Dear Editor:
Although the main idea of Monday’s article
”
Teacher Blames Politics Over Firing
”
is right on target, I was misquoted, and I’d like to clarify
what I said.
Dear Editor:
Although the main idea of Monday’s article “Teacher Blames Politics Over Firing” is right on target, I was misquoted, and I’d like to clarify what I said. First of all, I never spoke in terms of “all” or “nothing,” but those errors are minor. What is more important is that I specifically stated that “I was not sure who else was let go, but I believe there were several other English I teachers.” I never gave specific names; they are confidential. It’s clear that someone else leaked those names because Ms. Stuenkel was given my name. She contacted me; I did not approach the press.
I also want to make it clear that I’m not fighting for my job back. I am fighting for the rights of Gilroy students. I fear for their future if this administration is allowed to remove good teachers from the classroom for apparent personal reasons. It is vitally important that the students have as many experienced and innovative teachers as possible, teachers who raise the expectations of performance and behavior, not lower them. It is doubtful that a handful of good, experienced teachers will be knocking down the district’s door to work in this district. Gilroy High should be holding on tightly to the veteran teachers it has.
I allowed my name to be used because I am proud of the job I’ve done at Gilroy High School, and I know that I have a lot of support from parents. I will not hide nor be ashamed of my termination; there is a larger issue at hand. Parents and the community need to speak out now. They need to demand that the administration’s decisions are fully explored. The generic answer that a teacher “was not a good match” is not sufficient. The community should be asking, “A good match for whom?”
I worked closely with my peers, sharing lesson plans, innovative ideas, and mutual concerns. I used any constructive feedback to improve my teaching strategies. I always made time to communicate with parents. I made respect and Responsibility the foundation of my classroom. Many of my students expressed their astonishment that they’ve actually been learning in my classroom. Yes, I may have higher expectations than some other teachers, and my students rise to them. However, my ideals – for some reason – are not a “good match” with this administration.
Now the question goes out to the community: Is this administration a “good match” for Gilroy?
Kristen Porter, Gilroy High School teacher of English I and III
Submitted Tuesday, March 9 to ed****@****ic.com
EDITOR’S NOTE: Numerous sources spoke to The Dispatch regarding the teachers. Ms. Porter spoke openly about her colleagues who would not be returning.
