Teacher in danger

[Melissa Jones]

I am a special education teacher in Georgia! A student of mine was found not guilty at a tribunal hearing for drawing a picture of blowing up the school. The student admitted to this incident. Also, prior incidents-previously sent to alternative school for a threat for a teacher. Out of zone, but transportation is provided to my school. In a four week period, he has drawn a picture of him choking me-only got 5 days suspension. drew a picture of him blowing up the school and in my face pointing his finger and yelling at me-found not guilty at tribunal-because he is emotional/behavioral disturbed and he is working with his therapist to draw pictures of feelings. I informed principal, public safety department, and tribunal panel he just began therapy and has only seen therapist once! Further, the therapist stated to student he was not to draw any threats in journal! Foster mother has expressed concerns for my safety and believes his threats should be taken seriously. I am highly concerned for my safety and my students safety. What are my rights? Can I refuse to have this child in my classroom? Thank you for your response.

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

My response:

Quit teaching. It's doesn't pay enough, and it's not worth the risks.

No one in their right minds would "teach" - - which are glorified babysitters anyway. With the laws the way they are today, and the climate in CrappyTown, USA, who needs it?

And then, there's this kid in your classroom. Instead of abortion, these trailer trash parents had this kid anyway, despite the drugs and alcohol and smoking the mother engaged in while pregnant - - which is why the kid is the way he is anyway.

Gee, it's not like you thought it was going to be, was it? I can see you now, on the college campus, tossing flower petals as you walked and skipped, thinking how wonderful it would be to teach young children.

Well, now reality sets in. Those cute little bundles of energy with minds like sponges, are now the little b a s t a r d s that want to kill you. You need to wear a bullet-proof vest, carry a gun for protection, and hope to God you make it home each day. All you Liberal Arts students in college were alike. You never thought beyond your noses. And now that the crap has hit the fan, you come crying about your problems, and crying, and crying. And then, you come crying some more, to us, and to anyone who will listen to you. Get out now. What do you need ? An invitation ?

Hateful ? Hurtful ? Insane ? Am I wrong ? Then, if I'm so wrong, why the hell are you writing about your sniveling problems about the choice you made to teach ?

Remember, those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.

IAAL

[Edited by I AM ALWAYS LIABLE on 03-27-2001 at 03:49 AM]

 

[Bigfoot]

Melissa, thank you for being a teacher. It's obvious that you chose this profession because you want to help children. Do not let this child cause you to leave prematurely. Check first with your local education association or the NEA. If you're a member they should have a way for you to get legal services.

Also research the appeals process for the tribunal and check with state authorities in education and the court system. Without proper care and attention (which might be a medical condition)this child is destined for a hard life behind bars or even an early death.

I'm not a teacher by trade. Just an aunt and future parent who stands in awe of people like you.

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

My response:

And the above message is brought to you by another like-minded Liberal who's willing to have you, as a teacher, stand between her child and the bullet.

And then, when you say the child is bad (because of the gun or knife being pointed at you) these Liberal writers are the first to scream, jump up and down and yell that their child, their little Angel, is "just a wonderful, misunderstood, and tormented, human being"; that you should stop tormenting their child. Somehow such parents forget that their child was the one making threats and using weapons.

And, such irresponsible parents are the first to protest that "their child" should not be held accountable, and should not be tried as an adult.

As Harry Truman once said, "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen."

If you're complaining Melissa, it's time to get out of the kitchen.

IAAL

[Edited by I AM ALWAYS LIABLE on 03-27-2001 at 12:07 PM]

 

[Bigfoot]

Dear Liable:

I'm sorry that something has traumatized you so deeply and causes you to react so vehemently. Perhaps counseling or prayer? As a former employee of the Christian Broadcasting Network and 700 Club, I will have my conservative and liberal friends pray for you. Your blessing is right around the corner.

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

My response:

Oh please, spare me the Liberal crappola. This is not a religious site - - it's a legal site. And the only thing that's traumatized me in life is Liberals like yourself who, when they have nothing to say, fall back on Religion because your education has left you so limited. Most Liberals never make it past high school, which is why they resort to Religion when they have nothing left to offer society.

