Teacher in my district. Husband leaving for second tour in Iraq

[Ishoutandscream2]

found out this year that her son has Autism. The teacher had a severe bout of depression, and sought professional help. Because of all these things, she missed many days. Now she's back at work, and guess what? Her contract has not been renewed for next year.

Imagine - her husband is fixin' to go back for another tour in Iraq. Son diagnosed with Autism. Trying to keep things together while dad is gone. And trying to keep a teaching job.

All of this, which I can't fathom having to go through. And my wife (who says this woman is a wonderful elementary teacher, by the way) tells me this woman will not be renewed. Reason - her first year, and first year contracts are "probationary." So, for practically any reason the district sees fit, they can get rid of a probationary teacher with relative ease. Just too many absences.

Yes, ain't it great to work in a right-to-work state? Is this how we treat our people in this country? Especially a family that is making the ultimate sacrifice, and a young, autistic son who goes through long periods without his daddy. Not knowing about the man's safety in Iraq. Or whether they'll ever see him again.

Brutal, unconscionable. Fuck that the district has the "right" to do this. Where's the compassion and fairness? Is this how we treat our soldiers' families?

I used to think my district was actually very fair to its employees. This, however, goes beyond the pale. I am so ashamed right now.

[Freedomofspeech]

1. Probably a lot of the people in your area have those stupid

yellow magnets on their cars. Like, who doesn't support the troops? Oh, that's right, it's the government that doesn't support the troops.

[Ishoutandscream2]

2. Yes, and I'd like to see one magnet say "Bring our troops home"

But that would be only a fantasy around here.

[Breeze54]

3. That's sad she's being abandoned by her job and her husband.

Hopefully she is collecting disability for her child and she should apply for herself too.

She'd be smart to go on disability through her jobs insurance NOW, before she gets the ax!!!

She'll at least still have medical and her husband's paycheck. I wonder if he volunteered?

If he did, that's quite the escape route he's chosen to avoid his family's problems. :(

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HISD May Lay Off Teachers

By Mary Benton

http://www.click2houston.com/education/15531395/detail.html

POSTED: 6:03 pm CST March 7, 2008

HOUSTON --

Some Houston teachers are facing an uncertain future, according to Gayle Fallon, the president
of the Houston Federation of Teachers, KPRC Local 2, Your Education Station, reported Friday.

She said the union was informed by HISD Thursday night that the district is considering
a reduction in force, or teacher layoffs.

more....

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Many school's lay off and fire teachers at this time of year, it seems.