en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/963580 Comments by juliasweet1 http://gazetteonline.com/opinion/guest-columns/2010/05/16/procedures-are-in-place-to-protect-both-student-and-teacher#IDComment75743311 "Every effort is being made to fill in the holes and gaps that allow bad actors to run rampant"?? Really? Wow...this is it then? The best that can be done? Because the ISEA says they think the current policies are adequate, parents should feel comforted and maybe even chastised about the concerns we have regarding the physical and emotional safety of our children? Districts can just make deals and accept resignations instead of following through on their ethical obligations when issues of misconduct arise? Mandatory reporters are only mandatory reporters when it suits them? It's OK to have loopholes so that they are allowed to do this? It's OK for a district to allow a teacher to quietly move on when they KNOW that teacher should not be working with children? Yep...sounds like it's a sweet deal for the ISEA and other unions all around. Keep the "bad" teachers safely employed because it boosts their membership (and bottomline) and 'sell it' to the general public that you're doing everything you can to help the students and teachers alike. The ISEA isn't losing here.....only the students and the GOOD teachers lose. Hey Chris...wake up! The GOOD teachers you are professing to help are LOSING every time you step in to protect those bad teachers. Mon, 17 May 2010 02:59:05 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/opinion/guest-columns/2010/05/16/procedures-are-in-place-to-protect-both-student-and-teacher#IDComment75743311 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/education/2010/04/30/social-networking-sites-a-concern-for-eastern-iowa-schools#IDComment71603974 It's interesting to see the comment about kids not understanding what the right boundaries are and needing to be told/taught. Absolutely true. But it's also important to note that some adults (including teachers) that should already know those boundaries aren't always adhering to them and being appropriate role models for these kids/students. Time and again we're seeing instances of teachers that 'know better' crossing lines with students via email or IM or Facebook...some ethical, some criminal, all wrong. Digital communication takes the personal 'face-to-face' interaction out of it; adults AND kids are bolder. It's a serious situation all around. I don't think it's feasible to get kids or parents or teachers to opt-out of social networking in this day and age but perhaps the rule/request should be that teachers should not be Facebook 'friends' with students (and vice versa). What's the purpose of that anyway? Sat, 1 May 2010 04:19:42 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/education/2010/04/30/social-networking-sites-a-concern-for-eastern-iowa-schools#IDComment71603974 http://gazetteonline.com/blogs/you-are-here-by-jennifer-hemmingsen/2010/04/30/teacher-abuse-some-districts-do-whats-right-not-just-whats-required#IDComment71602365 Glad to see that some some districts do what's RIGHT even if they technically aren't required to. They all should. There should be no loophole, no 'out' for the less ethically minded, no dependency/burden on peers to investigate their co-workers. Objectivity is lost when it's your friends and co-workers that have crossed a line... Sat, 1 May 2010 04:03:37 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/blogs/you-are-here-by-jennifer-hemmingsen/2010/04/30/teacher-abuse-some-districts-do-whats-right-not-just-whats-required#IDComment71602365 http://gazetteonline.com/blogs/2010/04/26/benton-county-attorneys-response-to-schools-teacher-scandal-statement#IDComment71323433 According to Iowa Mandatory Reporting laws: Any of the following persons who, in the scope of professional practice or their employment, examines, attends, counsels, or treats a child and reasonably believes a child has suffered abuse: ... o A licensed school employee, certified para-educator, holder of a coaching authorization issued by the state, or an instructor employed by a community college; ... By law, they're required to report to, at minimum, DHS. By common ethical standards, they SHOULD have reported. Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:46:45 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/blogs/2010/04/26/benton-county-attorneys-response-to-schools-teacher-scandal-statement#IDComment71323433 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/blogs/you-are-here-by-jennifer-hemmingsen/2010/04/28/column-whats-right-for-the-kids#IDComment71161593 Novel concept....'Do what's right, not just what's required'. This is essentially a "golden rule" that parents and teachers guide and direct children to follow in their day-to-day decision making. Interesting that the school district doesn't practice what they preach/teach. Double-standard, anyone? Terrible way for our children's role models to act. Wed, 28 Apr 2010 19:05:55 +0000 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/blogs/you-are-here-by-jennifer-hemmingsen/2010/04/28/column-whats-right-for-the-kids#IDComment71161593 http://gazetteonline.com/blogs/you-are-here-by-jennifer-hemmingsen/2010/04/23/benton-schools-response-to-teacher-abuse-reports#IDComment69998753 