That may still allow Harris to perform other duties for the school until the investigation and court process is complete. Few would argue that teachers are simply educators and nothing more. They are also leaders, friends and even mentors to their students. Like police officers and pastors, teachers fall into the category of those in whom we place special trust and confidence. They impact the lives of their students.
Teachers influence the lives of their students both inside and outside the classroom.
Parents place a certain amount of confidence in those who educate their children. Leaving a teacher who is charged with a felony in the classroom under such circumstances, regardless of the length of career, is risking a fracture in a trusting relationship between the school and parents. If Northwest High School is reluctant to remove Harris from teaching, perhaps she should ask permission to be reassigned to duties outside the classroom. Doing so would not in any way be an admission of guilt but would rather be indicative of her concern for students and their education. Post your thoughts in The Public Forum.