My husband was a teacher for 24 years. His administration found his conservative ways (enforcing the dress code twice in two years and allowing student led discussion that occasionally included religion) to be “intimidating to students “. After a stressful few months of unjust persecution he resigned, took a severance package and agreed not to sue the district. He couldn’t be happier now that he is self employed -and firmly believes that godless public schools are not where Christians should send their children.
It doesn’t matter how good the teacher is-the tone and agenda is set by the administration. His former principal could have worked in a school in the former communist block and her methods and beliefs wouldn’t be any different than what she does now.
No one is allowed to stray from her idealology. And this is in a “good “ school district in the rural Midwest.
I am sorry about what your husband went thru. He sounds like an excellent & caring teacher. I know EXACTLY what he went thru. The admin grips us by the throat & never lets go. The abuse I see fellow teachers get is astounding. I get spared simply because we are self contained & alternatively assessed. I also know how to play the game for self preservation.
Being in the south we can pray. Many teachers & assistants pray before they eat lunch. My kids share about their church because it is a big part of their life.
I am a big believer in the “broken windows” theory........tackle the seemingly trivial things: clothing, being polite, cleanliness, respect, etc & you have half the game won. But for whatever absurd reason that is seen in many quarters as being wrong to guide a child in that way. Duh, we are teachers. That is part of it. From the little I have read about KIPP charters they emphasize those things to an extreme degree. As far as I’m concerned those things when mastered give a student a huge leg up in the world. Especially for kids who are lacking in so many areas this could be a lifesaver come college or job time.
On Friday several colleagues were written up for saying, “Hush,” to a class. The stories become so absurd that if you are not in education or know so done who is you would be skeptical about the truth of said stories. When you tell them someone always says, “ Oh I’ve got a better one.”
I’m glad your husband is in a place where he is happy.