Melissa was writing about a "legal subject" and nothing about Religion. Melissa was writing because she was fearful for her life and safety, and asking what to do about this mentally disturbed, drug-poisoned-at-birth, child. Melissa was confused because this child was threatening her life, and all the school is willing to do is hold "hearings" for the little miscreant. In the meantime, Melissa dies. How wonderful can that be ?

So, keep your damn Religion and prayers to yourself. And, isn't it about time you took a meaningful "stand" to keep our teachers safe, instead of hiding behind a Bible? God won't help Melissa if she's dead. And she certainly won't be teaching if she's dead.

It's time we changed the laws to give our school administrators more power - - and simply remove that little b a s t a r d from the school system - - without these stupid laws concerning "tribunal hearings". I'll give you a "tribunal hearing" - - a hatchet right between the eyes if that kid threatens another teacher !

In the meantime, Melissa has to spend a good portion of her day, in her classes, just trying to keep order among the students, and spends sleepless nights wondering if this kid, or some other little drug baby is going to kill her.

That's no way to live, and that's no way to teach.

So, stick that in your Bible !

IAAL

 

[Bigfoot]

Dear Liable:

Me think thou doth protest too loudly.

Since you want to hide behind legal verbage, what exactly is your legal basis for defaming people and their profession and defenseless children?

And, for the record, 'counselor' from what source does your research indicate that "Most Liberals never make it past high school, which is why they resort to Religion when they have nothing left to offer society?" Obviously this is just your opinion that does little to explain your position. I'm comfortable with my educational and professional attainment, which should be obvious from my ability to converse with you without stooping to your level.

I'm sorry for your obvious pain, which neither Melissa nor I caused. I hope you will be careful where and how you vent your anger. The prayers will still go up for you.

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

My response:

You can "doth" all you want. I "protest too much" because I'm sick of you undereducated, Bible Belt, Bible Thumping Liberals giving these "students" more Rights than they're entitled to while on campus. Hearings? Tribunals ? What a load of bullsh i t. I'm sick of seeing students and teachers fearful, dying, and dead. But, instead, you Liberals want to coddle these little a s sholes; and especially so when it's YOUR little Angel who's the one in trouble.

This child that Melissa speaks of should have been removed by the administration AUTOMATICALLY. However, that hasn't happened, and now Melissa is compelled to write, out of fear, asking if SHE can send this child out of her classroom.

And, all I'm saying is that if she has to ask that question, then she should quit and get out of the teaching profession - - at least until the laws change to the point where the "Melissas" in this country don't have to ask such questions. If more teachers up and quit, perhaps our lawmakers would take notice, and end this "tribunal" crap.

It's worth reading a second time:

"So, keep your damn Religion and prayers to yourself."

"And, isn't it about time you took a meaningful "stand" to keep our teachers safe, instead of hiding behind a Bible?"

"God won't help Melissa if she's dead. And she certainly won't be teaching if she's dead."

And sweetheart, you'd have to climb up a lot of stairs to stoop to my level. I made it through Leland Stanford University, followed by Stanford Law in 1980. I've been a practicing Conservative and Lawyer ever since. I don't need your less-than-educated Bible Belt opinion to tell me just how high up I am on the Totem Pole.

Take that to your 700 Club.

IAAL

[Edited by I AM ALWAYS LIABLE on 03-27-2001 at 05:36 PM]

 

[Melissa Jones]

Dear Liable,
At first I decided to ignore your immature, crude, and ignorant comments. Now, I believe you have gone to far. Whatever has happened to you I am sorry-but please get help! It is apparent you have little empathy for others and I hope you never have children. Further, I am a bit liberal and have a very high education. I have spent the last 12 years in school earning a Doctorate of Education. Please in the future think before you speak. Interestingly, I am not some little scared teacher who thought of how glorious teaching would be. I am a very hard working and dedicated person to my community and to the children in my community. I have worked in the prison system and hospital settings. So please refrain from ignorance. Yes, I am looking for some legal advice, because I am mad my county has not placed my other students' safety and my safety first. It is time we take threats seriously and get help for certain students. Not every child belongs in a classroom setting. Remember-Unfortunately, a child does not get to chose their parents or environment and deserves a good teacher. It may be helpful for you to turn to religion for assistance-you definately need it.

