The first thing next morning, I was in Brenda's office to inquire about the goings-on. She let me know that it was inded a violation of district policy and the teaching contract to interview for a position that had not been posted in the district. When she asked the principal about the upcoming interviews, he said it was not for a math teaching position, but for a possible long-term sub. Since subbing positions did not need to be posted statewide, he felt he was well within his rights.

It was a cowardly way to go about it.

The district administrator followed suit by convening the next school board meeting as a closed session. He was allowed to say whatever he wanted without the worry of students, parents, or community members to speak on my behalf; I myself was not allowed a defense, to be neither present nor heard.

The morning after the board meeting, Brenda said he'd called to let her know what had happened. He explained to the board about a teacher who was having problems within the district and went through the file that the principal had produced. One of the board members asked, "Isn't this the teacher who had an affair with a student?" Setback Number Two. That was all anyone needed to hear.

Brenda said the district administrator told her he hadn't yet decided as to whether my resignation would be effective as of the end of the school year or the end of the semester, but to prepare for the worst.

In school that week, rumors started circulating again about Setback Number Two. My students couldn't believe it, and when they told me I reminded them of two things... that I loved and was proud of all of my students, and that if I'd had an affair with a student two years before, I'd have been fired two years before.

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