A retired teacher sent this short note to us about the dangers of SB5 removing due process protections. Yet andother reason why SB5 is unfair.

I began my teaching career when collective bargaining did not exist in Ohio. I witnessed a situation where an excellent teacher (later Maine teacher of the year) was accused by a student of an inappropriate action. The student was under intensive psychiatric care at the time. Without (or even with) witnesses, this 10 year teacher was given the choice to resign or be fired. No hearing or due process was legally required without collective bargaining. Every colleague was confidant that the accusation was groundless. With no options, this professional moved on, at great loss to our profession.

Without due process rights anyone can find themselves in this same situation because of an argument with the principal, because of age or health concerns, or because of assigning a student a grade that disagrees with a parent's assessment. Negotiating working conditions, and not just salary, improves our professional contributions, improves our advocacy for students, and improves our health and safety on the job, as well as the health and safety of our students.

Kim Cellar
Retired teacher

If you have a story or thought to share, drop us a line at admin@jointhefuture.org