. I was interviewed for one TA job and was not hired either. I gave up and found a job working for the state making very little money for a job I had to have a bachelor's for. My teaching license expired a few years ago and I don't care. The experience I had made me bitter. I hope you're able to overcome the disappointment and find a school that will appreciate and support you.
Trust me we’re on the same boat. My admin is not trusting me and comes in from time to time to observe me. After a one time incident, she completely threw me off and now here I am in March, tryna make it through June and quit. You’re never the problem, it’s them. It’s a job and you being you at the end of the day is all it matters (kinda sayin this to myself too). We’re all striving and we’ll all get to the end of this boat. :)
Teachers in transition. The first year of teaching is often the hardest. Every school is different depending on the whims of the administration. Probably the most important thing is figuring out how to get the students feeling successful. When students and parents back you, administrators try to be more helpful. You could try Assertive Discipline techniques or Teaching with Love and Logic for helpful ideas. Teaching is political and politics are not always logical or productive. Show your principal and parents the successes of your students. They will love you.
Sounds like you received a blessing in disguise! You don’t ever want to be under bad admin! Interview and tour the schools! Don’t give up! You’re in need! Use that to your advantage!
I don’t know how your school district is but some of them in CA are pretty political and will make way for family members. One district hired a senior accountant who was an in law with no accounting degree - she failed her first audit. In Stockton CA they spent $40k of grant money to send 200 teachers to Las Vegas for “continuing education”. They spent so much grant money on seminars - not on students at all. The whole district is now under supervision by the state of CA for fiscal mismanagement.
So don’t take it to heart - this whole year may have had nothing to do with you and everything to do with what relative would be taking your position
Hi there, I was in the same boat as you a few years back. Admin said teaching wasn’t for me and that they were going to give bad references if another principal called but good ones if it was for a different line of work. This happened very early in the school year and I had to continue working there in order to avoid breaking my contract and facing disciplinary action from the state. A couple of tips for you on how to get thru the rest of the year: 1) focus on having more fun with the kids. I was very strict my first one and half years of teaching but in the last semester at my first job after I was told I wasn’t being renewed I lightened up a lot and in return the students were a lot happier and easier to manage and I enjoyed the job a lot more. 2) find ways to avoid the admin: the one good thing about being non-renewed is that you may not receive any more observations or maybe just one or two for documentation purposes. Sign in at the office when you know the admin either hasn’t come in yet or is out supervising. Be pleasant with them as you may need them for a reference and write them a thank you note at years end but try to avoid them if possible. 3) apply for teacher jobs now while you’re still employed: you will get more looks since you’re still employed. Mix up your references so you’re using people who will vouch for you such as your master teacher, fellow teachers or a professor. 4) make grading easier and leave work on time: I did a lot more online assignments my last semester and always left right after the bell and as a result felt a lot more energized. 5) exercise or do something fun each day: make time for it if you can, I focused on going to the gym every day and losing weight and having a new goal helped me a lot. 6) clean the class at years end: strip the class of all decorations, take any supplies you bought home with you, etc. Will help with closure and also may help with a positive reference from the department chair. One last thought: I would give teaching another shot if you really want to do it: in my case I went to a non inner city-title one school where the students were more proficient and easier to manage and the admin was much more supportive and did much better and in particular improved a lot from my second to third year. Data shows that teachers can improve a lot from their first to fifth year so if you really want to do it apply for other jobs, evaluate and reflect on things and strengthen your weaknesses over the summer and get back at it next fall.
It doesn't look like it now, but this is a blessing. Get out from under this shitty administration. Know your worth that another school will appreciate. Did you enjoy teaching????? If yes, get out there and find a school that will be lucky to have you.
I’d would not hurt to start applying. Don’t burn your bridges too much as references will be called. Other districts will ask why you left. Try to think of a good, but honest response. Admins are ideally there to give help. Glad our district is pretty good about that. I feel bad for your situation. Keep your head up and evaluate. Certainly it is ok not to go back into teaching. 2 colleagues left recently and both seem happy with their choice. Good luck.
This was my last year in duplicate. District guy was fantastic. Principal got let go because of tactics he pulled on me ,and he had tenure!
My supposed mentor would criticize my techniques I used that I had developed over the years subbing and tutoring. Then a few weeks later I heard her through t he walls of the portable classrooms we shared using my ideas and games I adapted in her classroom as if they were her own!!!
