Quick Question

Hi, I have never posted on LIF before but I was just wondering, this is my second year teaching and my principal approached me today about having to let people go next year and that my predictive scores on ELA and Math were a bit low...can she fire me based on test grades regardless of the make-up of my class? (ESL/IEP)

Re: Quick Question

Are you in NYC? I could probably help a bit more if that was the case. I don't know how other districts are. Have you had a formal observation? If so, was it satisfactory? Have any concerns about your teaching been brought to your attention before this? And if so, was an attempt made to help you, by an AP or coach or the principal?

Regardless, I think if layoffs happen it's usually by seniority. It also sounds like a threat from your principal. If you haven't already talked to your union rep, that's what I would do. If you have ever asked for help, such as having a lesson modeled, I would document that too. You need to support the work you have done with your own documentation.

Hope this helps.

Re: Quick Question

Yeah I am in NYC...she has never approached me before about any problems with my teaching. I have had 1 observation this year in Guided Reading and got a NI but was told that it was fine and not to worry...she sends me to a lot of PD for DI and she has invested money in a SMART board and training for me...but this is the first I have heard about anything being a real problem and I checked my test scores and I have actually significantly moved my students from their Nov to April tests...All of the new teachers have modeled lessons in GR this year so it isn't something that has been targeted specifically to me...and I am 8 on the seniority list...It's freaking me out but I don't know what else to do...and she has said this to more than 1 teacher

Re: Quick Question

I am pretty sure that you can't be fired based on the test scores. I would just keep making sure to cross all my t's, etc. Don't be afraid to ask for help from coaches, lead teachers, APs. So many of them love to criticize but often run the other way when you ask for real help.

As I said in the earlier post, document if/when you ask for support, especially if you don't get it. I am tenured, but last year was rough for me- we had no curriculum, the coach did nothing, and I asked for help and got none. My principal was upset about the scores and I really wish that I'd had more concrete info to support my efforts.

Good luck, talk to your chapter leader too and FM me if you want.