Careful adherence to both the letter and the spirit of the contract usually results in the successful handling of teacher grievances and the development of good employee relations throughout the school system. (Author/IRT)

Reviews rationale for firing incompetent teachers and obstacles to dismissal. Citing 13 specific court decisions, discusses subcategories of successful dismissal cases involving insubordination and neglect of duty, unprofessional behavior, immorality, and inferior classroom performance. Mentions dismissal cases that foundered due to First…

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)

Outlines a seven-step procedure for dismissing incompetent or unprofessional teachers, including conferring with the teacher, summarizing the conference, developing an action plan with the teacher, having the personnel officer approve the plan, implementing the plan, and holding a progress assessment conference. Provides a sample performance memo…

Brookline (Massachusetts) school superintendent Robert Sperber in the last 18 years built his schools into an excellent system with innovative programs. Now the implementation of Proposition 2 1/2 is forcing him to dismantle programs and cut staff and supplies. (Author/RW)

Teacher dismissals are made more difficult by administrators who do not understand their roles as teacher evaluators. To establish thorough, grievance-free teacher evaluation procedures, a successful series of strategies and techniques developed by the Pinellas County (Florida) schools is presented. (MD)

Discusses three cases involving the dismissal of untenured school employees who, although not covered by extensive formal due process requirements, have sought reinstatement or damages on the basis of alleged violation of their constitutional rights. (MLF)

Administrators cannot avoid disciplining and dismissing teachers who lack the skill to teach or the judgment to conduct themselves professionally. Central office administrators at a Salt Lake City school district developed "corrective discipline" procedures to help principals incorporate just cause, due process, and progressive…

Discusses seven court cases that have helped clarify teachers' privacy rights and the limitations on those rights. (MLF)

A list of important points and procedures for superintendents to observe when preparing for and testifying during teacher dismissal hearings. (MLF)

Using two hypothetical case studies (the arrogant athletic director and the amorous band director), this article explains how superintendents and school boards should deal with problem employee behavior. In both cases, consulting the school attorney and confronting the employee appropriately are essential first steps. (MLH)

Administrators must understand the type of evidence called for in a teacher dismissal hearing and set up procedures for gathering the evidence. Offers guidelines on the following sources of evidence: (1) school records; (2) evaluations; (3) recordings; (4) eyewitness accounts; (5) photographs; (6) policies and rules; and (7) direct testimony. (MLF)

Exit interviews are invaluable devices for obtaining feedback on schools and staff relations, handling important administrative details, and turning departing teachers into school ambassadors. This article discusses several basic steps for enhancing oral and written interviews. An inset offers sample questions. (MLH)

Workplace violence has not bypassed schools. Stories are surfacing about disgruntled school employees threatening, attacking, and sometimes killing administrators. This article shows how school leaders can develop greater awareness of potential problems and design cautionary measures. Contributing factors, warning signs, legal consequences,…