the bully

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Home : 2005 : May : 30

the bully
By carolyn

Tracy,

I really have a hard time imagining a principal who can't find ANY strengths in a teacher. If you were a new teacher this year, or even if you weren't a new teacher, he should have placed you on a remediation plan
and had you document and meet with him periodically to let him know how you were progressing. He sounds like one who isn't following standard procedures if he didn't place you on a remediation plan for improvement and have follow-up meetings to describe areas in which you were beginning to show strength and others which still needed improvement.
I would ask for an appointment with

your Human Resources Director. Tell him (or her) what this principal told you--how he said he would tip prospective employers the "lowdown." I know that most employers are reluctant to give others such information, since it may be illegal to do so. People have filed lawsuits and won against bosses and employers who have given out such sensitive information in the way that you describe. Most also realize that one place of employment may be more suitable for another and give their blessings for employment elsewhere. Of course, some teachers have been "burned" by people like him who just keep flapping their mouth to other principals in the district: "You don't want to hire HER. She's a lousy teacher." Granted, there's little to do about that situation. It can and does happen all of the time. Word of mouth can be damaging, and it's not easy to prove. I would certainly be on the alert for such things.

It sounds as if you wouldn't want to work for him again, anyway. However, now is the time to get new applications out and review how you will improve next year. I have completed my first year in a new job, and I have discussed this with my new principal. She was very happy to read my own reflections in my Individual Growth Plan. Principals like to know how you feel you will grow.

I don't know if you are in a union or a non-union state. Still, you have rights. Speak with a lawyer. Consultations are usually free.

You have a right to your career and your source of income. Nobody has a right to take that away from you.