It’s really quite simple: just make sure that your union-protected work rules mean that you’re almost impossible to fire. As the Spokane (WA) Spokesman-Review reports:
By accepting his resignation the district assured that Wakabayashi was immediately removed from teaching, and the district avoids a lengthy investigation, officials said.
“When that happens the employee continues to receive pay until the matter is resolved by a hearing officer through a very lengthy legal process, usually lasting 18 months,” [human resources director Barb] Wright said.
For the record, Matthew Wakabayashi started teaching at his school in 1974. Remember that next time a union officer defends (with questions like “Why does it take so long to figure out if someone is a bad teacher?”) the practice of giving teachers lifetime job security after just a few years.