Teacher Katrina Guarascio was placed on administrative leave and was prompted to uphold more “professional” standards in her classroom by censoring the creative ideas of her students.  I have witnessed interactions between Katrina, affectionately called “Miss G” by her students, and her students at off-campus poetry events that she has hosted, and I have seen the positive impact that she has had on their lives. 

Offering students a creative outlet for their ideas and expressions is essential to develop their critical thinking skills, as well as improving their ability to articulate their ideas and opinions.  The inhibition of their voices, particularly in such an important developmental stage, is detrimental to their mental and emotional health, and stifles their creative potential. 

The opportunity to write freely and creatively helped me to survive high school and become the professional writer that I am today.  The support and guidance of teachers like Miss G. literally saves lives.  I respectfully request that you reconsider your suggestion that she has behaved unprofessionally, and I encourage you to offer her job back.