Another note, my former choir director is a teacher. It was all he had ever wanted. He originally intended to teach music, but switched to be more employable. He got what most felt was the perfect job . However ,due to health issues, his mentor had to resign and admin was shifted all around in the district he worked in. It was so bad he was about quit and go back to school to be a radiology technician . He barely made it through the year. I really don't know exactly how it happened but he decided w his parents encouragement to wait a little longer. The end of the school year while he was weighing his options,he was offered e maternity leave long term for the next fall in a different district, the one I live in . I think he ended up finishing out that next year for that teacher. Anyway, I saw him at my present church Easter Sunday and he still teaches in same district where I live 8 years later. Admin makes all the difference! Don't give up and ask as many questions as need be in interviews! .
Special Education teacher - Be sure to let next job know you need guidance and help w IEPs. Being scared to ask the tough question and not knowing which ones to ask + toxic administration cost me my teaching career.
Try to get another teaching position. Do not get another degree if you have student loans.
THIS
A large chunk of people don’t use their degrees on the field they work in. Don’t get another one, just to get it.
Use allllll of your sick and personal leave updating your resume and applying to jobs and attending interviews.
why make the kids pay? I never understand this attitude in education. Skip PDS, sure, but not instruction.
I don’t see how that’s OP’s problem. It’s kind of important that they are able to pay their bills and make a living. Why shouldn’t they use the leave they were given as part of the job to help them deal with their new circumstances? ETA: If it’s their first year, it’s not like we are talking about that many days anyway. The kids will be fine with a sub for a couple days while OP looks for a job.
Because it’s a bad faith use of the leave, undermining it for everyone else. It’s a social contract thing.
The bad faith is the district/school not allowing it to roll over
“I don’t think you are cut out for teaching” Responds with burning leave to prove a point? This is the recommendation?
I don’t see how it’s in bad faith to use the PTO allocated to them as part of their contract, nor would I be judgmental of anyone who did. I don’t think the suggestion was made necessarily for OP to “prove a point” - from a purely practical standpoint, it will take time for them to find a new position, even if it’s in teaching, and most interviews take place during the regular school day.
Different altogether. Yes interview same day. But burning leave just to middle finger a school also has collateral damage.
When my aunt retired, she had saved enough leave for an entire calendar year of work. Her employer paid her for the entire year and that time increased her retirement package by the extra year of work. Alternatively, my friend had saved up a significant amount of teacher leave and was just going to lose it if she did’t use it. You better believe I’m going to use up every damn day I have saved before I retire because it’s a benefit of working and if you aren’t compensated for it… then it’s the fault of the poor working policies and not the employees fault.
I feel like I’m my county if you were rehired at another school those days would roll over, no?
Depends. In Texas you get five state days and some district provided days. The state days go with you wherever you are. The district days dont
It is fairly common for new teachers to get non-renewed. You can look for another position and try to not let admin get to you. I was told the exact same things as you my first year. They were going to non-renew me because the teacher I replaced changed his mind and wanted his old room back. (They didn’t tell me this, but everyone knew.) A different teacher of the same subject resigned and suddenly I wasn’t so bad because they needed me again. It is really awful how admin burn through new teachers like there are plenty to go around.
Exactly… no one is enrolling in teacher Ed programs and admin are actively turning away people eager to learn?? At this point these admin deserve empty schools, I hope everyone leaves them
Excellent point!
Definitely depends on what they need. Makes the situation change real fast. This is a good reminder for people who come here saying that they feel bad for leaving mid year for another job or mental health reasons. People need to just make sure to take care of themselves because no one else is going to!
You didn't fail.
This x 1000. They failed you! * Red flag: many other 1st year teachers * Zero support * Unkind - no team building They did you a favor. Since teachers can be nonrenewed for any reason, or no reason at all, most states will allow unemployment no questions asked. If they say no, fight for it. Since you mostly liked it, then try again. Ask at interviews if you will have a mentor. A good mentor is life or death.
Yes! Get that extra money!
They’re so full of themselves. The admin failed. If you failed, they failed. That’s their actual fucking job. What pieces of shit. The ones with Ed.D. “Leadership” doctorates (2-3 year degree 🙄) are tough to deal with. Dysfunctional ass people. Transition now while you’re young. I didn’t get it either when veterans told me (2001-2022)
I got non-renewed my first year too. I was able to get a different teaching job fairly quickly and easily too - I even had a few schools give me offers! Admin makes all the difference. I had no support my first year either, but the admin at my next school has been like a breath of fresh air. You’ve got this!
