The Connick vs. Myers Supreme Court decision regarding public employees' right to express themselves has been applied to public schools in two recent federal court cases. The rulings suggest school boards may discipline school employees for disputes over internal office matters but must tolerate their dissent over public matters. (DCS)

Dismissing a teacher for insubordination is usually acceptable to the courts when the teacher willfully defies reasonable and specific regulations and orders despite repeated and clear directives that such behavior must cease. (PGD)

A four-phase process for dismissing unsatisfactory teachers is described: (1) early diagnosis of unsatisfactory performance; (2) initiating a 12- to 14-week plan for improvement of performance; (3) notification of corrective action (list deficiencies, provide assistance, and set a deadline); and (4) implementing termination hearings when all else…

Responsible and effective administrative leadership requires confronting those members of the teaching staff who are a negative influence on the institution. Importantly, the absence of expressed appreciation for good work can have a devastating impact on a principal's image if he or she suddenly begins to confront poor performances. Actually, the…

An elementary school teacher from Worcester, Massachusetts, was reprimanded and received a two-day suspension and a series of involuntary transfers after being reluctant to turn a case study (done for a college class) of a disturbed student in to her principal. Rights of privacy of public employees are discussed and Supreme Court decision in…

Responsible administrators are obligated to confront poor teacher performance. Guides principals through 12 steps to take in the confrontation process that include the following: gathering information, waiting for a specific incident, developing a file, meeting with the teacher, helping the teacher to improve, and working with the teacher union.…

This report presents information for implementing teacher evaluation. The first section explains that the purpose of teacher evaluation is to recognize quality teaching, improve teacher performance and instruction, identify and assist teachers having difficulty, and identify incompetent teaching. Subsequent sections discuss the positive outcomes…

Strategies for principals in supervising marginal teachers are described. Procedures for handling three types of marginal teachers are addressed, which depend on the causes of teacher ineffectiveness. Causes include lack of training, personal problems, and poor attitude. Conclusions are that principal action is necessary to maintain school…

Incompetent teachers must be identified and assisted, and if they fail to improve, they must be dismissed. An eight-point strategy for school district administrators to use in identifying and assisting less competent teachers is presented. (RM)

This document describes the legal requirements for certificate suspension and revocation of North Carolina public-school teachers. Associated with its ability to administer teacher certification in the state, the State Board of Education also has the authority to suspend or revoke certificates. A question-and-answer section addresses issues of…

A detailed checklist and timeline for ensuring due process are provided for adverse personnel actions, and the need to supplement this with expert, same-jurisdiction legal advice is stressed. This approach emphasizes the importance of treating due process as an ethical as well as a legal requirement. (SLD)

This guidebook provides a general overview of procedures that may be followed in staff misconduct situations. Following the preface and introduction, part 1 contains four chapters that present information on general misconduct procedures, serious misconduct requiring immediate suspension, the presentation of a case at a hearing, and misconduct…

This document describes legal requirements that pertain to the dismissal or demotion of career status employees in the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The interpretive analysis section notes that the employer may terminate the employment only for specified reasons and by stated procedures. The grounds for dismissal or demotion…

The second edition of this guidebook, written for principals and supervisors, provides a general overview of procedures to follow in staff misconduct situations. Following the preface and introduction, part I discusses general procedures for handling misconduct and includes guidelines for conducting investigations and school-level meetings. Part…

AAUP guidelines on establishing institutional policy and procedures for handling sexual harassment complaints are outlined. Sexual harassment is defined and procedures for both bringing and resolving a complaint are suggested. (MSE)