Robert Harrell tried to post a response to John Bracey’s situation but it didn’t post so here it is as an article. I’m glad it didn’t post, because Robert’s comment is something each and every one of us should read if we are going to teach this way. What I laughed off as a bunch of loonies around John (you have to read his report from the field from last night to understand Robert’s comment) is not funny, and below Robert tells us why:
Ben, the situation is not funny at all. It is obviously a concerted attack on a good teacher, and the crowning stroke is the “needs improvement” evaluation.
John, if any sort of negative evaluation is placed in your file, you have the right to respond. I suggest that you write a letter of response, get letters of support and approbation from the parents, and document as much as possible the meetings and statements (especially the false statements made to others) that have occurred. Get as much information as you can from people who were there, and get them to attest to it in writing. Make copies and insist that all of this be placed in your personnel file. Then check up to make certain that it was done. If necessary go to the personnel / human resources office at the district. Get your union representative involved, especially as you document the unprofessional behavior of others, particularly your administrator. This is an egregious and concerted attack on a teacher and cannot go unchallenged. I wish you the best of luck.