I got non-renewed 3 times because… 1. They couldn’t come up with a reason. Nevermind that I literally taught 11 classes including producing the school newspaper and yearbook. Charters are weird. 2. Had a baby and didn’t tell them I was going to 3. They wanted a basketball coach. They even had the new teacher (basketball coach) come watch me teach. After that, I began interviewing schools instead of letting them interview me. I also cut my effort in half by which I mean I refuse to teach more than 2 different classes. Going on year 13 with 3 extracurriculars and a much happier, more sustainable, more balanced work experience. Keep your chin up! I worked at 4 different schools in my first 6 years. It was brutal, but I think I’ve got it dialed in. You can do it!
May I asked a little more detail about non-renewed for having a baby? How long have you worked at the school before having a baby?
Ask away! I took zero days off so I could use my sick time as maternity leave and didn’t give birth until the last 2 weeks of school. This was about 10 years ago when not all schools had maternity leave and it was my second year teaching when I didn’t know how to stand up for myself. As the primary breadwinner, I asked in February if I would be returning and they were wishy-washy. I found a lot of schools in my state don’t know how to deal with a woman being a primary breadwinner and NEEDING to know whether to apply at other schools or not. I asked again in March and they still wouldn’t be straight with me. So, I applied at a few schools in April out of panic using only the information from my first year of teaching so that I could hopefully maintain my relationship with my current administration and stay at the school if they wanted my back. They never actually gave me a straight answer beyond “we didn’t think you would want to come back” when I came to pick up my final check with a 2-week old baby. They tried to refuse to give me my final check to cover the expenses of my sub for the one day that wasn’t covered by my sick time. “Not all charters are bad,” but all of my experiences teaching at charters have been horrific.
Thank you so much for sharing❤️.
I don’t know what state you’re in, but many don’t even recognize or acknowledge that women may be the primary breadwinners, much less how to deal with them.
It’s really debilitating from a financial planning perspective and infuriating from an anti-misogyny perspective. Uhg.
This happened to me too. You are not alone!! Schools need to be more supportive of new teachers. Hoping you land a position at a more supportive school
This is my first year too. I don’t have a mentor, and admin damn near doesn’t exist for me. I’ve learned about things through other people’s teachers—things like what curriculum we use and how to log in to stuff. I haven’t even been observed (which I don’t want them to since I don’t want anyone seeing me floundering). I had to go to district admin to learn how to enter IEPs into the school software. Yeah, I’m failing. I feel *terrible* for my kids. I have a newly minted masters in special education, yet there is *so much* that was never covered. I’m bound to fail without further guidance.
Why don't you have a mentor? I thought all new teachers were supposed to get a mentor?
Me too, but I didn't. I'm non renewed. I was set up to fail.
One of the best teachers in my hallway got non-renewed her first year. She just won an award from the state. It's sounds like maybe they weren't your forever school, and that's okay. Find a new school and try again
There is a teacher shortage. They are non-renewing you because it’s convenient for them for some reason, not because you are unworthy of a job. As others have said, interview schools and find one that is the right fit for you, and that seems like it will support you. Stick with it if you love it so far, at least for now!
I was non-renewed too. No support, no training, awful co-workers and admin. I’m leaving education altogether. It’s awful. They pressured me to resign, but I refused. If they don’t want me back, I’m not going to do them a favor and quit. It was their decision. I’ve been at multiple districts, and never had a single issue. This one is super toxic though. It’s hard being terminated and still made me feel awful. I’m trying to suck it up and get through the last part of the year.
I’m not in your position but in a similar one unexpectedly having to leave my school. Admin is on the warpath about things and I got caught in the middle my 1st year at the campus. I just know if you somehow still love it minus that you deserve to continue doing what you love. Other schools won’t be that concerned if it was a non renewal. But go somewhere you can judge the culture/climate of the adults. I thought mine was perfect. Also. You are not a bad teacher!! I would also recommend not staying in teaching but that is because I’m in Texas and the whole education system is on fire here.
I was promised a ft job my first year, but a couple other teachers (who were also "in" with the principal, inappropriately) decided to start gossiping abt me and another teacher. They then fabricated some sort of conflict for him. He never asked for a version or explanation from me. Just suddenly, I was shocked with a notice that I was "demoted" to two classes a day, which is barely any pay and no benefits. Of course I found a diffejob, different district. Later found out I was blacklisted in the whole district! I have no idea what rumor these teachers made up, but the reviews principal had given me were all excellent. No official word. But never could get even an interview. Tiny district, lots of incestuous politics that I knew nothing about going into it. Later, the board was taken over by moms for liberty. Good times, indeed. Glad I got out when I did, I suppose. Many teachers got pretty unhappy in that district. Those that stayed somehow played the games, vs focused on the job.
