There has been little research regarding adverse employment actions against public school principals. Principals are dismissed, demoted, or transferred, not only for low accountability test scores but for a variety of reasons that may or may not affect test scores. The legal ramifications of these adverse employment actions have resulted in…

Numerous recent media accounts indicate that teachers are being fired, put on probation, or otherwise censured because of information found on their social networking sites (SNS). While the literature in business, psychology, and pharmacy shows initial investigations of the impact of SNS information on hiring decisions, this area has not been…

The education profession is notorious for its resistance to change. School leaders often claim that collective bargaining agreements, state and federal regulations, and budget concerns prevent them from pursuing effective school reform. The culture of the K-12 leadership environment is one that often seeks consensus over progress and collegiality…

State and local educators encountered both opportunities and obstacles in their first year of implementing the School Improvement Grants (SIGs) funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). In 2009, the ARRA, better known as the economic stimulus package, provided $3 billion for SIGs to help reform persistently low-achieving…

Captures the shock, pain, and disappointment of a superintendent who was abruptly fired by his board president. Advice hinges on bettering one's bargaining position, developing an action plan, and learning to anticipate people problems before they arise. Lacking meaningful employment, the former superintendent has become a writer and house…

Reviews key Supreme Court decisions on free speech rights of public employees. Advises school administrators to be vigilant in discipline or dismissal cases where freedom of speech is an issue. (MD)

The naivete this superintendent displayed was in not asking his school board to put its directives in writing. (IRT)

Provides school executives with due process information concerning termination of school personnel, including teachers. Outlines the usual reasons for termination, ranging from reduction in force to wrongdoing on the job, and explains the burden of proof resting on the employer. (MLH)

The causes for executive dismissal are discussed, including the special problems involved in the development of effective administration in the educational field. The importance of ethics and honesty in professional organizations is emphasized. (MD)

With tongue in cheek, a suburban school superintendent presents tips he has developed himself and gleaned from his fellows on how not to get fired. Included are: cultivate a "low-brow" image, blame the Feds, and schedule your contract renewal meeting to follow a state championship. (SJL)

Major causes of "sudden-death syndrome" for superintendents include mismatched priorities, unseen problems, interference from special-interest groups, and misdirected disagreements. Beleaguered superintendents should be positive and proactive, act and speak as one person, understand agreements, seek help, listen, rewrite personnel…

Describes a principal's reaction to the destruction of his career resulting from unfounded sexual harassment charges. Blackballed by the educational community, he became an excellent car salesman and author of a book on parental involvement. Advice for other administrators judged "guilty by accusation" is provided. (MLH)

Once the decision has been made to dismiss a school executive, the relationship should be concluded in a private manner with adequate severance pay and outplacement services provided. Preparation for potential dismissal can help executives avoid some employment crises and ease the impact of others. (MLF)

In this successful 10-year-old Salt Lake City, Utah, personnel evaluation program, every employee is entitled to and guaranteed the protection of due process--shortcomings are identified, assistance provided, and peers involved in employment decisions. Employees who cannot provide satisfactory service or learn the necessary skills are dismissed.…

Discusses the issue of veteran teachers who are finding themselves out of work because they are too expensive. Suggests that teachers who suspect age discrimination should document signs of it as soon as possible if they plan to go to court. (JOW)