Hi everyone, I need your advice. I’m currently in a master’s program for teaching, and a few weeks ago, I was thrilled to receive straight A’s for the fall semester. However, two weeks ago, I discovered that one of my grades was changed to a B, and I was placed on probation over something related to my CV, ironically, something I included based on advice from my professor, who is also the program director.

Initially, I created a very simple and honest CV, but after submitting it for feedback, my professor suggested adding certain duties to make it look stronger and more appealing to potential employers. He even advised me to prepare for interview questions about those duties. Following his advice, I updated my CV as suggested, and I received an A in his course.

During the semester, I completed a practicum at a local community college. Later, I applied for a job at the same college and submitted the CV with my application. However, the department chair noticed that the duties I listed didn’t match what I was allowed to do during the practicum. My CV included tasks like helping with grading and developing curriculum, but I wasn’t actually allowed to do those things in my role. I was only supposed to observe. I didn’t think this would be an issue because it was based on my professor’s feedback.

The chairperson reported this discrepancy to the dean, which caused a lot of drama. The teacher I worked under during the practicum also got into trouble, and the school where I did my master’s program was informed about the situation.

My professor called for a Zoom meeting to discuss the issue. I told him I wasn’t angry and took full responsibility for the mistake because I felt terrible about what had happened. The meeting was casual, and since I’ve known him since middle school (small town, small college), I thought we could move past it. However, when I brought up that the CV edits were based on his suggestions, he said he only made “recommendations” and asked why I included them. I was speechless because I expected him to acknowledge his role in the situation. I just said, “I don’t know” instead of directly pointing out that I was following his advice.

Toward the end of the meeting, he asked me if I wanted him to keep me posted if nothing else happened. I said, “No, it’s all good,” because I was irritated and wanted to move on quickly.

Weeks passed, and I didn’t hear anything from him, so I assumed the case was closed. Unfortunately, I lost the job opportunity at the community college, which was disappointing because they were really interested in me. Then, when I checked my final grades, I noticed my grade had been changed to a B. I contacted my professor to ask why, and he said it was because of the CV issue. I replied back and say thank you for letting me know. Shortly after, I received an email from my school stating that they accepted the department’s recommendation to place me on probation. Since he’s the only person in the department, it’s clear he made the recommendation.

Now, I feel devastated. It’s frustrating that I’m facing such significant consequences over two sentences on my CV, sentences I included based on his advice. My relationship with the teacher I worked under during the practicum has been strained because she got in trouble as well. I could have started my new job by now, but instead, I’m still searching for one.

What is your advice on appealing this situation? I’d really appreciate your input. Thank you in advance!