Teachers Concerned About Harassment

David Wharton’s article titled “Teachers Ask State to Punish Principal” struck a nerve at Nestle Avenue Elementary School where Jacklyn Thompson was principal from September, 1987, to June, 1990, and where Sheila Hopper continues to teach.

During Ms. Thompson’s three years as an administrator, the school became dysfunctional, faculty turnover was disproportionate, the community was antagonized, teachers were harassed and intimidated, programs were destroyed and a dark cloud of demoralization, fear and chaos hung over our campus.

In the specific case of Mrs. Hopper, Ms. Thompson misused her position of authority in an attempt to destroy Mrs. Hopper’s reputation and career because of Mrs. Hopper’s “whistle-blowing” activities.

These attacks were not limited to Mrs. Hopper. The faculty documented the problems and sent representatives to the Region E Administrative offices. Nothing was done. Finally the faculty and community took the matter to our local Board of Education member and Ms. Thompson was transferred to another school.

We believe it is imperative that a message be sent to the principals of the Los Angeles Unified School District that from this day on, administrators will be held accountable for their actions.

The State Commission of Credentialing has found probable cause exists to suspend Ms. Thompson’s teaching and administrative credentials for 10 days.

As long as principals believe they can act with impunity, teachers will continue to be harassed and intimidated. As long as teachers are afraid to address the problems that exist within the system for fear of reprisals, students will be cheated.

Our faculty fervently hopes that an era of true “collegiality” will begin between administrators and teachers.

DIANE CROCKER-KERNESS and MARGUERITE BAKER

On behalf of Concerned Teachers at Nestle Avenue Elementary School, along with nine other teachers