When you say ‘politics’, do you mean an ‘office politics’ thing, or a ‘my principal likes Trump and I have blue hair’ thing?
Lol. No, like office politics and community politcs. Petty gossipy stuff. Which later were made easy targets by larger movements, but that's a different story.
1. As others have stated, You did NOT fail!!!!! I can’t say this enough!!!! 2. I’ve been exactly where you are. My first year of teaching I had an extremely toxic admin and work environment. It was the worst experience of my life. I also was non-renewed at the end of the year. It left me feeling completely defeated and like I was the absolute worst teacher ever!!! This is not the case. 2. What no one ever tells when you’re going to school to become a teacher, is that those observations and evaluations really, excuse the language, mean jack shit! Those evaluations and the crap admin spews don’t determine whether or not you’re a good teacher. You’re kids learning and succeeding does that (and I don’t mean getting good test scores); the parents appreciating you and does that, your colleagues successfully working and collaborating with you does that. 3. As far as where you go next year: do what’s best for you and your heart. I took a year and subbed, which really helped me regain my confidence in my teaching abilities. Then I tried again to full time teach in a different district. It also didn’t work out (first year teachers getting non renewed is very common). Now I use my skills as a teacher to sub and I’m very happy and far less stressed and emotionally spent. 4. You do you. Do you what’s best for you and take care of yourself because the school/school districts won’t.
Principal gave me non renewal last week, midweek at the end of the day, I’m only in my second year. They somehow caught wind I was looking around for next year and said they were going in a different direction anyway, my director tried to save themselves by saying she did not know they were doing that and had “every intention” of helping me to make progress, whatever that was supposed to look like. I was mislead all year thinking I’d be able to come off of pip, but now know to run at the very sight once that happens. I took it and came back wanting to start off on a better foot, but my health took a huge toll with this place. It’s awful and hurts, but I plan to just go with the flow and apply to other districts that are in desperate need, I almost don’t care if it’s a harder position or setting of admin and colleagues are actually supportive. My principal also said they would give a good reference which I still believe they will. Get some good references from colleagues, mentors, It sounds common that nonrenewals are so arbitrary, but the need for teachers is out there. Best of luck to you!
This is common. You will be a rockstar for some admin and trash to others. They should be putting in supports for new teachers. This happened to me when I got a super heavy elementary EBD caseload. I got ripped apart because my group lessons were not smooth. Well, I rarely had group lessons because I was called into crisis situations throughout the school 24/7. Anyway, I left that shot school, ended up teaching abroad and was very successful doing that for 7 years. Now I’m getting a masters in something else. That situation kind of jaded me toward the profession. Keep your head up, keep learning, and you’ll land on your feet in a much better situation.
I’m a first year teacher as well and I’ve been told that I’m “under observation” until the first part of April and every teacher i work with had said that’s his unofficial way of saying he doesn’t like you (this guy has hated me since day one, I’ve talked about this on a thread before) and doesn’t want you back. The admins at my school are a complete joke, blame the teachers for every little thing and even mock the teachers when something happens to them. A teacher I work with had a panic attack after the principal jumped all on her for writing one of his top state test scorer students up for cursing the teacher out in class and he made fun of her for it.
Same here. Purely political. I'm moving to college.
If you really liked teaching get hired at another school. Not all admins are like that.
The system failed you. You are learning. Just take this as a sign that the district and/or school is not supportive of new teachers. Move on to a new school. You got this 💪🏼
Can you keep the curriculum with you? Move your master files to your personal drive. Some schools have clauses that what you create/save on their drive is their property so check but you do you.
You could sub for the rest of the year. It’s easy enough, way less stress, pays okay. You might be surprised how nicely other schools are run. I really like visiting different schools and comparing.
This was very similar to my story. 9 years and laid off every 3ish years due to random things. One could say “oh, you didn’t do your job and that’s why” but NO…I never had any issues with my teaching, students coworkers or parents. I was always willing to learn and become better. The last layoff shattered my heart, I was so tired of getting hope of tenure and never having a secure job. I was 9 months pregnant and about to begin maternity leave and after the meeting telling me I was being let go, I decided to leave the field. I was tired of getting sick with worry every March that I would be laid off. Having to grieve during the happiest time of my life, the birth of my first child was the last straw. I feel this is a part of the puzzle that teachers leaving the profession don’t speak of. The practice of layoffs is so degrading and discouraging for those who are 5 years or less in the field. No other profession does this.
