We are the proud parents of Ms. Shirlene Jones’ students at the Atlanta Public Schools Pre-K program at Whitefoord Early Learning Academy.

In an effort to find out why we didn’t receive any prior communication about a sudden unwanted teacher change mid-semester, we uncovered a more layered and complex story that we believe demands alternative action and a larger investigation. Furthermore, we must begin a discussion of how to truly facilitate a safe learning environment for our children AND their teachers. 

On Friday, January 21, 2022, we were shocked to learn that would be Ms. Jones' last day in the classroom. This was shared without any prior communication or classroom planning for the teachers, students, or parents. Our children are now returning to their classroom without any preparation for their most beloved teachers’ departure. This is unacceptable treatment of our children and Ms. Jones--who is begging to stay with her kids!

Ms. Shirlene Jones has been a dedicated and devoted APS teacher for 30 years! Often serving as an example to others, she was awarded Teacher of the Year in 2017, and was featured across media as an example of success as recently as Spring/Summer 2021. Ms. Jones consistently supports fellow teachers and tirelessly advocates for her children year after year. Our children have forged a tight bond with Ms. Jones, looking forward to seeing her as much as their friends every school day. Kids and families adore her and Ms. Jones literally lives for her kids! This is not the type of teacher that needs to be removed from the classroom.

Our children and their teachers are barely keeping up with the continually shifting landscape of learning environments, particularly amidst a devastating pandemic and ongoing shortage of committed teachers. It is now more important than ever to focus on the very vulnerable development of children with intentional care and consistency in the classroom. Taking away their primary source of security at school cannot be "the only option". 

According to ABOE's Guardrail #3, "The Superintendent will not foster or allow a culture of fear, intimidation, retaliation, or an unwelcoming environment." However, after properly filing a number of grievances and claims of bullying in her work environment over the past 2 years, it only made things worse for Ms. Jones. Several claims were corroborated by other witnesses but somehow "fell through the cracks" and the other non-teaching staff member still remains in the school.

When teachers raise concerns they need to know their concerns will be taken seriously. How can we ensure that our children will learn to treat each other with kindness and respect if bullying is happening around them by trusted adults? How do we know teacher concerns receive fair, objective treatment and an impartial review?

- We implore APS to stand behind their words that they put children first.
- We beg you to fight with us to allow Ms. Jones to finish up the school year with our children.
- We need assurance that the school environment is safe for our kids and all teachers.
- We demand that a fair and impartial process is consistently followed when grievances are filed.
- We cannot accept a gross failure in leadership around a “zero tolerance for bullying” environment—not just for students, but for teachers too!

We are concerned about how this and other issues have been managed by our leaders--and more importantly, how seriously the leaders we are trusting to help shape the very vulnerable development of our children are taking their primary responsibility.

How APS handles this matter teaches our kids and families about justice and whether a bully can thrive in our school systems.

We MUST use our collective power to demand a better option.

Our children AND teachers deserve better.