Oh yes - I'm so glad you brought your comments down to my level as I MUST be uneducated if I don't agree with you. Your definition of 'sexually inappropriate' and mine obviously vary greatly. And really, if you don't like this college-weekly-reject, then don't read it; "move on!". Fri, 23 Apr 2010 21:24:56 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/blogs/you-are-here-by-jennifer-hemmingsen/2010/04/23/benton-schools-response-to-teacher-abuse-reports#IDComment69998753 http://gazetteonline.com/blogs/you-are-here-by-jennifer-hemmingsen/2010/04/23/benton-schools-response-to-teacher-abuse-reports#IDComment69996258 Come on MrX., child predators know how to 'talk the talk' to their victims. It's shown over and over again. So your contention is that because he was 52ish that makes him incapable and innocent? Besides, Hemmingsen isn't reporting on something that hasn't already occurred and tainting an 'innocent'. He himself resigned when confronted about the situation. He himself surrendered his license to the State Board of Examiners. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 21:17:08 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/blogs/you-are-here-by-jennifer-hemmingsen/2010/04/23/benton-schools-response-to-teacher-abuse-reports#IDComment69996258 http://gazetteonline.com/blogs/you-are-here-by-jennifer-hemmingsen/2010/04/23/benton-schools-response-to-teacher-abuse-reports#IDComment69991168 Oh give it up iowagal7....we get it....you dad or your uncle or whoever Drahozal is to you was 'innocent' in your eyes. In this case, Ms. Hemmingsen is using this one instance to illustrate a point that is larger than you or Drahozal. You appear to get that but, because of your personal relationship, you don't want to admit it. Drahozal isn't the victim here...quit making him out to be. When you make mistakes - especially those that are sexual in nature with 13 year old girls - you reap what you sow. Frankly, he got off easy for 4 years now. But recognize that there are many of us that want others to see the larger picture that Hemmingsen is portraying. There are many of us that agree. There are many of us that want significant changes and loopholes to be closed. Pay attention legislators! Fri, 23 Apr 2010 21:01:16 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/blogs/you-are-here-by-jennifer-hemmingsen/2010/04/23/benton-schools-response-to-teacher-abuse-reports#IDComment69991168 http://gazetteonline.com/blogs/you-are-here-by-jennifer-hemmingsen/2010/04/21/why-i-wont-stop-dragging-out-benton-community-teacher-scandal#IDComment69523891 Seriously Chuck - exactly how do you get HALF of a board member? Besides, what do you mean it's not supposed to be released - are you kidding? It most certainly is supposed to be released to the authorities - specifically DHS - right when it occurs. Ever heard of mandatory reporting laws? Look them up please. And with action taken by the State Board of Examiners, it most certainly is public information. Let's not hide under the cloak of confidentiality only when it suits us. I'm certain the county attorney and the prosecuting attorney for the State Board of Examiners know the laws and what they can and can't do legally better than you. Thu, 22 Apr 2010 01:50:22 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/blogs/you-are-here-by-jennifer-hemmingsen/2010/04/21/why-i-wont-stop-dragging-out-benton-community-teacher-scandal#IDComment69523891 http://gazetteonline.com/blogs/you-are-here-by-jennifer-hemmingsen/2010/04/21/why-i-wont-stop-dragging-out-benton-community-teacher-scandal#IDComment69370703 HEAR HEAR Jennifer Hemmingsen!! You may very well be my new hero. Someone needs to champion these issues that we are hearing about nearly every single week just in the Eastern Iowa area (Benton, Olin, Oskaloosa, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Maquoketa, etc). Someone needs to have the voice and courage to say 'HEY PARENTS....PAY ATTENTION! DEMAND CHANGES!'. You should be given an award. As a parent, I want to know when this stuff happens. I want to know that my kids are safe in the schools I trustingly send them to everyday. I want to know that it's not my own child who will be next when a predatory teacher is quietly shuffled from one district to another. As a taxpayer, darn it, I want some accountability regarding my tax dollars that are paying for the high salaries and benefits of administrators (superintendents are routinely receiving OVER $100K for salary and benefits). To the school administrators, boards, and legislators -- where are the changes????? Wed, 21 Apr 2010 17:50:13 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/blogs/you-are-here-by-jennifer-hemmingsen/2010/04/21/why-i-wont-stop-dragging-out-benton-community-teacher-scandal#IDComment69370703 http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/91114414.html#IDComment68790099 NO, criminal charges do not have to be filed. If there is reasonable belief, it should be reported. All licensed school employees are mandatory reporters. I'm not sure how much more reasonable belief anyone would need after reading these emails?? Mon, 19 Apr 2010 04:58:22 +0000 http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/91114414.html#IDComment68790099 