Legal Questions

Legal Questions

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Bargaining Your Contract — Your Right and Duty

In Maryland, education employees work under their negotiated contracts, which are written jointly by their union and board of education. At the bargaining table, teams from each side discuss and debate employee and employer issues and concerns that affect both sides. The outcome of the negotiations become the conditions that make up your daily work […]
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Collective Bargaining — It Makes Your Contract Legally Binding

You probably know that every several years your local education association negotiates the employment contracts for educators through the collective bargaining process. It’s serious business and a very big deal. Collective bargaining is so important that it’s part of the Education Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, which gives certified and non-certified public education […]
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Medical Cannabis and Your Job

In 2014, Maryland decriminal- ized the possession of small amounts of marijuana and legalized medical marijuana. Since then, patients must acquire written certification from a licensed physician and register with Maryland’s medical marijuana program. Medical cannabis is only available in forms that can be vaporized (not smoked), or as extracts, lotions, ointments, and tinctures. On […]
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What Happens When an Education Employee Is Accused of Abuse or Neglect?

The number of allegations of abuse or neglect made against public school employees is continuing to skyrocket. A great many of the allegations are ruled out — meaning no abuse or neglect occurred — but the investigation process is incredibly stressful for employees because of the negative impact on reputation and possible job consequences. There are multiple agencies involved […]
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Educators and Immigration Advocacy

All students have the right to a free public education in this country regardless of their immigration status. With new emphasis on immigration policy enforcement, students are understandably and justifiably anxious. It is essential that all schools provide a welcoming and supportive environment. If you choose to be an educator-advocate for immigrant student rights, you […]
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What to Do If a Student Assaults You

In 2015, the U.S. Department of Education reported that from 2011 to 2012, approximately 20% of public school teachers reported being verbally abused, 10% reported being physically abused, and 10% reported being physically attacked in schools. In 2009, an Institute of Education Science School Principal Survey on Crime and Safety found that approximately 11% of […]
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Workers Comp — Do You Know Your Basic Rights?

Ouch. As an educator, you’re covered by Workers’ Compensation insurance from your first day of employment. This insurance covers you for any injuries that occur while on the job or driving from one work location to another. If you think an injury that should be covered under Workers’ Compensation has occurred, you should: • Immediately […]
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How to Stay Social Online Without Risking Your Job

Social networking sites allow you to create a profile about yourself that you can share with others. Profiles include personal information and interests, plus educational and professional information. What you share online can build up your reputation and your profession, but it can also tear down your professionalism and become a detriment to your career […]
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Not Yet Tenured?

When you begin your job as an educator, you enter as a non-tenured — or probationary — employee for three years from the date of employment. During that probationary period, your contract is for one year. At the conclusion of any one of those first three years, your contract may not be renewed for any or no reason by […]
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