If you are let go: a checklist for teachers

Non-renewed, terminated, laid off, or asked to resign? What to ask for and what to check before you sign anything, for public school teachers in any state: your contract type, the documents to request, final pay, when coverage ends, and a worksheet for the rules that differ where you teach. Free.

If you have been told you are being non-renewed, terminated, laid off, or asked to resign, this checklist sets out what to ask for and what to check before you sign anything. It is written for public school teachers generally.

This is not legal advice. It is general information to help you ask the right questions. Employment rules for teachers differ substantially from state to state and from district to district, and some deadlines are very short. Your union contract and your state law control. Contact your union representative and, if needed, an employment attorney licensed in your state as soon as possible.

First 48 hours

Slow down. You rarely have to sign or decide anything in the meeting where you are told.

Sign up for free to get this form

The checklist is free, and so is the membership. Teachers join at no cost, on the honor system, wherever you teach, and it takes about thirty seconds.

The full checklist, with every box ticking and saving as you go

The state-and-district worksheet, the deadline tracker and the contact list

The whole thing again as a PDF you can fill in and keep

Already a member? Put the same details in and it unlocks here too.