Will I be eligible to collect unemployment benefits?

Can I collect unemployment benefits as a teacher?

• Hi, I recently posted this question but it wasn't clear to everyone. So I will be clear again, I was recently discharged/let go from my teaching job. I wanted to know if there are any reasons why I would not be able to collect unemployment? For my first classroom observation, I received an unsatisfactory grade. Then I was given a warning about the time of my situation. I am a probationary teacher so that is why I was let go. I was late to one class (period) when there was a teacher teaching. Also, there was one period where I wasn't there, but the teacher was there teaching. I was wondering if I should have been unable to get unemployment benefits based on this situation. However, the principal didn't fired me after I've been warned about this situation. Then, for my second observation, I've been given an unsatisfactory rating for my teaching. That was the time that he fired me because he said that he felt my passion wasn't in teaching and that I was incompetent on my content area. I guess you can say that I'm a brand new teacher who still needs time to craft my teaching skills. I wanted to know if these are the possible reasons why I would not be able to collect unemployment? Would it be the write up for my situation that can cause me to collect umemployment? This would really help answer my questions. P.S: I was only absent for 3 days, I've never been late to work other than being late or not present for one particular class.

• Answer:

  I'm from NY too. I would go ahead and file, and then it would be up to the DOL to determine if you are or are not eligible. In case you are not, believe me, you'll get a physical letter in the mail from them. This reminded me of a time I applied for unemployment after leaving a job where the atmosphere was super hostile (I don't even want to talk about my immediate supervisor from that time, lol). I was turned down initially because I voluntarily left. They did mention in the letter that I could appeal this decision so I did. I had a meeting with an DOL arbitrator/judge of sorts, who heard my defense. If I could have convinced him that the company was in the wrong and that I needed to get out of there, and should receive unemployment, I could've had their initial decision overturned. Well, the judge went with the company's side. It was tough. If you do get turned down, feel free to make an appt. with the DOL Appeals Board. They also mention that you can hire an attorney. I was feeling very budget-conscious at the time so I didn't hire one, which was probably a mistake. If you do aim to hire one, be sure he or she specializes in employment law.