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

Dear Liable,
At first I decided to ignore your immature, crude, and ignorant comments. Now, I believe you have gone to far. Whatever has happened to you I am sorry-but please get help! It is apparent you have little empathy for others and I hope you never have children. Further, I am a bit liberal and have a very high education. I have spent the last 12 years in school earning a Doctorate of Education. Please in the future think before you speak. Interestingly, I am not some little scared teacher who thought of how glorious teaching would be. I am a very hard working and dedicated person to my community and to the children in my community. I have worked in the prison system and hospital settings. So please refrain from ignorance. Yes, I am looking for some legal advice, because I am mad my county has not placed my other students' safety and my safety first. It is time we take threats seriously and get help for certain students. Not every child belongs in a classroom setting. Remember-Unfortunately, a child does not get to chose their parents or environment and deserves a good teacher. It may be helpful for you to turn to religion for assistance-you definately need it.

My response:

Well, you actually made it back.

With your statement, "It is time we take threats seriously and get help for certain students. Not every child belongs in a classroom setting", I rest my case. This is exactly my point, and basically what I've been saying. It's funny how much you actually do agree with me. But then, it's your life on the line - - especially with the current threats to your life.

So, after another tribunal or three, and this kid finally makes good on his threats to you, we'll see how your views change. In the meantime, your blood pressure must be really up there wondering when this kid, or another, is going to harm you.

Now, wait a minute - - aren't you the one that wrote:

"Teacher in Danger" and "Foster mother has expressed concerns for my safety and believes his threats should be taken seriously.

"I am highly concerned for my safety and my students safety."

And now, all because I'm suggesting that you should leave the profession because you're not made of "stearner stuff", you're chiding me, and calling me immature? You know Melissa, you've got your priorities in the wrong place. I'd rather be "immature" and alive, any day of the week.

Get out now, while the getting is good.

IAAL

[Edited by I AM ALWAYS LIABLE on 03-27-2001 at 06:00 PM]

 

[Melissa Jones]

Liable,

Actually, I will be out of the classroom next school year and into a principalship position. I am extremely concerned for myself over the next 10 weeks-received a verbal threat today from this student! I also continue to have concerns for all teachers. I do believe teachers must begin standing up for themselves and take a stance to assist in encorporating safety back into our schools. Your an attorney-what are my legal rights? Can I refuse a student? Do I possibly have a lawsuit?

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

Liable,

Actually, I will be out of the classroom next school year and into a principalship position. I am extremely concerned for myself over the next 10 weeks-received a verbal threat today from this student! I also continue to have concerns for all teachers. I do believe teachers must begin standing up for themselves and take a stance to assist in encorporating safety back into our schools. Your an attorney-what are my legal rights? Can I refuse a student? Do I possibly have a lawsuit?

My response:

I said, ". . . and [when] this kid finally makes good on his threats to you, we'll see how your views change."

And now you've said, "I am extremely concerned for myself over the next 10 weeks-received a verbal threat today from this student!"

Well, well, well, Melissa. My, how your tune has changed ! So, Ms. "High and Mighty", the threats are still coming at you, and you're still dumb enough to spend another day with that little Angel, aren't you? Your Liberalism, and "the World is just too beautiful and rosey", will be your undoing.

No, my dear Melissa - - I'm too immature for you. I've already told you what you need to do. If you think becoming Principal is going to change things, then you DO need a "priority" adjustment. If you CHOOSE to be a "target" and become a statistic, that's your foolish business. Becoming Principal will not shield you from this, and the other, miscreant drug-induced "children". To them, you've got a red and white target on your chest.

Share my legal knowledge with you? You must be joking ! You don't need a lawyer - - you need a psychiatrist to find out why you have a death wish. I have no tolerance for stupidity or your insanity; and I don't care one iota if you are going for your Doctorate. What good is a dead doctor to me, the children, or the rest of society?

Do you have a lawsuit? My dear Melissa - - you don't have time for a lawsuit. You have just enough time to "get out of Dodge".

I've said all I want, or care, to say to you.

IAAL

 

[Melissa Jones]

Liablle,

It is obvious you do not have the answers to my legal questions. Please stop avoiding this fact with your rude comments. I wrote for legal advice from people with legal minds. I would appreciate it if you did not respond any longer-I actually do have better things to do. Thanks and good luck to you.

