Open Letter 3 for Lake Arbor Elm
The Issue
Another Teacher at Lake Arbor has spoken!
My Experience with School Culture at Lake Arbor Elementary for the last two years? (short version) This school year was one of the most difficult years of my career. As a teacher, my focus has always been on students, their growth, and creating a safe and supportive learning environment. Unfortunately, much of my time and energy was spent navigating a school culture that often felt unsupportive and, at times, intimidating. I believed it was my responsibility to speak up when teachers brought concerns to me. Those concerns included student safety, staff morale, communication issues, behavioral support, and the overall school climate. I raised these concerns because they were affecting teachers and students every day. Over time, I began to feel that speaking up came with consequences. What started with a corrective action over an email eventually grew into increased scrutiny, constant monitoring, placement on a Growth Plan, a recommendation for non-renewal, and ultimately being placed on administrative leave after I was assaulted by a student. Whether intentional or not, the message many teachers received was that raising concerns could result in unwanted attention rather than solutions. The most disappointing part is that while these events were unfolding, my students were succeeding. Despite repeated behavioral crises, safety concerns, and a lack of adequate support, approximately 92% of my students met or exceeded their academic growth goals. I remained committed to my students and worked tirelessly to ensure they were successful. Throughout the year, many teachers expressed frustration, fear, and exhaustion. Staff climate surveys reflected concerns about morale, communication, and support. Many educators felt their voices were not being heard. Instead of feeling like valued professionals, many felt defeated and reluctant to share honest feedback. I love teaching, and I love working with children. I believe schools should be places where teachers and administrators work together as partners. Teachers should feel safe raising concerns, advocating for students, and offering feedback without fear of being singled out or targeted. My hope is that by sharing my experience, meaningful changes can be made so that future teachers, students, and families can thrive in a school environment built on trust, collaboration, respect, and support. Teacher Talk!
There are 4 active petitions for Lake Arbor Elm on Change.org. The principal know these exists and called us all "birds and stated that we are just chirpping" so chirp louder!
Please see previous petition on Dr. Sothern and please comment if you have something to share. Our children are losing valuable staff that care and our vulnerable special education students are not being heard.
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The Issue
Another Teacher at Lake Arbor has spoken!
My Experience with School Culture at Lake Arbor Elementary for the last two years? (short version) This school year was one of the most difficult years of my career. As a teacher, my focus has always been on students, their growth, and creating a safe and supportive learning environment. Unfortunately, much of my time and energy was spent navigating a school culture that often felt unsupportive and, at times, intimidating. I believed it was my responsibility to speak up when teachers brought concerns to me. Those concerns included student safety, staff morale, communication issues, behavioral support, and the overall school climate. I raised these concerns because they were affecting teachers and students every day. Over time, I began to feel that speaking up came with consequences. What started with a corrective action over an email eventually grew into increased scrutiny, constant monitoring, placement on a Growth Plan, a recommendation for non-renewal, and ultimately being placed on administrative leave after I was assaulted by a student. Whether intentional or not, the message many teachers received was that raising concerns could result in unwanted attention rather than solutions. The most disappointing part is that while these events were unfolding, my students were succeeding. Despite repeated behavioral crises, safety concerns, and a lack of adequate support, approximately 92% of my students met or exceeded their academic growth goals. I remained committed to my students and worked tirelessly to ensure they were successful. Throughout the year, many teachers expressed frustration, fear, and exhaustion. Staff climate surveys reflected concerns about morale, communication, and support. Many educators felt their voices were not being heard. Instead of feeling like valued professionals, many felt defeated and reluctant to share honest feedback. I love teaching, and I love working with children. I believe schools should be places where teachers and administrators work together as partners. Teachers should feel safe raising concerns, advocating for students, and offering feedback without fear of being singled out or targeted. My hope is that by sharing my experience, meaningful changes can be made so that future teachers, students, and families can thrive in a school environment built on trust, collaboration, respect, and support. Teacher Talk!
There are 4 active petitions for Lake Arbor Elm on Change.org. The principal know these exists and called us all "birds and stated that we are just chirpping" so chirp louder!
Please see previous petition on Dr. Sothern and please comment if you have something to share. Our children are losing valuable staff that care and our vulnerable special education students are not being heard.
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Petition created on June 22, 2026