After spending 15 years as a Utah educator, one truth is clear: our teachers are what make this state exceptional. They are dedicated professionals who work tirelessly for our students.
The past few years have been a gauntlet for educators, so Christina Boggess’s proposal comes as no surprise (“Utah teachers could be disciplined for ‘immoral’ behavior”). Her overhaul of teacher discipline is nothing short of draconian, leaning on subjective terms like “immoral” and “detrimental to students.” For any Harry Potter fan, this legislative overreach brings to mind Professor Dolores Umbridge; someone who seeks to control education through arbitrary and oppressive rules.
This proposal is a profound undermining of teacher trust and professionalism. It treats educators as untrustworthy and micromanages their every move, chipping away at morale that has yet to recover from the pandemic. We all know how low morale can poison a workplace, and the education sector is no different.
Further solidifying her Umbridge-like persona, Boggess wants to impose overly punitive disciplinary actions. Her proposal would eliminate the “letter of education” for minor infractions, replacing it with a formal disciplinary action. This means a small, nonmalicious mistake could end up on a teacher’s permanent record, leading to disproportionate and career-damaging punishments.
Perhaps the most harmful part of this proposal is the attempt to restrict teacher-student relationships. Her additions would prohibit teachers from discussing personal lives, using profanity, or even recommending mental health services. Think about your favorite teacher.
They were your favorite because they made a real, human connection with you. Her proposal aims to build walls where these vital relationships are formed. If we continue to put up these barriers, our schools will suffer. It’s time we find leaders who will lift us up, not tear us down for cheap political points. To board member Boggess, I must ask: aAe you here to improve our schools, or simply to enforce your own educational decrees?
Brandon K. Larsen, West Jordan
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