NJ teacher charged $50,000 for phone call

[MM27]

I agree that she shouldn't have been using her phone during the class, but $50,000 seriously? Apparently, she called a suspended superintendent. I think that probably has more to do with the stiff penalty than the actual phone call.
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/08/asbury_park_teacher_must_forfe.html

This article actually tells a bit more of the storyhttp://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/press/new_jersey/article_187c2b9a-8617-11de-9587-001cc4c03286.html

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

Court records show that Getty was covering for another teacher for a 45 minute period Jan. 10, 2008. Students had been assigned a test, but many had apparently finished it during the first part of the 80-minute class. While she was at the desk, Getty placed a cell phone call to the district's suspended superintendent Antonio Lewis. While she was on the phone, two students danced in front of her desk and between her and the class. Another student played music on his cell phone and recorded the dancing with a digital camera, then posted an almost two minute edited version on YouTube.

The following school day after Getty became aware of the video, she went back into the classroom and began questioning students about who made it, records show. This action reportedly caused significant disruption in the class for about a half-hour, and when the administration learned of the matter, a reprimand was issued.

The reprimand cited Getty for not maintaining control of the class, violating the district's cell phone use policy, and causing embarrassment to the district through the YouTube posting.

She is lucky that she did not lose her job, but the fine seems steep...

 

[PrincessKsMom]

What's the penalty for the kid who was using her phone to record the dancing during class hours?

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

What's the penalty for the kid who was using her phone to record the dancing during class hours?

Why do you ask?

 

[*NikkiBell*]

My boyfriend lives within five minutes of this school. I am a teacher. I think that she should not have been on the phone at all, but taking more than half of her salary is absurd. There is some hidden issue here. Perhaps they're trying to get rid of her permanently.

 

[tiffsix]

I just wanted to say ROLL TIDE from NJ as well- totally off topic, sorry

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

My boyfriend lives within five minutes of this school. I am a teacher. I think that she should not have been on the phone at all, but taking more than half of her salary is absurd. There is some hidden issue here. Perhaps they're trying to get rid of her permanently.

Would she have a right to appeal the amount?

 

[Free4Life11]

Anyone have the link to the You Tube video? Something about kids dancing in the front of class made me laugh!

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Why do you ask?

The teacher was fined $50k for breaking the rules -- what happened to the kid for breaking the rules? Do I think what the teacher did was right --- no. Do I think it's worth $50K -- no. But if the kids are using their phones in class and dancing around and acting like fools, shouldn't there also be punishment for them as well?

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

The teacher was fined $50k for breaking the rules -- what happened to the kid for breaking the rules? Do I think what the teacher did was right --- no. Do I think it's worth $50K -- no. But if the kids are using their phones in class and dancing around and acting like fools, shouldn't there also be punishment for them as well?

They would not have been doing these things if the teacher had been doing her job, right? This is not the kids' fault.

Again, the fine is absurd...

 

[MM27]

The teacher was fined $50k for breaking the rules -- what happened to the kid for breaking the rules? Do I think what the teacher did was right --- no. Do I think it's worth $50K -- no. But if the kids are using their phones in class and dancing around and acting like fools, shouldn't there also be punishment for them as well?

No, the parents will just say that their poor innocent children just weren't being supervised and that caused them to act out.

I understand her being fined or suspended or both, but honestly, where in the world did they come up with that figure?

 

[MushyMushy]

They would not have been doing these things if the teacher had been doing her job, right? This is not the kids' fault.

Again, the fine is absurd...

What!

You can bet if that had been my kids doing it, no matter what the teacher was doing, their butts would be in a sling. Yes it is, indeed, their fault! Kids are more than capable of knowing how to behave in school.

As for the fine Sheesh. Suspend her or something, but a fine that steep?

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Those poor innocent children are too young (high school aged) to know what behavior is expected of them in class. Shame on all of you for expecting them to know better.

If they can take $50K from a teacher for a four minute phone call, I'm thinking a 3 week school suspension for a 2 minute video is fair.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

You can bet if that had been my kids doing it, no matter what the teacher was doing, their butts would be in a sling.

Mine, too - but not for causing this problem, but for breaking school rules.

Yes it is, indeed, their fault!

Wait - are you saying that this teacher being fined was the students' fault?

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

...I'm thinking a 3 week school suspension for a 2 minute video is fair.

Really?

 

[MichelleinMaine]

While I don't think it's right she was on the phone in class, that's a pretty harsh punishment. I'd rather see the stiff fines at someone who's driving wrecklessly while talking/texting!

 

[Piecey]

Really?

Definitely!

It is most definitely at least partly the kids fault. I mean, c'mon, I even have second thoughts before I whip out my cell phone in college. I was 8 months pregnant waiting on lab results and felt horribly guilty when I left the classroom because my phone had started vibrating-- and i'd informed the teacher that I was expecting a call before the class!

They're old enough to know better!

 

[dis-happy]

80 minute class period, some students finish a 45 minute test early and are able to play music and dance around.

30 minute of add'l class time spent the next day as teacher questions everyone to find the offending poster.


So glad we homeschool. We actually use our class time for learning.

 

[Acklander]

Definitely!

It is most definitely at least partly the kids fault.

They're old enough to know better!

Yes,they're old enough to know better, but I hold the teacher to a higher standard as she's supposed to be the example and leading the class. If the teacher can't follow the rules, why should the kids?

That being said, I thing the fine is way out of line.

 

[Piecey]

Yes,they're old enough to know better, but I hold the teacher to a higher standard as she's supposed to be the example and leading the class. If the teacher can't follow the rules, why should the kids?

That being said, I thing the fine is way out of line.

I don't disagree with that but I also think the kids deserve some punishment.