re: endure years living under a cloud of suspicion
I doubt that in today’s world they can ever make a come back after the experience. Great damage is done them moment someone accuses them, even if it is quickly shown to be a false charge. Every day, week, month, year the process takes to reach it conclusion just adds to the damage.
Juvenile law being what it has become these days a few kids can get together, make up a story and accuse a teacher they don’t like, knowing full well it could destroy the teacher but they will pay virtually no price at all.
That will change only if, and when, the consequences for making a false charge are more negative than the reward they get by making it.
There are lots of jobs I would not care to have these days. Being a teacher is way up there on the list!
At least they are not doing any harm..............
a teacher backed by the powerful NEA will have no problem getting back to work....they’ll have kept their seniority and their pay and pension will have kept pace, just like if they had actually done some meaningful work....