In May 2024, teacher JaQ Lee’s reputation was ruined after a video of him interacting with his students went viral. The video showed Lee’s female middle school students unbraiding his hair.
Jane Morris, Queen of Commiseration
Jane Morris is the pen name of an ex-teacher who would really like to tell you more about herself but is worried awful administrators will come after her for spilling their dirty little secrets. Jane has taught English for over 15 years in a major American city. She received her B.A. in English and Secondary Education from a well-known university and her M.A. in Writing and Literature from an even fancier (and more expensive) university. As a professional queen of commiseration turned published author, Jane’s foremost passion in life is to make people laugh through the tears.
She has written several highly acclaimed books unpacking the reality of teaching and life inside the school system. You can view her full library of works here.
Entitlement in schools has become a significant issue, impacting students, teachers, and the overall educational environment. This pervasive sense of entitlement, where students believe they deserve certain privileges or rewards without much effort, undermines the educational system and leads to bigger societal problems.
In recent years, the presence of tattoos in the professional world has become increasingly acceptable. This trend is becoming especially prominent among educators, who traditionally have been expected to maintain a more conservative appearance. As tattoos become more common among teachers, they challenge conventional perceptions of professionalism and invite a reevaluation of what it means to be a role model in the classroom.
Currently, there are 19 states in America where corporal punishment in school is legal. In some districts, the school must have the parents’ permission, while others do not. In 1977, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in its Ingraham v. Wright decision that corporal punishment in schools is constitutional, leaving states to decide whether to allow it.
The teaching profession, which used to be seen as honorable and given widespread respect, is facing an additional crisis that threatens its very foundation: student loan debt. The few aspiring educators we have in 2024, driven by a noble passion for shaping future generations, are increasingly burdened by the financial strain of repaying enormous student loans with a very low starting salary.
A funny but appreciative poem to give to the teacher on their birthday from the entire class.
In 2020, school districts across the South removed Confederate names from their schools. Shenandoah County, has reversed that decision.
Alabama lawmakers have unanimously approved SB157, referred to as the “Teachers’ Bill of Rights,” on Tuesday, May 7th. The bill now waits for Governor Kay Ivey’s signature to become law and will go into effect for the 2024-2025 school year.
Not all teachers are paid the same. Of course, there are differences depending on where in the country you work, how many years you have been teaching, if your school is public or private, etc. But did you know there are pay differences that can be traced to your college major?
I consider myself very fortunate to be the recipient of copies of outrageous emails and letters that teachers all over the country have received. Each one confirms the fact that the level of respect that teachers get is about as low as it can go. Parents and students no longer have to say how they feel to a teacher’s face. They merely pound it into their keyboard, press send, and move on with their stupid day.
Cyber schools couldn’t possibly have the same expenses as brick-and-mortar schools, right? They don’t need to pay for things like they don’t have to pay for things like building maintenance, sports teams and facilities, or police and security. Plus, many of them already receive tuition payments.
On April 25, 2024, a substitute teacher allegedly got into a physical altercation with a high school student.