ABSTRACT
When faculty at a school are either actively or passively misaligned with the school’s mission or are underperforming, termination may be necessary. School leaders often find that a timely separation with individuals is one of their most difficult responsibilities. The leader must make the hard decision to part ways with faculty members who are not contributing to the betterment of the school. When faculty who are not succeeding are left in place, it sends a confusing message to the school community that the school is tolerant of poor teaching or behavior. Termination is a lonely experience, however. Teacher unions have strict rules around how their members are treated in cases of termination. Whether the termination occurs abruptly or at the end of the year, school administration must have proper, regular, and robust documentation to proceed. Successful termination hinges on the leader’s actions months and weeks beforehand.
