All students have the right to be taught. When we have the right to suspend, we can protect the rights of the students who want to learn. A 28-year veteran teacher and Association activist, Varner's taught in California and worked as an adjunct professor in Washington. T he decision to suspend a student requires thoughtful consideration, research, investigation, and consultation with others. Making that decision is an awesome responsibility that teachers and support staff shouldn't take on.
Suspension is serious business.
It has long-term consequences for all those involved. Teachers and support employees don't have enough time to do everything required to make sure suspension is the right decision. The events leading up to a suspension are rarely black and white. They require time to sort out, time to get to the truth, and time to find the punishment that both suits the crime and benefits the student. Classroom educators often don't see all sides of the suspension issue.