Thread: Teacher sues because she has a fear of young kids

She's been teaching since 1976 and the article says she's been treated for her phobia since 1991. I can accept that. I think a lot of people can change over the course of 15 years, and someone who loves teaching teenagers might not be able to handle little kids. I know a couple of "spinster aunts" of mine who were the same way. But I don't accept that middle schoolers are so much "younger" than high schoolers that she requires special accomodations that she didn't have at the high school. Personally, seeing her photo, I'd be willing to bet that her weight alone could explain her blood pressure soaring; her general anxiety disorder might be part of the problem, too. The district did nothing wrong in offering her the transfer. Ridiculous lawsuit, throw it out.

There is a big difference between elementary, middle, and high school students. Yes, one year can make that much difference; if it didn't, parents wouldn't "red-shirt" their children. I can totally understand her anxiety issues being at the middle school level. The bulk of her day is spent with 12 & 13 YO instead of 14 - 19 YO. +/- a year.

That said, part of her problem is that she was employed by such a small district. Eliminating her position leaves few options for her. *If* she is credentialed to teach other subjects, they could have accommodated her by moving her to a different subject at the high school. If not, well...what else could they do? Then again, perhaps her position was eliminated because she had taught for 33 years and they were trying to force her to retire.

Look if kids are getting condoms in middle schools, they are not young kids anymore.

And EW how many parents red shirt?

Originally Posted by myyams

Look if kids are getting condoms in middle schools, they are not young kids anymore.

Is that your litmus test?

And EW how many parents red shirt?

Not sure why it matters how many red shirt. The purpose of red-shirting is because 1 year can make a difference.

Am I the only one who doesnt know what red-shirting is? Could you please explain?

I would not say that, but when I think of young kids, needing condoms does not enter my mind. Middle school age kids are entering puberty, so they are not really young as such.

I asked about red shirting because in some areas, it seems to be very common. So if it was common in her school, she would be dealing with kids even a year older anyway.

Originally Posted by ethanwinfield

Is that your litmus test?



Not sure why it matters how many red shirt. The purpose of red-shirting is because 1 year can make a difference.

Originally Posted by ftmom

Am I the only one who doesnt know what red-shirting is? Could you please explain?

Kyla, the term is used when parents start their kids off in school later, hoping they will get ahead in sports or academics.

Originally Posted by ftmom

Am I the only one who doesnt know what red-shirting is? Could you please explain?

I had to Google it. Once I saw the definition I remembered more about it.