Print

E-mail

 Before You Do Anything...

 Call FCFT!!!

 Before you act...

A.  Licensure:   Make sure that your papers are in order and retain a complete copy for your file.

      Take the Praxis early. Complete your licensure requirements, ASAP! Time is constrained and the earlier you submit your required documents, the more time you will have to complete deficiencies or correct errors. If you receive notification of a pending ‘non-renewal’ of contract due to licensing deficiencies, call Fairfax County Federation of Teachers immediately. 

B. Taking Leave:

   Whether you need extended leave (LWOP, STD, LTD) or Personal Leave for a few days, call us first. We can guide you through your leave-submittal to FCPS.

C. Evaluations:

   Evaluations consist of observations, mid-year reviews and the final, formal write-up at year’s end.  If you receive any negative feedback along the way, call FCFT.  Some problems can be easily corrected during the evaluation process. If you wait until the end, however, it may be too late. Call us, anyway. Address issues immediately. . If you are placed ‘on-cycle’ for evaluation, call us.

D. Non-Renewals:

  All entry-level and part-time teachers are on Annual Contracts. Re-Issuance of such  are renewed each year. Annual Contracts are reviewed and contracts are at the discretion of FCPS.  If the School System chooses to non-renew, it must notify you and the State of  Virginia before April 15th of each year. Should you receive a non-renewal recommendation from your Principal, contact FCFT immediately. Time is of the essence.

E. Transfers:

 Contact FCFT if you seek a voluntary transfer. We can assist you with your resume, obtain information about individual school-climates, and help guide you through the process.

F. Resignations: 

 Need to resign early? Unsure of consequences? If you want a ‘clean’ resignation from FCPS, call FCFT at (703) 451-6840. If you have any questions, concerns or doubts about your employment, call us.

If These Things Happen.... Call FCFT:

1. Your administrator asks you to stay beyond contract-hours.  Verify what your contract-hours are.  Ask if this is a one-time, occasional or regularly scheduled event.  Be certain you know the duration of time ‘after’ . Call Fairfax County Federation of Teachers.

2. Your administrator asks you to attend a class during your summer/intercession.   Request specific information.  Is this an FCPS course?  Is this college course-work?  Is this a requirement or an elective?   Do you pay or does FCPS pay for the course?  Will FCPS pay you for your time to take the course?  Are there alternatives or can the course be taken during the school year? Call Us.

3. You have a professional problem with a colleague.  You have tried to solve the problem on your own, but the problem persists. When do you bring it to the administration? Call Us.  You have brought the problem to the attention of the administration already, and the problem continues. Call Us.

4. There is an incident in your classroom. The administration asks you to submit an incident report and be prepared to meet later.  To ensure that your experience is documented properly, ask if the report should be a basic or a detailed summary of events.  Do a chronology as soon as you are able. Retain a copy. 

 For any meeting that results, ask if you should have a union representative with you. Call us, ASAP!

5. A letter is placed in your school personnel file. You have the right to a copy of the letter.  You have a right to respond and have the response attached. Call Us.

6. A parent complains about you to the school administration.   Ask the administrator whether the complaint is verbal or written. (If it is ‘written’, request a copy. )   Find out how recent the complaint is and what time-frame it covers. Call Us. (703) 451-6840