The case was eventually referred to the TEA, and after about a year and a half of delays, I met with an investigator. The investigator acknowledged that there wasn't evidence that I had pushed the student, but still concluded that I had "used poor judgment by physically redirecting the student" and issued a reprimand on my certificate. I accepted the reprimand because I had already been out of the classroom for two years, and continuing to contest it would have taken considerably more time and money.
Since then, I've been applying for band director positions throughout the major metro area I live in. I've applied for almost every opening I've seen, but I've only received two interviews, both in a district whose application didn't ask about sanctions or investigations. I can't say for certain that the reprimand is the reason, but with my resume and qualifications, it's hard not to believe that the sanction has prevented me from getting interviews before I ever have a chance to explain what happened.
Unfortunately, relocating isn't really an option right now. My mother recently passed away, her estate is still being settled, and I'm currently living in her house while everything is worked out.
I'm honestly at a loss. Teaching is what I love to do, and after two years away from the classroom I feel like I've lost my sense of purpose. On top of that, I've lost my mom, lost my pets, and I'm still unemployed. I've been trying to stay hopeful, but it's been increasingly difficult the closer we get to the school year.
Has anyone here come back from a TEA reprimand or similar disciplinary action? Were you eventually able to get hired again? Is there anything you found helpful when trying to move forward?
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