Legal Question in Employment Law in Florida

Educator blackballed and prohibited from even substituting

I am a S.Florida teacher recently employed in Broward county. I was asked to resign or be terminated under the 97 day probationary period b/c on the employment application I failed to include my previous school. The previous school in Palm Beach county was on my resume and the Broward cty. principal contacted that principal and hired me. I resigned after 1 month of employment. I tried to substitute, but the Broward principal's evaluation prevented that. He gave me high marks on every aspect of the evaluation, but marked will not rehire because of possible negative social skills with co-workers. During the one month in which I was employed, he never observed me in my classroom or any negative behavior with co-workers. The county would not let me substitute despite my certification,Master's degree in my field, no criminal record,and 5 years previous teaching experience. This principal's evaluation is requested by any other school district in which I try to work. My right to work in this state, in my area of expertise, has been blocked. What can be done?


Asked on 12/07/04, 2:37 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Keith Stern Shavitz Law Group

Re: Educator blackballed and prohibited from even substituting

Unfortunately, it sounds like he has put you in a difficult position and it does not seem to me that his conduct is illegal. The law prohibits him from communicating knowingly false information to prospective employers. However, his subjective opinions are not unlawful simply because they are not flattering to you. I suggest seeing if you can convince him direcrtly to provide a neutral reference . . . it might be your best bet.

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Answered on 12/07/04, 2:42 pm


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