http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/91114414.html#IDComment68567348 True...parents should be raising their voices loud and clear when this kind of thing happens...and going to every source at their disposal to ensure 1) that their own child is protected and 2) that other children are as well. Frankly, I would have been going for criminal charges and suing the district for not handling it and protecting the children in their district and future districts. HOWEVER, there is this little thing called being a MANDATORY REPORTER. The school officials had an obligation to report this to authorities for proper investigation. They had an obligation to protect the students directly affected and those that could potentially be affected in the future. Where does a parent go to ensure there is some OVERSIGHT?? It's our tax dollars paying for high administrator salaries...who makes sure we're getting what we pay for?? Iowa prides themselves on public education...part of that is providing a safe learning environment. As of late, we're failing miserably there... Sat, 17 Apr 2010 18:10:02 +0000 http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/91114414.html#IDComment68567348 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/public-safety/2010/04/16/former-washington-high-teacher-charged-with-sexual-conduct-with-a-student#IDComment68471168 SERIOUSLY??? "Everyone has flaws, get over it"??? Flaws to 'get over' are things like being self-absorbed or not taking care of your personal hygiene or not being the smartest cookie in the cookie jar. We should NOT just 'get over' a teacher who is sexually inappropriate with a student. Just as we should NOT 'get over' sexual harassment in the workplace. This isn't about two consenting adults with no 'abuse of power/authority' issues...it's about kids and a CLEAR abuse of trust, power, and authority. It's amazing to me how this current trend in our school systems isn't causing MORE parental outrage and a demand for sweeping changes in how these things are handled. It's also sad...I had great teachers. The actions of a few are seriously detracting from the wonderful many... Sat, 17 Apr 2010 03:45:52 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/public-safety/2010/04/16/former-washington-high-teacher-charged-with-sexual-conduct-with-a-student#IDComment68471168 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/education/2010/04/13/solon-teacher-voluntary-surrenders-license-after-sexual-messaging-allegation#IDComment68229040 boomersat1 - who says the report is full of inaccuracy? Says you - who likely knows less about it than the reporter and the district attorney quoted and the Board for this school discrict and the teacher who himself resigned and surrendered his license? What do they have to gain? The report doesn't appear to be speculative to me - it seems to be reporting on facts that are easily verifiable if someone were so inclined. It says he resigned in 2006 after the board found "probable cause for a hearing". It says he himself surrendered his license to the state board of examiners after they were presented with the probable cause. Besides, read the comments from the reporters who actually fact-check vs. just going with the story that their friend (the accused) told them. Seems there is a LOT more to it than a 'former' student asking questions to her 'innocent' teacher. We hear what we want to hear and see what we want to see when it comes to our friends - doesn't mean it's right. I know if it were my child involved it would be WRONG, WRONG, WRONG! Maybe you need to get your facts straight before you decide who is the real bad guy... Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:23:39 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/education/2010/04/13/solon-teacher-voluntary-surrenders-license-after-sexual-messaging-allegation#IDComment68229040 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/public-safety/2010/03/31/teacher-charged-in-olin-also-accused-in-2008-oskaloosa-incident#IDComment68130683 This is just one of at least SIX very recent issues regarding teacher misconduct within the eastern Iowa areas. There needs to be a hard look at what's going on and some changes made NOW!! Parents need to stand up for their kids and demand it. Thu, 15 Apr 2010 03:03:10 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/public-safety/2010/03/31/teacher-charged-in-olin-also-accused-in-2008-oskaloosa-incident#IDComment68130683 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/blogs/you-are-here-by-jennifer-hemmingsen/2010/04/14/column-reporting-teacher-misconduct-shouldnt-be-a-choice#IDComment68130104 And, I disagree that the teaching profession is unloved and serves an ungrateful clientele. Kids and parents trust, respect, and love their teachers almost blindly. That blindness seems to be getting in the way of making sure we (constituency, administrators, elected Boards of Education, parents) do what is NECESSARY - protecting the kids and focusing on safe, quality education! The actions of a few negatively affect the many.... Thu, 15 Apr 2010 02:57:37 +0000 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/blogs/you-are-here-by-jennifer-hemmingsen/2010/04/14/column-reporting-teacher-misconduct-shouldnt-be-a-choice#IDComment68130104 