Topic : 12/06 Teacher Troubles

A few more thoughts, Anna.  Consider that this type of violation is much more likely to happen when you choose to become a teacher. I’m not saying it was OK, but it is an inherent risk when you work with people whose brains are not fully developed yet. Have you really thought about what Dr Phil said – that children at that age can’t accurately predict the consequences of their actions? Are you being fair in judging them by a standard they are incapable of comprehending? Shouldn’t a professional educator appreciate the ramifications of this fact?

You were terribly violated, no question. Nothing that ever happens to them could make up for how you feel and bring you satisfaction or justice. But letting go does not minimalize the magnitude of your injury. Can you see how your anger and fear and humiliation are changing you as a person? You are better than this. Stop being a victim and take your power back.

A final pragmatic consideration: will parents, the school board, and the community start to question your judgment on other issues if they see you as unreasonably harsh in this situation? I’m not saying you are, but can you afford to be seen that way?  By the way, Anna, I am a retired second grade teacher. I don’t know anyone in this case personally. Good luck to you, Anna.

I found this story to be very upsetting. I know the punishment of the justice system seems harsh, but no one takes notice of these situations until someone speaks up. Many situations are swept under the rug by schools. She has every right to do this and if the school had handled it properly than she wouldn't have to. Kids get away with way too much stuff and until you hit the parents in the pocket where it hurts them the kids keep on getting away with it. A lot of the time the only way to get parents attention/involvement is by seeking a dollar amount in which makes them step up to the plate and take action in supervising their children.

I feel so sad for Tericka. She has turned her life around and that is the wish and hope that everyone has that has ever known someone that has made bad choices. I am confused about what to think about her staying at that high school. I first felt she should be able to stay because if she had been my daughter, sister, and friend I would want her to be able to pursue any career she chooses. My 12 year old daughter came into my room and said she had an opinion about what should happen. I first told her what porn was and then asked her what she thought. She said that she didn't think she should stay because no would be able to think of anything else while in her class. I was surprised at her answer and said "Really ?"

As I thought about it more I began to realize that if Tericka had been a man, I as a parent wouldn't be comfortable with that scenario at all. I wish Tericka the best and hope a solution to her issues can be found.

Shame on you, Dr. Phil!  You blew it twice during the past couple of weeks.  First, you criticized the mother and grandmother of the three year old (who was apparently molested by her father) for going "outside the system" because they picketed the courthouse and distributed flyers to rally support when the court awarded unsupervised visitation to the father.  I'm sure you would not have stood idly by if this had happened to you!  Actually, they did not go "outside the system"; their activism was definitely within the parameters of the American political system (read first amendment rights).

As if that was not bad enough, last week you criticized an assistant principal for filing suit against a couple of students who had harassed her by posting a false ad in her name on myspace.com.  You again questioned why she couldn't handle this "within the school system".  She had to explain that there is NO "school system" that could effectively deal with this issue. And why should there be -- the students were acting on their own time and not on school property.  So what is wrong with handling it through the court system?

I was so angry after seeing your reaction that I was ready to head for Hollywood to set you straight!

To use your own words, Dr. Phil -- What were you thinking? 

I have taken several days to think about how I feel regarding the Assistant Principal sueing the student.  Without question, I understand her reasoning behind what she is doing.  So many methods of discipline have been taken away from the school systems: faculty, bus drivers and administration etc.  Their hands are tied and, in most cases, there are so few responsible parents who would follow through with discipline that would equal the bad behavior.  Most of our young people today are not held responsible for their behavior at a young age and that is why we have so many problems in our public school systems and in their private lives. 

I have never been on this website mentioned but I have heard a lot about it and that most of our young people support it by visiting it frequently or participate in it.  If someone had written the smut on that website or any other, about a loved one of mine and I knew it was all false, I would be so very angry and probably want to do the same as this young professional.  I can't imagine Dr. Phil being so casual about it if it were his wife or someone he loved.  He would want the guilty party to be held accountable 100%.  Somehow, I got the impression he may have let this student off the hook with the apology and some community service.  These actions that  took place took hours of thought and deliberate planning.  It is not like he did it with a one second decision and then regretted it.  It took time and effort on his part to put this smut online.  He deserves to be held accountable to the fullest extent.  When he made the decision to print lies and attempt to ruin this professional persons life, he made HIMSELF responsible personally AND through the COURTS.  I realize he is young but if he is the "good" person his parents think he is then he can work hard to reestablish his reputation and overcome his stupidity

Polly