This petition is an urgent request prompted by a deeply distressing encounter a child experienced at school. This child, our child, felt secure at school where he thought he was under the protection of his teacher, Kathleen Kern. However, a horrendous instance of physical force, used out of anger by this teacher, shattered that sense of safety. The teacher took it upon herself to kick a desk that the child was sitting in, a gross misuse of authority and an act bordering on child abuse.

According to research conducted by the National Education Association, physical punishments impact a child's self-esteem and academic performance, with a higher correlation of mental health issues observed (NEA, 2014). Thus, such actions are not only inappropriate but deeply damaging. The psychological and emotional damage suffered by students after such treatment could be as detrimental as physical harm.

It's become apparent that Kathleen Kern's behavior has crossed the line of professional conduct. Her ability to ensure a safe and secure learning environment is in serious question. It is, therefore, incumbent upon us as parents, educators, and responsible citizens to ensure that this misconduct does not recur, to protect the integrity of the classroom where every child has a right to feel safe.

We call upon the local educational board to remove Kathleen Kern's teaching license. It's time to hold accountable those who abuse their authority and fail their primary task of protecting and educating our children. We implore you to sign and share this petition, to support the students deserving of a better, safer learning environment.