Legal blog: Relax, recharge, and keep these summer legal tips in mind

Written by MSTA staff attorney Hank Jenkins, May 2026

I started my job as a staff attorney with the Missouri State Teachers Association in August and began my first foray into education employment law. It’s hard to believe that it is already May, and I am wrapping up my first academic cycle representing public educators throughout the state. While having the privilege of talking to our wonderful members on a daily basis, I have learned the ins and outs of teacher contracts, how to locate and discern school board policies, and just exactly when a teacher goes from being probationary to tenured within a district, among many other things. As teachers are finalizing their grade books and making summer plans, I have been reflecting on the most important things I have learned in my first year as a lawyer in this field and what advice I can give to teachers to prepare for the next school year as they rest and reenergize from the work they have been doing.

1. Know what is in your contract and keep a copy accessible at home.

Contracts are so much more than a piece of paper you are signing to begin a job within a school district. They are legal agreements you are making with the school district that will dictate how that working relationship operates. Many of the contracts we see look very much the same, but it is important for you, as the teacher, to know what you have agreed to for the upcoming year. Important things you want to take note of on your contract are your salary schedule placement, the actual salary listed, the beginning date of the contract, and the length of the contract. If any of these items are incorrect, they need to be worked out with the district as soon as possible. When it comes to your salary, understand that any money you receive from an “Extra Duty” or “Extended Duty” contract operates separately from the salary you receive in your teacher contract and is not guaranteed to remain on a year-to-year basis. Additionally, know what the penalties are, often called liquidation damages, for getting out of your contract before the end of the year. Each district has its own amount, and it can be costly for a teacher to decide they don’t want to work in a district any longer.

2. Become familiar with and understand your district's school board policies.

In almost every contract, a teacher agrees to abide by the school board policies. Board policies should be seen as your friend, as they are there to protect you as much as they are there to protect your district. They allow you to know how you are expected to operate while you are an employee within the district. All districts are required to have their board policies linked on their district website, and many have the policies that are relevant to employees listed in their employee handbook. If you are unsure of where to find them, ask your HR department or administrative staff. Some of the more important policies you will want to locate and be mindful of are those involving staff conduct, how and when to file a grievance, how many sick or personal days you have and when you can use them, the requirements for using FMLA, and policies involving technology and social media.

3. Be mindful of what you are posting on social media this summer.

Even when you are not on contract hours, the things you post on social media can negatively affect your job. This is just as true during the summer months as it is during the school year. Always be mindful of what you are putting on social media and who can see it. As a teacher, you are a public figure within your community, and it is always important to maintain professionalism in the things you post. Before you post anything, always ask yourself, “Is there a possibility that someone could be offended by this?” If the answer is yes, it might be a better idea to just keep the comment, picture, or latest political meme to yourself.

4. Contact the MSTA Legal Services Department with any questions or concerns.

As always, the legal team here at MSTA is here to help our members. If you have questions about any of the topics above or find yourself in need of legal assistance regarding your employment with a Missouri school district, don’t be afraid to reach out. MSTA offices are open during the summer.

Contact the MSTA Legal Services Department at 866-343-6186 or email legalservices@msta.org.