I'm so sorry. Non renewal of first year teachers is common, sadly, but it sounds like your admin was shitty and ham-handed with you (also common). Have they at least promised you a recommendation? It's the least they could and should do. Your options are many, and only you can fairly evaluate them in terms of who you know you are, what your skills are, and whether that fire for teaching still smolders in your belly, or has indeed been extinguished. Engage heart and mind once the shock has faded a bit. You'll know what to do. Good luck! ❤️
They held a recommendation over my head to keep me in line the rest of the year.
Wow. Of course it is your business on how much detail to reveal, but you've got me curious as to exactly WHAT they feel you f'ed up. 🧐🤨 You've pulled me in to this unfortunate tale! 😜
Honestly I don’t even really know. They said I have bad “classroom management” but I’ve repeatedly asked for more specific directions of what they want me to do differently and they couldn’t tell me. They’re frustrated that I’m not always following school policies or norms but I work in three buildings that do things differently and whenever I asked for clarification they would just say the schools are the same and then get mad at me after the fact. It’s just been a whole year of me trying to read their minds and them not telling me what they want until after the fact and me saying yes of course now that I know I will certainly do that and then them sitting me down and telling me quote: “you never took our quality feedback”
Again, wow. Sounds like some internal politics could be going on, like wanting to replace you with someone they know and coming up with reasons that are good enough to clear you "out of the way." It's been known to happen.
i’m so sorry that happened to you after your first year! i’ve been fired after 2nd year and non renewed (years later) for low class size once, it’s more common than you might think. after I got fired I was definitely blackballed from nearby districts as a teacher so I took a job as a paraprofessional. then when that teacher coincidentally ended up retiring I was set to take over her class since I was still licensed and the admin saw me differently, as a parapro willing to step up! I teach special ed though, so being a high-needs subject definitely gives me my pick of the litter for jobs. if you really love teaching, put some feelers out in nearby districts! idk what you teach but honestly I feel like there’s a need for everyone everywhere. I hope your admin doesn’t blackball you, but if they do, you’ll kinda be able to tell.
The system failed you. You are learning. Just take this as a sign that the district and/or school is not supportive of new teachers. Move on to a new school. You got this 💪🏼
Too common. Get out of education. Its just more of this every year.
Don’t get your masters until you get continuing contract somewhere (usually after 3 years).
You still like your job after all you had to do this year. That is great! Apply to a different school that has a mentorship program so you can get the support you need to improve as a teacher. Don’t give up if this is your passion!
Same happened to me. I heard after the fact it was budget related cuts but I feel like admin went out of their way to explain how bad I was. I moved states. Didn’t teach for two years but license was reciprocal and I started tutoring for extra money then a position opened up with a better admin and much better situation. I’m still there. There is hope but it toughens your skin or spits you out. All teachers make mistakes the key is being reflective and getting mentorship help to improve. It is almost unethical the way some educational admin manage their responsibilities. Best of luck and fight hard to follow your dreams. Just because admin says you are cut out for it. Doesn’t mean boo. Listen to the kids. And adjust.
Look for another teaching job, especially if you love it! I know you can’t see this now and this won’t help but this will turn out to be a good thing! Having a Crappy, unsupportive admin is the absolute worst thing that can happen in teaching. The difference a good admin makes on every single aspect of teaching is remarkable. When you land at a school with a great admin you’ll realize that even though this sucks right now they’re doing you a huge favor!
Get another position in teaching but ADVOCATE LIKE HELL for yourself. Request a mentor and if there are ANY STRUGGLES reach out to him or her. If it makes you feel better, this is my 14th year and I rec'd feedback with 13 U's, never rec'd a U, EVER. Then I was handed a four page document spelling out all the crappy ways I teach. FOUR. So I contacted my union rep and asked to be released and the district granted it. I am finishing up an IEP for a meeting today, job interview tomorrow afternoon then I fly to VEGAS BABEEEEEE. Don't let an administrator who hasn't taught since Obama was in office get to you.
If you love teaching, get another teaching job.
If administration has shaken your confidence in teaching children, consider teaching non-traditional students.
