Litigation by nontenured teachers in contract nonrenewal disputes usually involves claims of violation of speech, liberty, contractual, or privacy rights. School boards should be certain that the cause for nonrenewal of a probationary teacher's contract is not in violation of a protected right. (MLF)

A recent case from Maine shows why public officials must resist the urge to retaliate against employees who voice criticism. Employers must be able to prove they would have made the same adverse personnel decision, documented with detailed and credible explanations for the action, no matter what the employee said. (MLF)

A non-traditional career path passes through industry or government before proceeding to an academic position. Discussed are effective uses and advantages of various non-traditional faculty members. Some industrial programs that help universities fill faculty positions are described. (YP)