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/blogs/you-are-here-by-jennifer-hemmingsen/2010/04/14/column-reporting-teacher-misconduct-shouldnt-be-a-choice#IDComment68129975 2010gal - honestly who likely doesn't have their facts straight here? Your personal relationship with the teacher in question or the kinship you feel because of your shared profession is obviously clouding your opinions. The State Board of Examiners, a Board of Education, and a County Attorney's office does not just seek hearings, license revocation, or make statements because it's fun. They don't do that without just cause or without having their facts straight. And I, as a citizen (and a parent), definitely see this as current and alarming news. As the reporter here points out this is just one of at least SIX very recent issues regarding teacher misconduct within the eastern Iowa areas. There needs to be a hard look at what's going on and some changes made. Thu, 15 Apr 2010 02:56:36 +0000 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/blogs/you-are-here-by-jennifer-hemmingsen/2010/04/14/column-reporting-teacher-misconduct-shouldnt-be-a-choice#IDComment68129975 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/education/2010/04/13/benton-county-teacher%e2%80%99s-license-revoked-over-sexual-messages-with-students#IDComment68094113 2010gal - who says the report is full of malicy and inaccuracy? Says you - who likely knows less about it than the reporter and the district attorney quoted and the Board of Education for this school discrict and the teacher who himself resigned and surrendered his license? The report doesn't appear to be speculative to me - it seems to be reporting on facts that are easily verifiable if someone was so inclined. It says he resigned in 2006 after the board found "probable cause for a hearing". It says he himself surrendered his license to the state board of examiners after they were presented with the probable cause. Educators are too defensive of 'their own' - if you're not doing anything inappropriate, then you have nothing to worry about except being a good teacher. Most teachers that we come across in our lifetime are good, honorable, hard-working people that parents and students are proud to know. But that doesn't mean that there are not PROVEN cases where this is not true!! It doesn't mean that if you see/hear something that doesn't seem right, that it shouldn't be reported under the mandatory reporting laws. Wed, 14 Apr 2010 21:45:09 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/education/2010/04/13/benton-county-teacher%e2%80%99s-license-revoked-over-sexual-messages-with-students#IDComment68094113 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/blogs/you-are-here-by-jennifer-hemmingsen/2010/04/14/column-reporting-teacher-misconduct-shouldnt-be-a-choice#IDComment68072361 All too often lately, we're seeing too many bad choices in the public education system and that is breaking the trust kids should have in their elders and breaking the trust that parents have in the school district when they send their children to school. It should be MORE important that districts provide a safe environment for quality learning than it is to protect their reputation. Frankly, the reputation is harmed (maybe beyond repair) when things like this occur. Something needs to change! There needs to be accountability, at the highest levels, in our public education systems. Parents need to stand up for their kids and demand it. To quote the title of another column on this website....'it shouldn't hurt to be a child'. Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:10:51 +0000 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/blogs/you-are-here-by-jennifer-hemmingsen/2010/04/14/column-reporting-teacher-misconduct-shouldnt-be-a-choice#IDComment68072361 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/blogs/you-are-here-by-jennifer-hemmingsen/2010/04/14/column-reporting-teacher-misconduct-shouldnt-be-a-choice#IDComment68072027 Trust in adults is inherent for all kids - they're taught from a very young age to TRUST and respect their elders. Specifically, the ones that are educating them as well as emphasizing the importance of making good behavior choices. Teachers and school officials are critical role models to every child - young or old. When the few 'bad' educators that are out there say or do inappropriate things to students, sometimes the kids don't know any better - they TRUST them. They look up to them. They use them as a moral compass. This is what is most disturbing - that the few 'bad' educators are, in addition to potentially physically/mentally harming the children, teaching them that maybe these things they are saying or doing are OK, that they are the 'right' way to behave. And then, when the other educators or school officials around that 'bad' educator don't do what they should when they find out something 'bad' is happening (i.e. reporting it to the authorities right away, looking the other way because they don't want to damage their own reputation or that of the school), they are VALIDATING it. Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:08:43 +0000 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/blogs/you-are-here-by-jennifer-hemmingsen/2010/04/14/column-reporting-teacher-misconduct-shouldnt-be-a-choice#IDComment68072027