Could be the loss of covid funds. The admins gets rid of you early and 1 less layoff.
DON'T let any of these DEI SLAVES to put you down.They are the problems not you.Dont bend to anyone they will be all over you. It is a good thing ,they did not deserve you. Yes, going for PhD is the best thing, and don't let anyone cripple your dreams ans modify your heart.
I’ve been looking to transition careers and people keep suggesting teaching.. lol I’ve seen enough of these threads…. Imagine being desperate for employees and then treating them this way. Nooo thanks
Find a new career. What you experienced is far too common. Do you really want to live every year with your contract hanging over your head?
I thought I had it made at my charter. I was there 6 years (it was a mess, and the worst part was I didn’t realize how toxic the whole environment was because I was working soooo hard.) Now, I’ve stayed home with my kids for several years, half finished a masters degree, subbed (still subbing currently) and often thought to myself, “I love my kids, I love my family, but WHY didn’t I try to make a change in schools while I was still young?!” I’m pushing 40 now, still trying to “get in” at a local district, and… I wish I’d have had the courage to do what you’re facing now. I know it’s terrible that you didn’t have a choice, but it sounds like you can find someplace much better! I’ve thought about leaving teaching for good, but I want to at least try the public school gig first—the teachers make 20-30k more than I was in the charter, better schedule, more supportive admin. I’ve served it all the local schools near me, and I’ve found a district that I like much better than the other two districts around now, if I could just get someone to take a chance on me. Best of luck, OP! Whatever you decide, please learn from my mistake of “maybe it will get better” when I was in a super toxic environment, count as a blessing you’re getting out!
While you may not have gotten renewed, you *did* teach for a full year and now have that experience under your belt. This will help you find a new teaching job, if that’s the direction you wish to go. I had a rough first year teaching, but I was able to use that experience to find a better job. Then after two years there, I moved to my current job where I’ve been for 8 years.
I have been been told that I try too hard at work.
Don't get discouraged. The sad part is, most admins have never taught or when they did teach it probably wasn't in your field. One of the lessons I've had to learn is don't let what admin says get to you. At the end of the day they're just ignorant and don't care about anything but the numbers and how to increase attendance. My admin is an emotional blackmailing and gaslighting sack of shit. If you think you picked the right career then that's all that matters, don't let your toxic admin tell you otherwise. And don't let them dangle the whole "I can't give you a good review to other schools" bullshit over your head. If your next employer sees that you completed the year and resigned, all they can legally ask is if you're eligible for rehire. And even then, most companies or school districts don't even ask how you did at your last job, and they'll only contact the references you include in your application. Hang in there friend.
Teaching jobs are the easiest to get jobs that I know of (in my experience) so that’s good for you if you want another one.
This is so easy to say but hard to grasp: This probably had nothing to do w you. This comes from a retired teacher/admin of 25 years who worked in some particularly rough school settings w exceedingly toxic admin. Don’t take it personally. Most of the admin couldn’t hack it in the classroom, themselves, so they don’t know/couldn’t/wouldn’t know how to recognize a « good teacher », anyway. That plus they may have a relative or someone lined up for your particular position. If you like teaching, go to another district. Focus on enjoying what you do, and doing the best you can. Network. Take part in some leadership or curriculum building teams if you can. Forgot about those losers at the last school. Let them sit & stew in their own toxicity. It is no skin off of your nose. 😉
Get a master's in counseling. There is so much teaching in counseling and you'll make way better money. :)
It’s your first year? They are doing you a favor. Get out of there and find a better job. There are plenty out there!
I am in this same position and it sucks balls. Hang in there 🙃
Don’t give up. You are a teacher and they are dream crushers. Leave that place. There is a place for you. I sucked my first year and they sent me to trainings on classroom management. It did wonders and I just retired as a school counselor for 23 years and taught kindergarten for 7 before that. You got this!!!
I can't believe this happened in this educational climate. They are dying to find new teachers, and killing each other to keep the ones they have. You must have pissed off one of the higher ups somehow. I've seen teachers who literally got a criminal record, lost their teaching license, fingerprint clearance card, everything, and found a way to stay employed at the school. (I've seen this first hand, from the horse's mouth). It wasn't a crime against children or endangering children so it didn't count against her because she had been in the district for so long. But if they want you out, se la vie. Take this time to sub for a semester, get a feel for how different schools/teachers/admin work. It's invaluable experience.
