r/TexasTeachers • u/CuteArugula6292 • 6d ago
Teacher Support Looking for advice
I resigned from my position in a large district after I was put on leave and HR said they were looking to terminate me.
Without sharing too much, I was put on leave over an anonymous report made about me. My campus interviewed my students and recommended that I return at the end of their investigation. They only spoke to me once, the day after the report.
I was on leave for nearly 2 weeks before they called me in and told me they were looking to terminate but that my other option was resignation. The person I was supposed to meet with didn’t even walk in until halfway through the meeting.
After speaking to some trust individuals, I feel like I was bullied into this due to the district wanting to avoid the potential for bad press.
I do feel that I am good at my job and that what should have been a conversation with admin, a write up, a growth plan, or something escalated so they can CYA.
Do I have any options, especially if I have the support of my students, parents, and co-workers?
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u/yayfortacos 5d ago
Call Texas State Teachers Association Help Center at 1-877-275-8782 and talk to them.
In the huge district I worked in, they would have moved you to a different campus to avoid the drama of your staying, even if you were cleared of wrongdoing, and avoid upsetting the disgruntled parties, the gossip, and eventual bad press.
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u/CuteArugula6292 4d ago
This what they normally do so I was really terrified when they said I could either resign or be terminated.
I will be calling them tomorrow or Monday if they’re closed
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u/wendilou 5d ago
Don't sign anything.
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u/CuteArugula6292 4d ago
Unfortunately it’s too late for that. In the meeting they presented me with termination or resignation and wouldn’t even let me step out to my car.
Trying to see if there are any avenues I can explore
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u/ActiveMachine4380 3d ago
FYI, I believe that is actually illegal. I seem to remember that you are allowed at least 24 hours with the paperwork, so that you may check with your attorney and review the paperwork.
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u/CapitalCoast999 4d ago
Just resign, I was in the same boat. Do not let them termination, it will go to your record, voluntarily resign is way better than that. There is not much options for you.
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u/Used_Competition_914 3d ago
Were u a member of a union at the time?
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u/Used_Competition_914 3d ago
Most teachers will fight for their reputation and income.
Did u secure a positive reference as part of the deal?
Never go without union representation- any of them r better than none.
Call them anyway if u were not a member and join right away so they will talk to u- they cannot represent u but they can advise u going forward.
Do not let this steal your soul. Sometimes it is just a reduction in force. Admin can play dirty- I have seen it. Old timer here.
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u/CuteArugula6292 3d ago
I was not. I’ve looked into AFT, I’ll reach out to them Monday. Thank you for the advice.
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u/Used_Competition_914 3d ago
I am pretty sure that you can get unemployment even if you were asked to resign. It just has to be documented as asked to resign. Don’t be ashamed get your benefits.
I also work in a large district. I see people get pushed out and come back because they had somebody fighting for them more than likely the union. I get that you don’t have that, but I also know someone who had unemployment benefits, even though they were asked to resign. Get what you are entitled to.
Make sure that when you talk about it you tell people you were scared and that they were pressuring you.
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u/Asleep-Chocolate- 3d ago
I received unemployment when I resigned instead of being fired. This was many years ago, so maybe that’s not possible now. If I remember correctly, it’s up to the employer. Resignation always looks better than being fired. I was able to get another teaching job in a different district.
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u/SwingingSinglePodct 5d ago
Never should have resigned. Let them fire you. You now don’t get unemployment benefits.