 

[megabyte4]

The Law can't protect your life, unfortunately Melissa

Melissa,
I read the debate from start to finish. And although that guy is kinda rude, he is "real world" I believe. I don't think any law can keep you safe from this kid. Or any future kids. You are in danger for sure. You need to either "get the hell out of dodge" like he said, or hire a body-guard that will accompany you everywhere and stay right in the class room with you, drive you home, stay at your house, etc. Of course, that would be very expensive and quite crazy of course. But seriously, look at what is going on in this world... I have been saying for 10 years now., the video games and movies with so much violence,,.. when little minds see these things, they become accustomed to all that violence, and it is like normal behavior for them... anything you see or experience all the time becomes the norm... take all that media exposure to blood and guts and killing and all of that, and add the crack mothers who have kids, kids who have no parental supervision, kids who live in a house where all the other kids in the same house were fathered by a different man, you know what I am talking about.... look at columbine... and now recently in the news that other high school...
In any case look... I have many many teachers in my family. . my mom, sister, both aunts, are all teachers. Luckily they didn't run into this same nightmare you have so unfortunately found yourself in.My mom had some problems with kids, but they were very young... grade school only. So at that young age, they can't do much (well, so far... wait... you will see , younger and younger kids are doing things unthinkable when we were young). .,.

In any case, Melissa, the reality is, is that you are in danger... real danger. Unless you actually hire a bodyguard, who will be with you all the time, you may in reality lose your life.... sure you are very well educated.. very intelligent woman.. and a beautiful human being for wanting to be and being a teacher... but I'm afraid Hollywood, and equal rights, and welfare, and many other aspects of life in the US has ruined many things about our children now for the past decade and you are unfortunately caught in the web yourself.

I hope you can do whatever it takes to keep yourself safe. I know you don't want to give up your profession because of one kid... but let's get real here... you must do whatever it takes to protect yourself. Don't take this threat lightly. Do protect yourself. you need to do this tomorrow morning. Hire some off duty police to accompany you to and from the school, sit in the class room with you, keep watch over you and your loved ones... until this kid is put behind bars or in some way incarcerated away from you where he cannot possibly hurt you.

Good luck my dear. I wish you only the best. Be safe. Take care. Warm regards.

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

My response:

Now, THAT was a wonderful response. Yes, I can be a little "hard-hitting" or caustic at times; however, in my defense, someone had to "hit Melissa between the eyes" to get her to fully understand and appreciate the real danger she's in.

Of course, Melissa will acknowledge that danger, should she respond further. However, she's still going to her classes, and that kid is still there. Still making threats. So, although she'll acknowledge the danger, has she really "come to grips" with that very real potential ?

Unfortunately for Melissa, she's living on a teacher's salary and, while a bodyguard would be wonderful, I rather doubt the same would be within her means or budget. So, that's not realistic - - a good suggestion; just not realistic.

Will a Kevlar jacket help her? Well, besides being expensive as hell, I rather doubt Melissa could obtain one in the first place - - they're illegal for the general public.

So, we have an administration that won't listen to her; we have a guardian of the boy that acknowledges the threats and believes he's capable, but yet will not keep the kid out of school; and we have a set of rules (these damned "Tribunals") that are worthless because the kid is still going to class and making threats.

So, if Melissa is in fear for her life, believes the threats, and the school is doing nothing to protect her, what's left?

As I started, it's time to quit. I'd rather have a live Melissa in another field of endeavor, than another dead teacher - - any day of the week.

And another couple of points. Melissa may not like my "delivery" in these posts, but if she looks past the admittedly caustic and purposeful nature of my remarks, then she'd fully understand my meaning and message to her. Additionally, Melissa asks if she has the potential for a lawsuit. In my opinion, no. The reason? She can't obtain damages or relief because she knew of the danger, and by going back into class, has accepted the risk. Once a person accepts the risk, then they have no case and nothing to complain about. You can't sue, and win, due to one's own stupidity.

Thanks again for that thoughtful and insightful response.

IAAL

[Edited by I AM ALWAYS LIABLE on 04-02-2001 at 02:47 AM]