Why was I Non-Reelected for No Good Reason?

Question

Please help me. I taught first grade last year and thought I did a great job, for my first year anyway. I got good evaluations, had good relationships with everyone (teachers, parents, staff), and my students did well. At the end of the year, I was not re-hired because (I was told) I was "holding a position for other employees in the district." So I figured I was just being laid off. I was encouraged to apply to the district again...so I did.

So today I got a call from a potential employer (a principal that wanted to interview me) who told me that I am on the "non-reelect" list and may not work in the district again! I am crushed! I have NO IDEA why I would be put on a list like that. I did absolutely nothing that I can think of to deserve it and I even left on good terms with administration! Do you know what happened?...Are any other good teachers in this position?! I keep mulling over it and there is nothing I can think of that would cause me not be reelected!

Answer 1

Did you sign a contract last year or were you a permanent sub?  Districts do have the right to not renew your contract for the new school year.  I'd suggest that you try to speak to someone regarding why the decision was made.  If you signed a contract, it is possible you could speak with your union representative, as they may be able to investigate the situation.  Also if you left on good terms with the principal of the school you worked at, then you should be able to ask him/her what they know of the situation.  Good luck.

Answer 2

In my state, you have the right to talk to the school district superintendent and let him explain all of the details of why your contract was not renewed. However, it must be done within 5 days of you getting the letter saying that you was not rehired. Also, the superintendent has the right not to tell you the reasons why you were not rehired. If you are a teacher without tenure or a teacher who is teaching in that school district for the first time, the principal can not hire you back for the next school year. And she does not have to give a reason why. Sounds unfair doesn't it? And the school board will only hire you back if another principal recommends you for the position. However, they have principal meetings and your principal could have talked to every principal in the district. That means no principal in the district would want to recommend you for a position.