Meetings with Admin. & District

The SCEA

If you are summoned to a meeting, ask the purpose before the conference begins. It's good to be prepared and take relevant information with you.
If suddenly confronted with a complaint or accusation, remain calm and professional.
When you are directed to attend a meeting, let them you in a casual matter of fact way that your representative from The SCEA will attend with you. Don't ask permission; just share this as information in your reply. The approach - as opposed to asking permission - increases your chance that your representative will be allowed in the meeting. You do NOT have an automatic right to have someone with you.
Listen carefully to accusations and ask for time to think or to secure information before responding. ("I need time to consider this, since my immediate response would be made under duress.") ("I feel blindsided and need time to recall what happened.")
Make written notes of any confrontation or accusatory conversation. Take down every detail, including the names of witnesses and other involved, while the details are still fresh in your mind.

resign or sign important papers or agreements
agree to anything verbally
post comments about your situation on Facebook or any social media site
send email to other about your situation. If you use or send to school district email, even from home, your email becomes a public record, and anyone can request a copy.
make statements about involving attorneys. If there is a need to involve attorneys, The SCEA will communicate with the district on your behalf.
pursue your case on your own prior to getting advice from The SCEA. This includes contacting private attorneys. This action may disqualify you from The SCEA legal services.

If the situation is serious, notify The SCEA as soon as possible.
KEEP COPIES of all written communications, evaluations, contracts, etc., together with notes on any conference or confrontations.

CAUTION: It is unprofessional for an employee to "sound off" by sending or posting derogatory comments in e-mail on social media sites, or otherwise publicly discuss their employer. A principal or supervisor who mistreats an employee may get off the hook simply because the employee goes into an angry rant and publicly discusses what happened.

Personnel matters are personal. You should exercise caution when making a decision to go public, involve your colleagues, contact the School Board and so forth. These decisions can backfire. Contact The SCEA and let us guide you.

Email: help@thescea.org
Website: www.thescea.org/contact
Location: 2999 Sunset Blvd, West Columbia, SC 29169
Phone: 803.722.6553
Facebook: facebook.com/thescea