I don't think it has to be that drastic; there are other school districts out there. Some of us are too old for career changes, or are single and can't afford it without a second income. Contact your union; get your ducks in a row; get letters of reference from others; and SLAM the director back if you can. readkitty
The problem with that is, readkitty, is disclosure on applications. You have to reveal nonrenewals, forced resignations, terminations, resignations in lieu of dismissals, and some school districts will even ask if you have ever been disciplined or have resigned before the end of your contract. You can't win with this systemwide blackballing.
Until the disclosure questions are banned, with the sole exception of true misconduct as in criminal or improper contact with students, blackballing will continue and teachers will find another line of work.
I am in that situation now, at age 55, having been wrongfully terminated.
The only disclosures I have seen on applications have to do with criminal convictions and dismissals; if you put another believable reason for a nonrenewal or resignation (desire for sabatical; family health issues; going back to school; desire to pursue self-employment; etc.) there should not be a problem. Give it a try. readkitty
No, they say the following, in so many words: Have you ever been nonrenewed, forced to resign, resign in lieu of a dismissal, or have been terminated? You have to explain it. You can't lie your way out of it or weasel word it or risk license suspension. Dismissals don't necessarily mean wrongdoing with kids; it wasn't the case with me when an idiot principal fired me when she legally could not; it was in violation of state law and the union contract, not to mention it violated my civil rights. Now I have to sue the district.