This guide reviews legal standards inherent in the First Amendment and recommends management techniques that ensure employees' free speech rights while maintaining school efficiency. Section 1, "Introduction," presents an overview of the trend toward litigation in which public employees allege that school officials have violated First Amendment rights. "The First Amendment Standards in School Employment," section 2, applies Supreme Court holdings to the school environment. Section 3,"The Usual First Amendment Case," explores the reasons employees normally sue--perceived unfair or undignified treatment. "Preventing the First Amendment Case," section 4, recommends that officials avoid circumstances that lead to lawsuits. The section investigates leadership, employees' rights, evaluation and documentation, and the grievance process. Section 5, "Potential First Amendment Pitfalls," evaluates problem areas in management decisions, including the chain of command and employee civil disobedience. "Evaluating and Executing Adverse Employment Decisions," section 6, reviews processes involved when a supervisor terminates an employee engaged in a free speech activity. Section 7, "Summary and Conclusion," suggests that administrators establish an environment of fair treatment and that supervisors respond immediately to employee needs. Three appendices are included. (CJH)