I am a former teacher at Belle Rose Middle School, Belle Rose, LA. I dedicated my time and energy to the betterment of my students, not just academically but also spiritually and socially. I invested they a lot into the school and the children. Creating avenues and opportunities that would expand their understanding in knowing that they matter and they, too, can be great! Rarely done at Belle Rose Middle School, I invested my time and resources but it still was not valued. Without any prior warning or explanation, I was dismissed from my position by the school principal.

 After all I have done and the love put into my school, she never sat me down to let me know she even had a concern or issue. She never once verbalized it before making a rash and unstable decision. But a principal whose heart is truly for the children and not just the position would value such teachers.

We need principals who make wise decisions and show strong leadership. The need of the community and school should not be in the hands of one that dismiss those who come to Belle Rose Middle school with a genuine heart to help and nurture our children. But instead there is abuse  of authority as the principal is dismissing and rejecting for frivolous reasons based on personal judgement or feelings. A few others have gone through this same treatment before me under her leadership. A wise principal sees the needs of her students and hire accordingly. 

My story is not unique. Across the country, teachers who genuinely care for their students are being let go without consideration for their dedication or impact on students' lives. This practice is detrimental to our education system as it discourages passionate educators from entering or staying in this profession.

According to a study by Learning Policy Institute (2016), teacher turnover costs United States schools up to $2.2 billion annually and has been shown to decrease student achievement in math and English language arts.

We need principals who value these dedicated teachers; principals who understand that protecting these educators means protecting our children's future. We call upon school board members in Belle Rose and across the country to prioritize hiring such principals - those who have the best interests of their students at heart by valuing and safeguarding teachers who selflessly give their all for them.

Please sign this petition if you believe that every child deserves an education nurtured by caring teachers under supportive leadership.