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Teachers fear allegations of sex with students
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Your name is "Mud" | 1:46 a.m. June 14, 2009
The article mentions how a teacher's reputation and future in teaching can
be ruined when their name is dragged through the mud as a result of this type of
accusation.
That's because the news organizations are so intent on getting a scoop to sell the news that they splash the teacher's name all over the papers and air-waves before the facts are in.
A bit of responsible journalism would go a long way to keep innocent people from being destroyed.
That's because the news organizations are so intent on getting a scoop to sell the news that they splash the teacher's name all over the papers and air-waves before the facts are in.
A bit of responsible journalism would go a long way to keep innocent people from being destroyed.
Male teachers | 5:21 a.m. June 14, 2009
and role models are already in short supply and now there will be even fewer of
us. The job doesn't pay very well and we are not respected. We literally
can't afford to teach.
Comments continue below
Teacher | 5:50 a.m. June 14, 2009
I never pay attention much to these medias because they tend to put things out
of proportion. I am a teacher and we have wonderful students. There are times
where miscommunication and misunderstanding arises between teachers and students
that will create a fine line between them. Make sure they understand your
intentions. As having that clear, you should be fine, just don't beat
around the bush. Keep it straight and real. That's all it takes.
More of the same | 6:42 a.m. June 14, 2009
America needs to do what they do in Great Britain. In Britain, they will not
allow any aspect of a pending case be publicized until after the trial. What is
ironic about this article is that it state that teacher are helpless to false
accusations, then advice was given to teachers to minimize the chances of being
falsely accused, but the focus was once again 100% on teachers. What is being
done to curb the baseless accusations that teenagers sometimes make. Perhaps we
need to reform how the legal system handles those accusations in order to
protect a teacher's name and career. The solutions to this problem are not
on a one-way road, but a two-way street.
Judy M. | 6:51 a.m. June 14, 2009
The only reason a story like this is printed is because, although rare, it does
happen. In fact, it seems to me that over the last few years there has been an
increase in teacher/student relationships; as reported by the news media.
Hmmm | 7:17 a.m. June 14, 2009
How many parents have suffered the same fate of being accused because the child
is mad at them for what ever reason only to find out there was no impropriety
whatsoever? How many families have been torn apart because of false
accusations? This is a much bigger problem than in just the schools, yet, our
society quickly regards the child as not able to lie about this. Truly, there
is much more going on on this than just allegations between teacher and child.
You and I could both be accused at any time for any reason and the ramifications
are hugh.
college | 7:31 a.m. June 14, 2009
As a college professor I will leave my door open if I think that the student is
a possible complaintent. Other professors do the same thing. We even tell each
other about certain students and to be cautious.
Some years ago I was on a trip to a professional org. and one of my older female students was obviously drunk out in the parking lot at 3 am. I could hear her voice, loud and obnoxious. I knew who it was. I faced a choice: go out and get her and put her in her room, etc., if I could with her in her condition, or leave her out there with the others and not get accused of anything. I could claim I slept through the whole thing. I knew the university would not protect me.
Oh............. the dilemma.
Some years ago I was on a trip to a professional org. and one of my older female students was obviously drunk out in the parking lot at 3 am. I could hear her voice, loud and obnoxious. I knew who it was. I faced a choice: go out and get her and put her in her room, etc., if I could with her in her condition, or leave her out there with the others and not get accused of anything. I could claim I slept through the whole thing. I knew the university would not protect me.
Oh............. the dilemma.
Is this really rare? | 7:32 a.m. June 14, 2009
Judy M. says that "The only reason a story like this is printed is because,
although rare, it does happen." That is not true. False accusations
against teachers happen every day. Only once in awhile will a student make the
accusation to authorities. The article specifies that 30% of the accusations
made to authorities are false. Since I have a relative who is a teacher, was
falsely accused of harassment, and after four years of a court battle finally
won a judgment of civil libel against the accuser. He has yet to collect and is
still out $30,000.00 to defend himself. The current laws do not discourage
false accusations and these laws should be changed.
Silver Lining | 7:32 a.m. June 14, 2009
There is one good thing that comes from these highly-publicized incidents of
false allegations: Slowly but surely the public -- and more importantly, the
Media -- are beginning to realize that yes, children do indeed lie about sexual
abuse and their lies can have devastating effects.
