Some students have targeted me and claim that I have assulted them. (Of course I didn't). Several teachers have told me that this happens to see how long it takes to run teachers out of the system and now it is my turn. I am appalled. I am a new hire at the high school level in a small rural community, but have many years experience across the state. I have been investigated by the police and Child Protective Services and have a lawyer. I believe that the truth will come out eventually. My question is: how do I deal with these students now? I am calm and professional when I am around them, keep my hands in my pockets, and always have at least 2 reliable witnesses at hand in case any gestures or actions are " misinterpreted." This is causing a strain on me prsonally and professionally. My lawyer says that I should hang tough, but it is exhausting. Any thoughts?
First let me apologize for taking so long to respond. I'm not sure what happened, but somehow I missed your post.
It sounds like you are making wise decisions. You have sought and found the help you need legally and are handling yourself professionally and with safeguards when with the students. It is appalling that there is a history in your school system of trying to run teachers out. Possibly that will work to the advantage of your defense.
A former colleague of mine was accused of a similar thing and even though several other students witnessed the incident and were adamant that she was innocent and she had a long history of teaching well, she was still very stressed and discouraged to have been accused. She was found innocent and still teaches over 15 years later, but it was a very difficult time. I encourage you to hang in there, too.
You might also benefit from some counseling support during this stressful time. You might check to see if your insurance plan includes an Employee Assistance Program (they possibly have different names in different areas) which includes counselling services. I know that they are becoming more rare with budget cuts. I, too, taught in a small rural district and at one point needed the services. I was very hesitant to take advantage of counseling because I didn't want anyone to know and I didn't want to appear unable to handle things. One of the first things I learned was that people in "helping professions" (doctors, teachers, etc.) are the most hesitant to seek needed help because we are under the false impression that we should be able to "deal with it" since we spend so much of our energy helping others. Sometimes it is possible to obtain services in a nearby community if you are concerned about protecting your privacy. Often a professional who is not connected to the situation can offer new insight and strategies for dealing with the stress. The counselling was very beneficial to me and if you feel a need to seek that kind of support, I recommend it.
First, take care of your own well being. Schedule some time to get some exercise or other activity to put your mind in a safe space. ie. going to a good movie, reading a novel, taking yoga.
Then, just try to keep doing what you are already doing. Be professional, cordial to all, and present a kind and generous attitude towards the world. If you put forth positive kharma of the "do unto others" variety, chances are excellent that you will come through this just fine. Something of this nature happened to a teacher in my building; a student made a false accusation that she had made inappropriate remarks towards him. She spent more than a month out on paid leave, but eventually when the student's credibility was disproved, she was able to return and the student was expelled. Keep the faith!
Thank you all for the kind notes of support. This experience has been horrific. If I were younger and less experienced I definitely would have quit teaching. Luckily, it took 25+ years for me to see something like this firsthand. My NEA lawyer was great and walked me through every step. Eventually, the CPS investigator apologized to me and said that it never should have taken so long to resolve the case. Victory at last, but with a bizarre twist - now I am known throughout the community as "the teacher who lies." I am still a target of sorts and must always be on my guard, which is exhausting. As predicted, the newest teacher on staff has gone through his own version of hell (and taken some of the focus off of me!) but so far it has not reached the CPS/police level for him.
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