Unfair Hiring/Slander

[TeacherTeacher!]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? New Hampshire

I am a new teacher just out of a long-term position in the 2008-2009 school year. During this position I was slandered by a fellow school employee concerning alleged misconduct. I reported the slander to my supervisor, who questioned all those involved and I was told that there was no evidence of wrongdoing and that the other employee was verbally reprimanded and cautioned not to continue with the slanderous remarks. Shortly thereafter students who are favorites of this staff member began harassing me at school, rude comments in the classroom and hallways and threats to "get me fired." I completed my teaching assignment according to my contract, and reported the harassment again to my supervisor, who stated that the most outspoken student was reprimanded and suspended for her behavior. Neither was true, there was no disciplinary action taken.

In the current school year, although I was asked back by the school district as a substitute at it's four schools, the school I taught at long-term last year refuses to hire me. I was specifically requested by a teacher at the school because of my unique qualifications and knowledge of the program, but the administration refused the request to hire me for a job with potentially significant earnings. I called and e-mailed the administration and am now told that I "allowed conversations that were inappropriate for school" to take place in my classroom. I know this is false, and although I was promised specifics concerning the alleged misconduct, I am now being totally ignored in my attempts to find out more and restore my good standing.

What are my options here? Is there any recourse I can take?

[quincy]

There are a few possible options for you to consider, but legal ones (I should warn you) will probably not benefit you if you wish to remain as a substitute teacher, or hope to get a teaching position, in your current school district.

First, the school where you had the long-term assignment is under no obligation to have you back to their school, for ANY reason, legitimate or not. If the school feels your presence in the school is disruptive in any way (and apparently it does), they can refuse to hire you. Their choice, not yours. So that problem will NOT be solved with any legal action.

However, if you feel the staff member defamed you, or that students have defamed you, and this has affected your reputation in that school and your livelihood in your teaching field, you could potentially sue the staff member for lies told. It will be up to the staff member to support the truth of any allegations she made, although you should be prepared, as well, to demonstrate the falsity.

Consult with an attorney in your area, to see if you have enough to both support an action and merit an action.

Good luck.

[Zigner]

What "slander" do you feel occurred? (specifically).