To all my teacher friends across the country… finally there is a NATIONAL organization that will document the actions of administrators who are bullying, harassing, violating COVID-19 rules and/or discriminating against teachers. Many districts have administration that help cover or support these illegal acts. Some districts (like the Rochester City School District) could even have internal “investigators” who have falsified reports to help cover for administration. Having a resource to cross-reference administrators who have committed these actions is the key to not feeling isolated and fighting back. Being able to connect with other teachers and share similar experiences could potentially save your career or reputation. You are not alone! Districts and unfortunately even unions refuse to give the names of administrators who have had multiple complaints (official and unofficial) filed by teachers. We deserve better and can only rely on teachers to protect teachers. After helping countless teachers battle workplace problems, it is time to take a more unified and effective approach.
— Chris Bianchi (Northeast Region)
I just joined the Teacher Protection Group. I faced retaliation for filing a complaint about COVID rules not being followed last year. My evaluation was dropped two levels and my principal stopped in my classroom 7 additional times than the previous year to “observe” me. I was also give a letter of reprimand for being 3 minutes late for our school arrival time. Many teachers show up just before first period but none of them were treated like this. This was the only time it happened and I know my principal was just looking for an opportunity. I wish I knew about this organization last year because I had no idea what to do. Now I realize this type of retaliation is not uncommon.
— L.E. (West Region)
I love the Teacher Protection Group’s concept and joined. After teaching for 23 years I realize how young teachers can really benefit when they don’t know who they can trust. Being able to research the administrators and staff in your district is a huge advantage. I believe that every teacher should join. Being able to connect with others who have gone through similar issues is a resource worth its weight in gold!
— M.B. (Midwest Region)
As a fatherless child in an abusive family environment, who eventually struggled through college while working up to fifty hours a week to become the first in my family to graduate from college, becoming a teacher was the realization of a dream. But, like so many others, my dream became a nightmare after the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. As a cancer survivor and caretaker for my disabled sister, my doctor advised that I should not return to in-person instruction and wrote a letter indicating this to my school district. While a remote accommodation was secured, it was eventually rescinded, forcing me to choose between my life and my livelihood. With an increasing barrage of retaliation for my outspokenness on the situation, and little recourse through the teacher unions, I made the gut wrenching decision to resign. Nevertheless, I have not given up on my dream, my profession, or my country. If this experience has taught us anything, it's that all we have is each other. That is why every teacher concerned with the safety of their community and the integrity of their profession should join the Teacher Protection Group today.
— M.H. (South Region)
I joined the Teacher Protection Group because I was bullied by my principal 15 years ago. Nothing happened and it almost made me quit teaching. If this had been around back then I could have gotten some much needed advice. What I went through was awful and I look forward to supporting others and documenting my horrible experience so there is a record of what happened to me.
— S.R. (West Region)
I have been an educator for 22 years - 14 of that has been in the public school classroom. I was always distressed over the abuse of teachers, but during the pandemic, such abuse has been elevated to an even more demoralizing level. I have multiple health issues and it became clear through my administrators that I would not be accommodated to teach virtually when the students resumed in person learning. My doctor had written me a note, but my association was not really any help for me, so I resigned. I have no idea when it will be truly safe for me to return to the classroom. I am terrified, daily, for my fellow teachers around the country and around the world who must teach in person during a deadly, uncontained pandemic.
— A.R (South Region)