Hopefully, the myth promoted by feminists that women and children are always 100% honest is beginning to be seen for what it is: Just another method to bash men.
Hopefully, the myth promoted by feminists that women and children are always 100% honest is beginning to be seen for what it is: Just another method to bash men.
its seems true @6:51 am | 7:57 a.m. June 14, 2009
Put cameras everywhere in the school and require teachers to only have a private
discussion with a student when a parent is there with them. I would be nice if
court proceedings were not public unless the person was actually found guilty.
Non story | 8:12 a.m. June 14, 2009
Another sensational story with no new information.
Anonymous | 9:00 a.m. June 14, 2009
I happen to believe that their are more cases of abuse than are actually
reported. I think administrators and parents need to keep their eyes and ears
open and nip these problems in the bud. Their are signs and red flags out their
before things get to the point of a court case. Maybe we only hear of the
aggrgous cases but some of these young female teachers preying on males students
seem unbelievable. Teachers and administrators need to take a hands off
approach and make it impossible for anyone to get the idea that something
untoward is happening.
EM | 10:04 a.m. June 14, 2009
Until children are held responsible for their lying and misbehavior we will
continue to see teachers accused and treated unfairly. Children can be mean and
totally irresponsible, (especially girls)- bottom line is they are not taught by
their parents, instead there are SOME parents who don't care about their
children the moment they exit the front door - maybe even before. They figure
it's the school's responsibility to take care of them. Teachers need
more power and money and parents need to step up to the plate and start being
parents to their children and not their friend - children have enough friends,
they don't need their parents being their friends. I think though schools
need to teach the basics and leave the extra curricular activities to the
parents. Parents need to be involved, mothers need to be home, and fathers need
to take a more connective role in their children's lives - in a perfect
world of course!!
Anonymous | 10:14 a.m. June 14, 2009
I teach (I am male) and I was falsely accused this year of kicking a child. The
child said I did this in spite of a mountain of evidence - including 3 written
statements from parents that were there at the time of the alleged incident! -
that proved that she was completely making it up.
Even though I was completely cleared and supported by parents, faculty and the Principal, it was the toughest thing I have ever gone through and it has me rethinking if I even want to teach. In the mean time, the girl got away with no real punishment and I am sure she will falsely accuse a different teacher.
I am still trying to decide if this is all worth $30,000 a year.
Even though I was completely cleared and supported by parents, faculty and the Principal, it was the toughest thing I have ever gone through and it has me rethinking if I even want to teach. In the mean time, the girl got away with no real punishment and I am sure she will falsely accuse a different teacher.
I am still trying to decide if this is all worth $30,000 a year.
Anonymous | 10:17 a.m. June 14, 2009
I don't feel like as parents we are being heard. My daughter came home
from school and told me her teacher gave her the creeps. When I complained to
the administration they have done nothing. He's tenured. The only thing I
could do was transfer her out of the class.
Anonymous | 11:27 a.m. June 14, 2009
Plain and simple...the MEDIA should not report these incidents until something
has been proven in a court of law. To do otherwise is absolutely wrong.
Anonymous | 12:33 p.m. June 14, 2009
@ anonumous 10:17- Therin lies the problem here. Your daughter came home and
said thee teacher gave her the creeps. Did the teacher actually do anything? Is
it possible that your daughter was given a tough assignment that she did not
want to doo so she concocted the "gives me the creeps" story to
manipulate you into keeping her from that tough assignment? You did the right
thing in trransfering her out, just to be sure, what bothers me is that you
sought to have action brought against the teacher without any ACTUAL wrong doing
on the part of the teacher. To quote the movie Hoodwinked, "We don't
arrest people for being creepy." What happened to the concept of being
innocent until proven guilty. Your actions make me fear even more for my job as
a teacher, I don't even have to do anything and I can have an accusation
levied against me! Why don't we just apply this same rational to you. Your
daughter told me that when you get angry she fears that you will beat her. I am
going to turn you over to DCFS for FEAR of the threat you are to her.
CREEPS | 12:40 p.m. June 14, 2009
10:17
Could we be A LITTLE MORE SPECIFIC?
HALF of the kids in any given MIDDLE SCHOOL would GIVE ANY ADULT THE CREEPS!
In my humble opinion it's TOO BAD to many PARENTS have "tenure".
Something about the "GENE POOL" being a little too shallow.
