No, her mistake was walking into the doors of a school building as a teacher/substitute teacher. I know from personal experience, they will destroy you and your life and your career if they want/need to. Teachers are the bottom rung of the ladder—after principals, parents, even the students. A student can make an accusation against a teacher, it will be believed as truth, the teacher will be put on administrative leave while the district conducts a career-damaging ‘investigation’ all before even hearing your side of the story. Regardless, the student’s story is taken as truth, and any corroborating or contradictory evidence you may present to support your side is considered desperate lying to cover up your guilt. They build a case behind your back, using taxpayer dollars to pay for expensive attorneys, all to support the student’s lie, and your career is over.
Let me tell you, I know. It happened to me. I’m still not over it. It haunts me every day—and what this student accused me of was not in any way sexual. But they tried to take me down anyway. I fought them through legal avenues, and ended up being offered another contract, which I turned down. But, at least I didn’t have to say I’d been non-renewed. Not that I ever want to set foot inside a public school again!
Don’t teach...you are replaceable. They don’t care about you—none of them—the district, the parents or the kids. Eventually one of them will get you. And yes, I’m bitter. I spent four years of my life getting an education degree and ten years teaching and stupid lying kid stole it all away from me. Don’t teach. That’ll be your first mistake.
Wow!