Hello,

My name is Amanda Keating. I am French teacher by trade, and despite the varying views and opinions on education, as a first-generation college student, I was grateful to have a steady income, and happily worked for varying school districts over the last 8 years…

This Academic School Year my rose-colored glasses were lifted when I needed help from leadership regarding a rumor of sexual nature with children. I asked for an investigation, and instead of being supported, I was belittled, mocked, ignored, bullied, and blamed. I’ve been told that people often get involved with an issue when it affects them personally, and sadly, once everything I’ve worked for was threatened, I took off my figurative glasses of ignorance, demanded accountability and support, only to realize that I had stepped into a political world of chess I was not prepared for.

What happened?

On 8/29/24 a group of boys were skipping class and specifically, one boy said, “you’re a pedophile,” and students around him started laughing and repeating this. I told the boy this wasn’t appropriate to say, no one had said anything about touching private parts (see email). I followed the chain of command and emailed my department chair and administrator asking for immediate help regarding the incident. I continued working believing that leadership would investigate and provide support.

On 9/04/24 one of my student assistants confided in me and said that on 9/03/24 she had heard that I was “fuck training students”. I called my assistant principal and was told they had not had time to investigate the statement made by the male student on 8/29/24. I felt very strongly that the incident with this student was linked to the fact that a few days later students were saying I was having sex with them. I was very upset that nothing had been done after my original email asking for help and I told my department chair that I would not return to the building until the situation was handled. I texted another person in leadership for advice and support, and was told to ignore the rumor about sex with children….

My unique issue isn’t an outlier. It is now the norm. School Systems ignore pleas for help, and then when something happens, they blame the staff members involved in any way possible to deflect accountability. I was told that no one believed the rumor and that I was being too emotional and escalating the issue when I asked to speak with HR. Then, when I continued to ask for an investigation, I was told that I needed to “stop telling leadership how to do their jobs”, that I’m “too close with students and overshare” and that I should “speak to a psychiatrist” about why I am worried about getting in trouble. 

I am passionate about Education & Reform. I refuse to be a sitting duck and allow the pattern of Systematic abuse to continue. My campaign bullets are: Safety, Budget, & Respect in NPS (Norfolk Public Schools), but eventually I’d like it to be, “Safety, Budget, & Respect in School Systems Across America.”

In Norfolk, teachers and other staff who work in education are afraid. They believe they will lose their jobs if they speak out. Like most false beliefs, there is an element of truth. Personally, the retaliation and isolation I’ve experienced has been eye-opening to what bullying really is, and what it means to be “black-listed.” I believe that my district is trying to make an example of me to fear others into silence. They are worried about their image more than justice and taking accountability.

I’ve felt defeated in many ways, but realized, if I quit, who wins? I would be another statistic to be added to the headline of the mass Exodus of Teachers. I know my intentions, and I know what’s right, and when it was just my livelihood, that was one thing, but when I realized that this happens more frequently than not, I decided to stay and fight, as I do not support emotionally manipulative games that break the passion and spirits of individuals, especially teachers and students. 

I spoke at the School Board of Norfolk on November 13, 2024 (2:04: 33) and again December 18, 2024 (1:46:01). 

I additionally helped spearhead a protest that was featured in a local news channel: Channel 13 News; NPS Teacher Strike 12/02/2024 and another protest took place on January 8, 2025. 

While I wish teaching wasn’t a political matter, I see that it is. I believe it is time that parents, students, teachers, and community members nationwide stand-up again for education. America has turned its back on its teachers, and communities and families are suffering. Apathy is a plague not just in Norfolk Public Schools, but in school systems across America. 

Please share my story, if willing and able, and if you have a story to share about education, please email it to: safetybudgetrespect@gmail.com

A teacher shouldn’t have to sue their employer in order to get the support and help they need. 

Please join Citizens across the Nation in pushing for policies that protect faculty members' rights and ensure school leaders are accountable, so our schools are safe, respectful places for both students and staff.

Please stand for Education.

Respectfully,

Amanda Keating 

VA Educator