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[frolickingturtle]

I'm sorry you're so bummed, and that you have to worry about keeping your job. 

It sounds as though it may be too late, but if you haven't officially been given the heave-ho, perhaps you could be proactive and work with your chair to develop a particular plan for improving your teaching, that would have specific measurable objectives that could be assessed at the end of your next semester or year.  This might be more attractive to him or her than trying to hire a new person for next semester at this late date.

If it is too late, I'm not sure what I would do, but I think I'd be a little cautious about jumping into a whole new field (didn't you mention Law School earlier?) right now.  There aren't a lot of law firms hiring, and law school doesn't typically offer funding for students.

Is there something you can do with your current degree and training that isn't teaching?  Or can you afford to adjunct rather than full-time teach for awhile?  Just having a lighter load might let you focus on really revamping the way you're teaching in a way that addresses your weaknesses.

[2zebras]

Thanks frolickingturtle.

I did mention thinking about another career (although not law school); unfortunately, I don't have a degree that translates into a whole lot in the real world. But I like your suggestion about adjuncting; it's also lower pressure in terms of what "successful" would mean. If I can swing it, it might be better than some more drastic options.

I have another year, if I want it, where I am; I've just been told that my third-review (based on the first two just completed) has been negative for teaching. The chair is not willing to work on a proactive plan. (I did try to take that advice). Scholarship and service came out fine in the review. I'm a bit depressed at looking at next year's teaching if I decide to take it. I have about a month to decide.

This thread has been really useful - if I can finagle another ft or tt position, I have some great ideas about how have more effective conversations about asking for help and some specific and incremental changes to try.