I’m a public school teacher in the U.S., and I’m currently planning to relocate to another part of my state. I plan to continue teaching in public schools. In order to apply to other districts, I need a reference from my current school principal (who is far from my biggest fan). I do not have hard proof, but I have a strong suspicion he is not being truthful when the new jobs call for a reference check. I have all perfect evaluations and zero blemishes on my record; however, since I am heavily involved in the union and have gone up against his administration on numerous (perfectly justified) occasions, he has taken a very nasty turn and has become quite hostile towards me.
I recently learned that even if I do not get a job elsewhere, he plans to destaff me, which is akin to a layoff in public education. And while not officially such, it is perceived as a black mark on your record even though you have no say in the decision, and no recourse, and you can be destaffed for any or no reason at all. “Destaffs” are considered undesirables who either could not or would not do a good job.
How can I ensure he’s giving me a fair shake when reference checks are carried out? My future in my career is at stake here. Without proof, my union can’t help me. But I as the applicant do not have the right to see or hear what information my reference checks provide. And if I try to tell my prospective jobs that my principal may not be truthful with them, then that really just makes me look untrustworthy and problematic.