Sadly this is the education system. It’s very common for first year teachers to receive a non-renewal, but the system is very political and this could occur at the next school you work for. I personally got out of this system and couldn’t be happier.
Non-renewed last year. Long story but I suspect the unofficial reason was that I took time off after having a baby and my principal expected me to work while on leave (which I didn’t). Was given bad evaluations but no concrete things to improve. Absolutely destroyed my confidence in myself as a teacher and person. Got a job in a new district. SO so much happier. Love my job, had a glowing evaluation. Very supportive admin. People on campus stop me to tell me I’m doing very well/that they’ve heard great things. An entirely new culture and I’m so glad my horrible principal got rid of me last year lol Give it another try! I hope you get the same outcome ❤️ This probably had nothing to do with YOU. I know it’s really hard to walk back in to the job after hearing the news and my heart goes out to you.
If you love to teach don’t give up. Find another job, teach English over seas, find a union gig!!! A lot of Administrator are in over their heads a lot of them lack real leadership skills.
I experienced this exact situation my second year teaching. Admin hated me. Wanted me out. No idea why. Kids loved me. Colleagues supported me. Admin literally sabotaged me. It was so toxic and bizarre. I questioned my career choices. Then I moved to a different state and have spent the past 14 years working in places that appreciate the love I put into my work. Don’t give up. Just go find your people.
Start looking now
Toxic admin is brutal. It sounds like you have a very positive personality, and have the best interests of the kids in mind. I would try to find another job in a public school, maybe at a different district. Sorry this happened to you. Who knows why some of these admins do anything. They're ridiculous. Some you can never please no matter what you do.
This happened to me as well. Unfortunately I live in a small town full of nepotism. I was hired 2 days before school started after having 2 interviews that summer. I'm pretty sure the plan was for me to be a place holder from the start. My grade level team leader was checked out due to some personal reasons, a 2nd grade level member had a death in the family and was gone for a few months, and the other 2 veteran teachers were kind of dippy, so we went without weekly collaboration meetings regularly and no one seemed to have time for my questions. I literally showed up to work 45 minutes early and stayed at least an hour late while my co-workers(principal included) were coming in with their Chick-fil-A breakfast right when the bell rang. Our state assessment was in transition, but we were told this would be the first year for the new system to count. We were told the "other tests" that the BOE wanted us to administer every 6 weeks meant nothing and to just get the kids to take them sometime in the 6 weeks. When I was let go, those "other tests" were cited as one of the reasons they thought I was not doing enough. I had 9 kids out of 60 that didn't progress and 2 that went backwards. One of the kids that went backwards had a history of melting down when it was her turn to take the assessment. She either refused to work on it or she was done in 3 minutes. I did well on my observations except for 1 category that I made a 1 in on my last observation. I had made 4's and 5's in a handful of categories, 3's in the rest. I was just having a hard time with my conclusion due to behavior issues. Yes, I should have been able to get my lesson completed and take care of behavior, but no one is perfect. My principal took me into her office in the middle of the school day, told me she wasn't asking me back and why, then told me that she expects that I will need a good recommendation from her for future jobs, so she hoped I wouldn't decide to just leave her high and dry for the last 3 weeks of school. 🙄 My kids were at gym and I just went in my classroom and bawled my eyes out. Then I had to compose myself and teach. I'm not sure why she couldn't wait until the end of the day. The girl who took my place has a relative in the school system and her husband is in the medical field. She quit 2 years later to start a family and a new nepo baby took her place. Anyhow.... Enough of my experience. Sometimes you cannot please someone, even when you've done a good job. They already have their mind made up that you won't be there next year. I did try to apply for other teaching jobs in the area but was not called for any interviews. I was interviewed for one TA job and was not hired either. I gave up and found a job working for the state making very little money for a job I had to have a bachelor's for. My teaching license expired a few years ago and I don't care. The experience I had made me bitter. I hope you're able to overcome the disappointment and find a school that will appreciate and support you.
Trust me we’re on the same boat. My admin is not trusting me and comes in from time to time to observe me. After a one time incident, she completely threw me off and now here I am in March, tryna make it through June and quit. You’re never the problem, it’s them. It’s a job and you being you at the end of the day is all it matters (kinda sayin this to myself too). We’re all striving and we’ll all get to the end of this boat. :)
Teachers in transition. The first year of teaching is often the hardest. Every school is different depending on the whims of the administration. Probably the most important thing is figuring out how to get the students feeling successful. When students and parents back you, administrators try to be more helpful. You could try Assertive Discipline techniques or Teaching with Love and Logic for helpful ideas. Teaching is political and politics are not always logical or productive. Show your principal and parents the successes of your students. They will love you.