Ah, but that's a discussion for another day.
Could we be A LITTLE MORE SPECIFIC?
HALF of the kids in any given MIDDLE SCHOOL would GIVE ANY ADULT THE CREEPS!
In my humble opinion it's TOO BAD to many PARENTS have "tenure".
Something about the "GENE POOL" being a little too shallow.
Ah, but that's a discussion for another day.
c almond | 1:31 p.m. June 14, 2009
re: anonymous (creeps)
What do you believe the school should have done about your daughters teacher who gave her the creeps? Send him to creep rehabilitation school? Unless this teacher has actually done something more than you have stated, simply being 'creepy' is not a punishable action, and expecting a teacher to be punished for such is exactly the sort of thing which leads to the problems this article is addressing, ie. false accusations.
What do you believe the school should have done about your daughters teacher who gave her the creeps? Send him to creep rehabilitation school? Unless this teacher has actually done something more than you have stated, simply being 'creepy' is not a punishable action, and expecting a teacher to be punished for such is exactly the sort of thing which leads to the problems this article is addressing, ie. false accusations.
paul | 1:35 p.m. June 14, 2009
How about we as Americans decide that we can no longer tolerate the laws of the
decade, where we criminalize the crime of emotion, and are too focused on
proving that there is a serious criminal problem, to realize that it is a very
small issue after all. Our government AND POLITICIANS wants us to think that
there are serious problems, so that they will look busy, "solving the
countries horrors", and we will vote for them. Look into history for the
cycle! Time to focus on the "spirit" of the law, not the
"letter" of the law. Our country is too great to allow this behavior
of criminalizing everything to continue.
Stuff happens. Adults do stupid things. Children do even dumber things. Its a fact of life. How about we try to resolve things without the criminal justice system first, when safe and possible!
Stuff happens. Adults do stupid things. Children do even dumber things. Its a fact of life. How about we try to resolve things without the criminal justice system first, when safe and possible!
Anonymous | 2:12 p.m. June 14, 2009
All you have to do to make a person's life miserable, is to lie in order to
get a restraining order. If a judge believes you "feel unsafe" then a
judgment goes out without due process. The other person does not even get to
tell their side of the story. After you have a restraining order, you can then
continue to lie about it being violated. You can put someone in jail, with NO
opportunity of being heard or to present evidence this way.
I had a foster daughter who said that her step dad molested her. She was mad at him for grounding her. She later recanted when she discovered that she couldn't go to the prom from the foster home either, and that was her motivation. She dragged her whole family through the most awful mess, and used up tons of taxpayer funds, with NO CONSEQUENCES other than what her parents administered. And no doubt they were afraid to ever make the mistake of disciplining their child again!
Truth be told, more and more people are becoming afraid of their children.
I had a foster daughter who said that her step dad molested her. She was mad at him for grounding her. She later recanted when she discovered that she couldn't go to the prom from the foster home either, and that was her motivation. She dragged her whole family through the most awful mess, and used up tons of taxpayer funds, with NO CONSEQUENCES other than what her parents administered. And no doubt they were afraid to ever make the mistake of disciplining their child again!
Truth be told, more and more people are becoming afraid of their children.
creeped out student and parent | 2:42 p.m. June 14, 2009
My daughters math teacher confirmed to me that this teacher targets young girls
in the school. This year it was my daughter. I don't think my daughter is
perfect but I try to teach her to follow her gut insticts of how people make her
feel. She is not the only person he gives the creeps to. He gives me the
creeps as well. He has no business teaching children if he is creepy. The
administration told me that they are aware of his creepiness. They can't
fire him for that, but I can decide my children won't have to be with that
teacher.
RE: creeped out parent | 3:28 p.m. June 14, 2009
I am finding your posts "creepy". What exactly is your point here?
Are you trying to suggest this teacher is doing something wrong just because he
comes off as "creepy" to you? I think you missed the entire point of
the article. Unless you have proof of wrongdoing by this teacher, you should
have taken your kid out of his class and left the teacher alone.
to Creeped out | 3:50 p.m. June 14, 2009
Oh come on!!! Are you kidding me? How exactly do you define creepy?
I've got a neighbor who gives me the creeps because he stands out in his back yard and talks to his flowers.
Maybe I should have him arrested!!
In fact, my other neighbor has this huge nose and is missing a couple of teeth. Pretty creepy. Call 911!!
