Being asked about denial of tenure

[oboe440]

Hi,

I recently resigned from my district so that I could avoid a "denial of tenure" on my record. As much as I try (or just plain hope) to avoid the topic, most interviewers seem to cut right to the chase on the question. I do like Adam's advice to say that it was a learning experience and try to spin it positively.

However, what do you say when all that you really learned makes you look bitter (i.e. to cover your butt, not to trust administrators too much, that there's a lot of politics in teaching)? I'm not by nature a negative person, but when I was asked by a potential employer about not getting tenure, all I could think of was how I must have gotten somebody at the district office upset with me (and now they just say that it's because of my teaching, which is completely untrue). I can only think of two times where I might have created a problem for myself. They both had to do with not following protocols to the districts' satisfaction. I could argue that one or perhaps both of these weren't completely my fault, but that wouldn't help me answer the question in an interview.

So, how would I explain that it was a political problem and that what I've learned is that administrators can sometimes (perhaps often) be snakes?

Thanks!

[Adam Waxler]

I understand how you feel...believe me, I have seen more teachers "screwed over" than I can count...however, if you go into an interview saying anything along these lines...

all that you really learned makes you look bitter (i.e. to cover your butt, not to trust administrators too much, that there's a lot of politics in teaching

or

administrators can sometimes (perhaps often) be snakes

...you will not get the job.

However, it doesn't sound to me that you didn't get tenure...it sounds to me like you resigned for personal reasons...it wasn't a good fit etc.  That's how I would approach it and try not to dwell on it or spend too much time on it...if they ask you about your last position and why you left just tell that.

Also, I have often seen administrators offer letters of recommendation to people who they actually "forced" out.  I have always thought this was hypocritical on the admin's part as on the one hand they are stating the teacher is not doing their job, but on the other hand, here is a letter of recommendation.  The reason admin's do this is to basically to try to smooth things over with the leaving teacher...this way the leaving teacher isn't going to just use up all their sick days and start slacking...

If you can get one of these letters from your admin (as well as other teachers you worked with) that will help...

[oboe440]

Hi Adam!

Yes, I actually did get very nice letters of recommendation (from all three of the building administrators, since I travel between elementary schools).

So, is this generally the approach you're recommending?

Interviewer> I see you're in your third year at X District. Is this your tenure year?
Me> Yes.
Interviewer> Do you think you'll get it?
Me> Well, actually, I've chosen to resign for personal reasons, so I don't know. All of my observations have been satisfactory, though, so I believe I've earned it.

If pressed, I CAN say (truthfully) that my position is being turned into part-time and that I need full-time.

Thanks for the advice! (I wish I had found your book and site a couple of months ago before I started interviewing again, but better late than never)

John

[Adam Waxler]

Yes, that is  the approach I would go with...