If you are a teacher in Texas and you are worried about your contract being non-renewed, there are some things you can do to help yourself, and possibly head off the non-renewal.
If you have a probationary contract, your goal is to determine why, even though no one has to tell you why. But you usually know anyway, so here's the rundown:
If you're in danger of non-renewal because . . .
1. . . . you and the principal don't get along, then make an honest assessment of why. If it's just the wrong fit, then start looking for transfer options. If the two of you are somehow out of synch and you could fix this by adjusting something you are doing, then sit down with the principal and have a conversation.
2. . . . a teaching position has to be cut from the campus, then you just need to start preparing for the job hunt.
3. . . . your principal is iffy about your performance, then you need to make sure you let the principal know you can successfully address his/her concerns, AND that you WILL address his/her concerns. Then do it and make sure the principal gets a note or a visit from you about what you've done.
Because the non-renewal of a probationary contract does not have to be backed up by evidence of poor performance, you will only be able to save a non-renewal of a probationary contract if you are attentive to the principal's concerns, charming, and a hard worker that demonstrates a willingness to adapt.
The exception to the above is that it is still illegal to non-renew a probationary contract on the basis of age, race, ethnicity, disability, and a few other things. But it will be up to you to show that is the reason for the non-renewal, so pay attention and keep documentation of events and comments if you think that is going on.
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