Thanks everyone - you pretty much answered my question. Unfortunately freedom of speech has been lost at our school with the new director. He likes us to know the power he has and to exert it. Although I really like my school and the students, it is true that at the end of the day, you want to feel appreciated. Thank you for all your contributions.

Yes, this is severance by law of the country we are in, not the country the school says it is accountable to (non-US). Again, this non-renewal is not based on the ability to do one's job and whether they are good at it (which they are), just that they have said the teacher is not a "fit" anymore based on personality conflict with the director, who does not like to be questioned. I was just wondering if this happens in schools as I said the only teachers I heard getting non-renewed had major parent and student complaints and had been placed on a plan.

It is like what Shadowjack stated. Although there is a teacher handbook that outlines a process if you are struggling as a teacher, it states that you should receive support with your problem, outline a plan and have a decision at the end of a time period, just wondering if a school can say we are not renewing just because we don't want to. Which I think they can - just as a teacher doesn't choose to renew. I hadn't heard of it happening like this - I am talking the typical end-of-contract non-renewal, decision happening at renewal time. I have been somewhat involved with teacher non-renewal (on a plan) and it always seemed like the decision had been made long before the plan was laid out. No protection from the country I think, though if you are let-go there is supposed to be a 3 month severance by law- not sure that kicks in with "foreign" contract though.

I would like Walter to weigh in if possible. If you have been a long-term employee at a school, without a bad evaluation or a warning and only good reviews from students and parents, and the school has an employee probation plan in its handbook (that has never been applied) - is there any protection for an employee if the director decides she/he doesn't like you? Just curious how it might work in other tier-one type schools

I understand that my native speakers may be attractive to a school without many of them, but that isn't the experience I am looking at for my children. I was just asking what people in the hiring position might think (outside of the added expense it causes which I am all too aware). Shadowjack - I know exactly what you mean. Sometimes I think of the stress as the "silent scream."

Thanks for the feedback. Wasn't sure what people think. I only know what I was like pre-children and now post-children and some of my energy and focus towards my job is gone. No one says they notice, but I feel more adrift. I co-parent now, not single parent as my partner and I still live in the same country but I don't think he will make the next move with me. I do the bulk of the parenting, but at least he is there in peak times. I agree that I would look to move to a place that is nanny-friendly.

Hello - I have a question about what directors think about dependents. I am looking to leave my international school job next year and look for a different one. I am in a high demand position and currently work in a tier one school. Have quite a bit of experience. I have two elementary school age children and will look to move on as a single mother for personal reasons. Do you think directors would feel I would be too stretched with two kids? Just curious.