ELEMENTARY TEACHER SUSPENDED WITHOUT PAY. FACES TERMINATION

The Nashville Tennessean | 17 January 2002 | Carly Harrington

[MeneMeneTekelUpharsin]

MURFREESBORO — A Rutherford County teacher who called his students a ''bunch of fools'' and made them place their noses in a circle on the wall has been suspended without pay, according to a letter school officials sent to the teacher. William Van Ulzen, 60, of Franklin, was notified on Dec. 19 that Superintendent Hulon Watson intended to terminate his post as a first-year visual arts teacher at Cedar Grove Elementary School in Smyrna, ''based on incidents that occurred during the current school year.''

The letter cites several instances in which Van Ulzen used ''demeaning'' disciplinary measures and made ''derogatory, humiliating and ridiculing remarks'' to his students. Watson declined to comment on the matter, pending a hearing before an independent hearing officer. A telephone message left at Van Ulzen's home was not returned.

Van Ulzen, who has two master's degrees, has more than 20 years of teaching experience, including a one-year stint at Williamson County's Centennial High School and three years at Marshall County High School. In both cases, the position he held was eliminated. He also has held positions as an art and design instructor and department head at various schools and colleges.

Two letters of recommendation found in his personnel file state that Van Ulzen ''consistently exhibits professionalism, caring and wisdom'' and that students ''enjoy his teaching and rate him as one of the best.'' The school board will select an independent hearing officer at its 5 p.m. meeting today at its central offices at 2240 Southpark Blvd.

[Nitro]

I must plead guilty, I was dividing my attention with television, what makes it worse is I went to St. Francis Prep!

If I was still there I would get what they called a "Bell Clapper", the Brother would turn the stones of his high school ring on one hand and his college ring on the other inward and slap both sides of your head at the same time!!

I only got it once but it sticks with you!!

[Chemnitz]

No kidding! That could lead to permanent brain damage, even to perverse spelling of "Franciscan." But you know that already.

[nopardons]

You are correct, but, it is also the extreme watering down of what is taught.

[sweetliberty]

"On the other hand, Van Ulzen is 60 years old "

Pushing retirement and all of a sudden they decide they should get rid of him? Hmmm. Sounds more like a profitable convenience to me.

[sweetliberty]

I'm guessing that this teacher would be in seriously deep doo doo.

[Nitro]

No I'm not kidding, but they weren't using full strength!

I might be making it sound worse than it actually was, I guess that is to make me sound tougher than I really am for making it through!

The way I see it now is, the Brothers just helped us re-focus on the reason we were there! I am sure you will agree that most teenagers are short-sighted, I was no different, but today the kids are in charge and they learn nothing!!

When the Brothers were in charge we learned whether we wanted to or not!!

And to this day and beyond I am glad those Brothers were there to kick my ass!!!

[Chemnitz]

I think the threat of physical punishment should be there in handling teen-age boys. I think that is now out of the question in almost all schools. One commedian (former teacher) put it well when he said the teachers used to beat up the students if they were bad. Now the students beat up the teachers. Which is better?

I teach college, so I have a more mature set of kids and many older students. I have witnessed some obnoxious mouthing off by girls and boys in class. I was not teaching those classes. I am glad I was not.

[Nitro]

Although I don't like this word, it is their sense of entitlement. Unfortunately they all want respect before they have done even the tiniest thing to earn it!!

Also self-esteem comes from succcess not by passing on failing students, because when they find out the truth that bogus self-esteem bubble just pops!