Misbehaving NY teachers cause flap

One teacher allegedly told a student that he loved her and dreamed of visiting her at her home. Another reportedly thrust himself against a student and told him, “I’ll show you what’s gay.” A third purportedly sent texts to a female student, called her, and waited for her outside of McDonald’s where she worked.

Concern over NY teachers engaging in misconduct. Photo via Wiki Commons.

These three teachers are among 16 New York City teachers that arbitrators have found guilty of misconduct but determined that their offenses did not warrant dismissal according to The New York Daily News.

In response to a recent increase in sexual misconduct in New York City schools, Chancellor Dennis Walcott reviewed the records of school employees. He identified these teachers during his inquest.

Walcott told The New York Times, “As I was reviewing these cases, I said, ‘Huh? How could this person go back to the classroom?’ It’s very frustrating. Definitely my hands are tied because the arbitrator made a ruling, because I would not have put these people back in the classroom.”

Even though the teachers have been found guilty of misconduct, 14 remain in the classroom. Two of the teachers were put on desk duty after being accused of further misconduct. Arbitrators served penalties including fines, suspensions, and formal reprimands instead of dismissals.

Some of the teachers have admitted to the alleged misconduct. Others have denied the charges or argued that they were exaggerated.

Union officials are defending the teachers’ rights to a hearing to protect teachers from unfair allegations. The Department of Education can appeal the decisions to the courts. However, Michael Mulgrew, the teacher’s union president, stated that this can only be done if the arbitrators are found to have made grievous errors. Department of Education officials further explain these cases would not meet the legal standards required for appeal.

Parents are troubled by these recent reports. Their reactions vary upon the situation.

One teacher, Genaye Esposito, was determined to be inappropriately close to a student. In a nonsexual relationship, she took the student to the movies and purchased him jeans. When he learned of the situation, George Williams, a parent told The Daily News, “I wouldn’t say fire her, but at least inform us better. I am definitely going to have a talk with the principal.”

Jasmine Torres’ son attends the school where Andrew Troup allegedly told a student that he loved her and dreamed of her. She is disturbed by the situation and said, “He needs to get out of here. It stresses me out. I’m shocked.”