"He has no business teaching children if he is creepy..." Are you kidding me???
We shouldn't allow morons, or idiots, or mean people to teach either. In fact, we should fire all the people who are gross, rude, ugly, and unkempt.
I've got a neighbor who gives me the creeps because he stands out in his back yard and talks to his flowers.
Maybe I should have him arrested!!
In fact, my other neighbor has this huge nose and is missing a couple of teeth. Pretty creepy. Call 911!!
"He has no business teaching children if he is creepy..." Are you kidding me???
We shouldn't allow morons, or idiots, or mean people to teach either. In fact, we should fire all the people who are gross, rude, ugly, and unkempt.
re Anonymous | 10:17 a.m. | 5:05 p.m. June 14, 2009
"I don't feel like as parents we are being heard. My daughter came
home from school and told me her teacher gave her the creeps. When I complained
to the administration they have done nothing. He's tenured. The only thing
I could do was transfer her out of the class".
________________________________
What were you hoping the administration would do? Fire the teacher because he gave your daughter the creeps?
How would you like to be fired from your job if someone complained to the boss that you gave them the "creeps".
________________________________
What were you hoping the administration would do? Fire the teacher because he gave your daughter the creeps?
How would you like to be fired from your job if someone complained to the boss that you gave them the "creeps".
Hoss | 5:19 p.m. June 14, 2009
There are in this issue many competing needs. Of course there is a need to
protect students from predatory adults juxtaposed against the need to protect
innocent adults from predatory minors. There is a need to protect reputations
of the falsely accused again juxtaposed against the need for the public to know
about real offences so other victims feel encouraged to come forth.
The underlying problem stems from the reality of how badly government entities run things that private sector groups including in this case, for profit, non-profit and religious organizations have proven can do much better at. The solution is that though I believe in government funded free K-12 education for all, I don't believe in government run schools at all except for it own adult employees.
Much of our educational problems would quickly solve themselves if parents could choose the school, if parents could fire a school, if a school could fire problem families. In a non-governmental school, teachers are rarely given tenure, as like any employee, they need to prove themselves each and every year, and can be terminated without cause or due process at the end of the year.
The underlying problem stems from the reality of how badly government entities run things that private sector groups including in this case, for profit, non-profit and religious organizations have proven can do much better at. The solution is that though I believe in government funded free K-12 education for all, I don't believe in government run schools at all except for it own adult employees.
Much of our educational problems would quickly solve themselves if parents could choose the school, if parents could fire a school, if a school could fire problem families. In a non-governmental school, teachers are rarely given tenure, as like any employee, they need to prove themselves each and every year, and can be terminated without cause or due process at the end of the year.
20-yr female teacher | 6:32 p.m. June 14, 2009
I've known more questionable students in my 20-yr career than questionable
teachers. I try to do all the right things when it comes to interactions with
students (i.e., keep doors open, meet with students in groups or in the presence
of other adults, don't touch or hug students, etc.). I've had students
lie to their parents about me many times. They get a low grade, it's my
fault. They don't do their homework, it's my fault. They get their
phone taken away, it's my fault. I can't count how many times kids
have lied to parents about things I supposedly said or did. Parents often
believe their kids before they get the story right. Parents speak degradingly
about their kids' teachers in front of their kids. I don't doubt that
there are teachers who need to get things right, but more than that, parents and
students need to get it right. Kids, quit lying!!! Parents, quit enabling!!!
I'd appreciate it, too, if the media would quit helping to ruin teachers' lives and reputations. Will the legislature please do something!
I'd appreciate it, too, if the media would quit helping to ruin teachers' lives and reputations. Will the legislature please do something!
DC | 6:58 p.m. June 14, 2009
I am a parent of a child in grade school who's teacher was just fired over
sexual misconduct...it happens, it is real, and this teacher had a file an inch
thick, and the only thing that saved him was tenure...if we make it even harder
to go after bad teachers, we will see more and more kids hurt...this girl who
"lied" about this recent teacher let off...you can't tell me for
a second that guy didn't cross a line, how about just teach the kids and
quit trying to be their buddies? That alone would solve the problem...NO
teacher needs to be texting a child or doing anything beyond the classroom, find
friends your own age.
