?Life lesson – something from which useful knowledge or principles can be learned.? (Collins English Dictionary).
There are different types of life lessons but they are all instructional in some way and often accompanied by a wise saying i.e. ?a penny saved is a penny earned?; ?hard work pays off?; ?the early bird gets the worm?. Some are not so positive and are hard to except. One of the hardest is the fact that bad things can happen to good people. {{more}}
For high school students getting ready to go out into the ?real world?, that lesson was driven home at the end of this past school year. A popular and respected teacher was reassigned unexpectedly. The reassignment was to a different campus, an isolated position that would mean little contact with others. Little reason was given except that good teachers are needed there. There was no forewarning or opportunity provided to discuss the move. It was not optional. And, it occurred on the last day of the school year.
When the general public hears of such a move, the immediate thought is what did that person do wrong? Sad to say,the assumption is that the employee is guilty of some offense.
In this case, you have a 10 year veteran of KISD who has consistently won praise from peers, immediate supervisors, parents and students. The word popular was used earlier to describe this teacher but it was immediately followed by the word respected. Sometimes a teacher may be popular with students but not for reasons related to the ability to teach. This teacher was respected because she taught and taught well. She enforced the rules while emphasizing manners and respecting others. Hear what the students had to say by viewing the video. Students statements begin at the 20 minute mark.
What was the real reason for the sudden move? Some feel that it was because the teacher supported a colleague in the recent board election who ran and lost by three votes against a sitting school board member. Others say it was because she asked questions and made suggestions in a system that they say is known for top-down management and where it is better to wait and be instructed what to do.
The teacher quickly got the message and has since moved on to a neighboring school district that instantly recognized a quality teacher. It is Kennedale?s loss.
A number of veteran school district teachers and administrators have left in the last couple of years. Among those who remain, the recent action has raised concerns and questions. As one teacher ask ?If loyalty and doing a good job doesn?t count any more, what does??
