Opera group fetes accused teacher

TRESA WAGGONER, the Bennett, Colo., elementary school teacher put on leave for showing her students a video clip of Gounod’s “Faust,” was honored by Opera America at its recent Opera Conference 2006 in Seattle.

On May 6, Waggoner received an award of distinction “in recognition of outstanding commitment to opera education,” the national service organization reported.

In January, Waggoner was put on paid administrative leave after six parents complained their children were traumatized by portions of a 33-year-old opera video series titled “Who’s Afraid of Opera?” in which soprano Joan Sutherland and three singing sock puppets recount the story of Faust selling his soul to the devil.

The parents also accused Waggoner, a mother of two, of being a devil worshiper and a lesbian out to promote homosexuality (she said she was trying to explain “trouser roles” in opera).

“It’s not been an easy 2006,” Waggoner said before receiving the award. “I’m still on paid administrative leave until August. That’s when they renew all the contracts. I’ve had little to no contact with the school. Basically, I get a paycheck by direct deposit. They’re also paying a substitute. It’s a waste of taxpayer money.”

Bennett Mayor Karen Grossaint resigned over the matter in February, telling Denver’s Rocky Mountain News that Waggoner’s removal from the classroom was the “last straw.” She said the 2,500-member community east of the Colorado capital “has a mean-spirited undertone.”

Waggoner said she is looking for a new job but is “very hesitant about getting back into elementary school.”

“This has really taken the air out of me. I have two kids, 5 and 4 years old. I stay at home with them. They don’t understand why Mommy doesn’t go to work. This has rocked my whole family. The award really does ease the pain.”

-- Chris Pasles