Chad | 1:29 a.m. June 15, 2009
Wouldn't it be great if the vouchers had passed and people could choose
more easily where to have their children educated. Why don't more parents
home school? It seems to me that a big problem with public education is
accountability. You owe it to your kids to hold your schools and public
officials accountable. This can include taking your kid out of school and
teaching them at home. The vast majority of home schooled kids are above grade
level and do very well because the lord-of-the-flies public education
environment teaches kids some bad behaviors and wastes hours of time each day.
Problem students | 5:40 a.m. June 15, 2009
Reading some of the comments it is clear that there are problem students that
teachers know about and must avoid. Why can't the teachers report these
students to authorities and parents? If the students know they can be reported
before any allegations of wrong doing then this would help the situation in the
long run. Weed out and identify those students who have emotional problems
before they become a real problem. Not all students are angels and with sex so
freely distributed between students in schools, has been a contributor to
teacher allegations. Too many allegations for retribution by students has become
a major issue that should be a red flag for education and parents.
Our society has created generations of children that think its 'okay' to lie, even in court, and that everybody does it as acceptable. With this attitude of the young, how can you have any justice or know the real truth? More has to be done to make children understand that lieing is not acceptable and has severe punishment.
Our society has created generations of children that think its 'okay' to lie, even in court, and that everybody does it as acceptable. With this attitude of the young, how can you have any justice or know the real truth? More has to be done to make children understand that lieing is not acceptable and has severe punishment.
Home? | 8:29 a.m. June 15, 2009
To: Chad
So home school is the solution to protecting our children from abuse?
I wonder where most child abuse happens. Isn't it in the HOME?
BTW: Vouchers wouldn't have paid for home school.
So home school is the solution to protecting our children from abuse?
I wonder where most child abuse happens. Isn't it in the HOME?
BTW: Vouchers wouldn't have paid for home school.
JO JO | 4:43 p.m. June 15, 2009
RE:Your name is "Mud" | 1:46 a.m. June 14, 2009
You are correct but when it is one of their own the media becomes hush, hush!!!
You are correct but when it is one of their own the media becomes hush, hush!!!
X-Factor | 4:49 p.m. June 15, 2009
RE: creeped out parent | 3:28 p.m. June 14, 2009
Awesome post...thanks for the laugh and the truth!!
Awesome post...thanks for the laugh and the truth!!
Anon | 9:43 a.m. June 16, 2009
There cant be reprisal for students blowing the whistle at teachers or you will
end up with fearfull victims of abuse who never speak up.
On the other hand teachers need to learn to treat children as social lepers.
On the other hand teachers need to learn to treat children as social lepers.
Williams | 10:13 a.m. June 16, 2009
If you've never been falsely accused, you can't possibly understand
the devastation a false accusation of sexual conduct is. It's not a
temporary thing, it's lifelong, and a terrible cross to bear. It affects
family, co-workers and anyone the falsely accused knows, forever.
Frank | 11:14 a.m. June 16, 2009
Why are people still teaching? Would you like to take care of the most prized
possesion of strangers? Be attacked constantly for it? Put yourself in a daily
position to be sued, defamed, and discredited? Get payed next to squat yet have
your pay scrutinized stricter than any other profession?
That we get just a few predators slip through here and there is amazing. I dont see why a decent person would teach at all without a fanatical love of the profession.
Its easy to see the day soon to come when the profession collapses on itself and the US drops to the bottom in world education.
That we get just a few predators slip through here and there is amazing. I dont see why a decent person would teach at all without a fanatical love of the profession.
Its easy to see the day soon to come when the profession collapses on itself and the US drops to the bottom in world education.
to creepy | 5:24 a.m. Aug. 18, 2009
Students refer to teachers as creepy, weird, losers, and anything else you can
think of... sometimes even to their face. Even if the teacher comes off as
creepy, this may have been a good time to teach your daughter about respect in a
safe environment.
Since politicians "use" education to get elected, parents think they need to constantly attack the school system too.
If students ran the system, we would have recess all day. Parents, give teachers the respect they deserve so that your children will also.
Since politicians "use" education to get elected, parents think they need to constantly attack the school system too.
If students ran the system, we would have recess all day. Parents, give teachers the respect they deserve so that your children will also.
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The student at West High who lied about the teacher to my knowledge is going to suffer no penalty for what she did. As long as this remains the case, these kind of things will continue.
There needs to be a stiff penalty for students doing this.