Contract Terminated- What should I do now????

[JRS75]

I have been teaching for 3 years in an AD program for a state school. I recently received my letter of non-renewal for spring semester. THis is devastating to me because I was supposed to role into tenure with the start of the next semester. Because I was probationary, I didn't receive any reason for my non-renewal. I have never received a negative performance evaluation, or any feedback that my performance was a concern. This would lead me to believe it is a budgetary move.

My concern is when applying for a new position. I have had a few phone interviews, however when they ask "why are you leaving your current employer?" I feel I have to be honest and tell them I was non-renewed. This is always followed by a pause, where I then try to explain that I don't think it is performance related. Any suggestions on how I should approach this in the future? I love teaching, have great letters of support/previous e-mails/ and co-faculty support. I'm afraid that I will never be able to teach again

[cguidry09]

Sorry to hear this but the same thing happened to me right when I was about to be tenured. I did not know why and they did not have to tell. I had all excellent evaluations since I had been with them. When asked I just tell future employers the truth, since I had suspicions it was becasue I planned to work as a NP FT after graduation and only teach PT. I would just tell then you don't know but I have have had excellent evaluations if you would like to see them. Keep you head up and move to the next University they always need great teachers, and who knows you may find one that is a better match for you.

Good Luck!

[smk4450]

Forget the non-renewal phrase.

Use what all Travel Nurses use" my contract was completed". Many Travel nurses do not receive an offer to extend their contracts for various reasons. Nothing to do with performance.

After, you receive an interview you may or may not add more info. I would not add a thing. You have the paperwork to back up a good performance and will most likely receive a glowing reference.

Your intro to the discussion was my contract was terminated, so that implies a contract, may not have had a specific end date. Your's ended.

[June59]

I agree with smk4450. You may also want to ask you ex-supervisor/employer for a letter of reference. That should show potential employers that your contract expired & you had exemplary performance evaluations.

[kubivern]

Given the state budgetary restraints through-out the nation, I do not believe that you will need to provide a tremendous justification for the non-renewal of your contract at a state-funded school - I know that in Idaho we have been threatened with a similar action several times over the last two years and it is all due to budget. Many professions, including nursing, are having to let go of excellent performers simply because of their budgetary constraints.

As mentioned by a previous poster, simply state it was the completion of your contract, and emphasize the excellent work you completed, the exemplary performance evaluations, and provide a name of a good reference.

I would not tell the interviewing party that you do not believe it was performance based - that is probably why they are pausing - they are not sure how to follow up on that type of response. SImply state the facts - contract was over, and emphasize the positive things you can do for their facility.

[AssociateDegree]

You might want to investigate if you work in a "right to work" state or not. Under the laws of some states, you can be terminated without the employer giving a reason; in others, this is not the case. In addition, if your school is unionized, such as through AAUP, there may be additional protections in terms of wrongful termination.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I agree with what some of the other posters have said. Do not "guess" about why your contract was not renewed. Find out for sure. If it was a budget issue, then you can say that without hesitation. Have copies of your performance appraisal to show that your non-renewal was not due to poor performance. It sounds to me as if you are being "wishy-washy" about it when you talk with potential employers, suggesting that it MAY have been for performance issues. If it wasn't ... then don't suggest that it was. Confidently show them that it was not.

Also, don't say "terminated" because it suggests that you had a contract to continue teaching and your employer fired you -- again suggesting that something was wrong with you and/or your performance. Just say that your contract was completed.

In short, if you go around telling people that you were "terminated and don't know why," it makes you sound like a real loser. Use positive or neutral terms to state that your contract was completed and that you are now looking for another position. Show evidence that you are a real winner -- a good teacher who did a good job.