Tom Davis is a newly appointed principal in a small conservative community. He has just been assigned Mark Scott, a dynamic, energetic seventh-grade math teacher. Davis later learns that Scott and his girlfriend are living together. The principal is informed of this by a group of parents who are outraged that Scott is setting a poor example for young children. They are upset and are calling for action. Davis talks with Scott, who does not deny that he and his girlfriend are living together. He further informs Scott in a very professional manner that what he does in his private life is his business.
1. Is Tom justified in approaching Mark on personal and private matter? Why or why not?
2. How does Davis handle this situation with Scott?
3. Does the principal have a right to infringe on a teacher's private life? Why or why not?
4. Outline a plan to resolve this situation.
5. Would the courts likely support your plan of resolution? Explain.
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Carl
ReplyDelete1. Yes, teachers are considered to be public employees as well as role models for students. Some outside activities can be viewed as controversial and may encourage impressionable students to engage in a life style of fornication.
ReplyDelete2. Davis should avoid making disapproving comments or suggestions about Mark’s lifestyle as long as his personal life does not interfere with his ability to teach.
3. The principal does not have the right to infringe on the teacher personal life unless the teacher becomes ineffective in his position. If the teacher becomes ineffective due to personal life style choices then the principal is obligated to intervene to protect the interest of the students.
4. My plan would consist of the standard observation procedure for rating and evaluating teachers along with monitoring professional conduct.
5. Yes, my plan does not infringe on the teacher’s right to privacy, and follows standard practices for evaluating the abilities of the employee.
1. No, I do not believe that Mr. Davis should have asked Mr. Scott. Even though teachers are public employees and role models, they should not be required to live their life the way that other people think that they should.
ReplyDelete2. I guess I am having a hard time understanding the last sentence of the scenario. I am reading it as if Mr. Davis does not care what Mr. Scott does but wanted to let him know that members of the community are upset. If this is the case, then I think it is ok that he mentioned it to Mr. Scott.
3. Mr. Davis does not have the right to infringe unless it is affecting his teaching or wants to just give him a heads-up on the community concerns.
4. At this point I do not feel that anything really needs to be done differently. If it becomes an issue with his teaching abilities then I would arrange a meeting with him to discuss the changes that have occurred making him go from a dynamic teacher to not so much.
5. I believe that the courts would find no reason for the case to go to trial.
1. I believe Tom is justified to let Mark know of the concerns that some members of the community have. This can be done in a very respectful way so that you are letting an employee know that there are questions being raised by some community members. If concerns are brought to an administrator it would be considered fair to share them with an employee.
ReplyDelete2. Davis should avoid expressing any opinions he may or may not have regarding Tom's decision to live with his girlfriend.
Public school teachers do not give up their rights as a condition of accepting employment.
3. The principal does not have the right to infringe on his personal rights. Teachers should have the right of privacy in their personal lives.
4. My plan would be along the same lines as Carl's plan. Use the standard measure for evaluating teachers and leave what occurs outside of school outside the evaluation.
5. The cours would support my plan as it does not take away the right to privacy from an employee.