new teacher q & a

What should I do if I am summoned to the principal’s office for a chat? What should I do if something negative happens?

Mar 15, 2007 11:59 AM

A:If your principal asks to meet with you, the first thing you should do is to ask what the “chat” or meeting is about and if the meeting could lead to disciplinary action.

The principal may want to discuss something educational or evaluative, such as a project your class did or a lesson the principal observed. In such cases, you do not have the right to union representation. However, if the meeting is to discuss allegations of incompetence, insubordination, corporal punishment, sexual misconduct, etc., you have the right to have your UFT representative present.

These and other charges could lead to “negative” or disciplinary action, including termination. Therefore, even if a meeting with your principal has already begun, if you realize it could lead to disciplinary action, you should ask to stop the meeting so your UFT chapter leader can be present to assist you.

A “chat,” meeting or interview that is for the record and could lead to disciplinary action must be conducted with your representative present. Otherwise, it cannot be made part of your school file and any statements you make cannot be used against you in any DOE proceeding.