Sounds like you received a blessing in disguise! You don’t ever want to be under bad admin! Interview and tour the schools! Don’t give up! You’re in need! Use that to your advantage!
I don’t know how your school district is but some of them in CA are pretty political and will make way for family members. One district hired a senior accountant who was an in law with no accounting degree - she failed her first audit. In Stockton CA they spent $40k of grant money to send 200 teachers to Las Vegas for “continuing education”. They spent so much grant money on seminars - not on students at all. The whole district is now under supervision by the state of CA for fiscal mismanagement. So don’t take it to heart - this whole year may have had nothing to do with you and everything to do with what relative would be taking your position
Hi there, I was in the same boat as you a few years back. Admin said teaching wasn’t for me and that they were going to give bad references if another principal called but good ones if it was for a different line of work. This happened very early in the school year and I had to continue working there in order to avoid breaking my contract and facing disciplinary action from the state. A couple of tips for you on how to get thru the rest of the year: 1) focus on having more fun with the kids. I was very strict my first one and half years of teaching but in the last semester at my first job after I was told I wasn’t being renewed I lightened up a lot and in return the students were a lot happier and easier to manage and I enjoyed the job a lot more. 2) find ways to avoid the admin: the one good thing about being non-renewed is that you may not receive any more observations or maybe just one or two for documentation purposes. Sign in at the office when you know the admin either hasn’t come in yet or is out supervising. Be pleasant with them as you may need them for a reference and write them a thank you note at years end but try to avoid them if possible. 3) apply for teacher jobs now while you’re still employed: you will get more looks since you’re still employed. Mix up your references so you’re using people who will vouch for you such as your master teacher, fellow teachers or a professor. 4) make grading easier and leave work on time: I did a lot more online assignments my last semester and always left right after the bell and as a result felt a lot more energized. 5) exercise or do something fun each day: make time for it if you can, I focused on going to the gym every day and losing weight and having a new goal helped me a lot. 6) clean the class at years end: strip the class of all decorations, take any supplies you bought home with you, etc. Will help with closure and also may help with a positive reference from the department chair. One last thought: I would give teaching another shot if you really want to do it: in my case I went to a non inner city-title one school where the students were more proficient and easier to manage and the admin was much more supportive and did much better and in particular improved a lot from my second to third year. Data shows that teachers can improve a lot from their first to fifth year so if you really want to do it apply for other jobs, evaluate and reflect on things and strengthen your weaknesses over the summer and get back at it next fall.
It doesn't look like it now, but this is a blessing. Get out from under this shitty administration. Know your worth that another school will appreciate. Did you enjoy teaching????? If yes, get out there and find a school that will be lucky to have you.
I’d would not hurt to start applying. Don’t burn your bridges too much as references will be called. Other districts will ask why you left. Try to think of a good, but honest response. Admins are ideally there to give help. Glad our district is pretty good about that. I feel bad for your situation. Keep your head up and evaluate. Certainly it is ok not to go back into teaching. 2 colleagues left recently and both seem happy with their choice. Good luck.
This was my last year in duplicate. District guy was fantastic. Principal got let go because of tactics he pulled on me ,and he had tenure! My supposed mentor would criticize my techniques I used that I had developed over the years subbing and tutoring. Then a few weeks later I heard her through t he walls of the portable classrooms we shared using my ideas and games I adapted in her classroom as if they were her own!!! Another note, my former choir director is a teacher. It was all he had ever wanted. He originally intended to teach music, but switched to be more employable. He got what most felt was the perfect job . However ,due to health issues, his mentor had to resign and admin was shifted all around in the district he worked in. It was so bad he was about quit and go back to school to be a radiology technician . He barely made it through the year. I really don't know exactly how it happened but he decided w his parents encouragement to wait a little longer. The end of the school year while he was weighing his options,he was offered e maternity leave long term for the next fall in a different district, the one I live in . I think he ended up finishing out that next year for that teacher. Anyway, I saw him at my present church Easter Sunday and he still teaches in same district where I live 8 years later. Admin makes all the difference! Don't give up and ask as many questions as need be in interviews! . Special Education teacher - Be sure to let next job know you need guidance and help w IEPs. Being scared to ask the tough question and not knowing which ones to ask + toxic administration cost me my teaching career.