If it is okay to ask former employer the real reason for being let go or not

I hear that usually it is not okay to ask what the real reason for being let go if the excuse they give you does not add up. Almost a year ago I was removed from a school district substitute list because just one teacher from one school felt offended that I didn't respond to a request to help her. I never ignore people on purpose so if that teacher got offended, then it was an accident. She went to tell people that I check my phone during breaks really quickly, just like what everyone else does.

But instead, I was asked to not return as a sub again. I feel like that was somewhat unjust and I was told I should say something by some people, but then later on, I did some research and saw that asking for a real reason can make you look bad and trying to cause trouble. I didn't say anything to the district, I just apologized for accidently offending a teacher and left it at that. I am glad I didn't say anything else.

But sometimes I wonder if I could have said something or asked politely. Due to the weird reason they gave me, I have a very strong feeling they just simply didn't want me or didn't need me anymore and that was just a poor excuse for their reason for getting rid of me. Usually a small accidental offense would just result in a warning at first. I didn't even have that. In a way Sometimes I wish I did ask if they just simply didn't need me as the real reason.

Another reason I believe this is because right around the time I was let go, I heard there were way too many substitutes at the district I was at, while other districts were hurting. So I feel like it could have just been a big layoff and they were afraid to say it. I am currently at a new school district now as a part time paraprofessional. Same work as before, except I am not a day to day substitute. I am okay now but for future references, is it okay to ask for a real reason? Should I have asked before or was me not saying anything the best decision? Does it look unprofessional to ask? Is a lame reason that doesn't seem fire able on a first offense, especially an accidental one, a sign of an employer just looking for a reason to let you go? Just curious for future reference.

I would go ahead and ask. Perhaps if you phrased it as being in the interest of self-improvement you may get a genuine response.

If you do ask, simply ask for any additional comment rather than antagonizing the situation by asking for "the real reason" as if someone had been dishonest or deceptive.

I once asked for the "Real Reason" and got a real nasty response. In an interview they gave me one reason why I was not hired, but over heard another reason, that I heard out side the door. Best to let this go and move on. My advice is to never ask for "The Real Reason".

Are you in a teachers union? In the state of WI they would have to investigate and do all kinds of things to let you go and the union would let u know?