The Washington Teacher: Improperly Fired DCPS Teachers Speak Out!

The Washington Teacher: Improperly Fired DCPS Teachers Speak Out!

Improperly Fired DCPS Teachers Speak Out!

by Candi Peterson

Featuring Candi Peterson, WTU General Vice President

In 2008, approximately 75 probationary teachers were fired at the direction of then Deputy Chancellor Kaya Henderson. In 2008, Henderson sent an email to DC Public Schools principals indicating that if they wanted to get rid of probationary teachers they could simply click on a link listing the names of teachers from their schools. On March 10, 2011 - some of these wrongfully terminated teachers spoke out at the Washington Teachers' Union office about their stellar accomplishments and their horror at receiving letters in the mail during July and August 2008 indicating they were terminated without explanation. These teachers talked about only learning of the reasons for their terminations several weeks ago after an arbitrator's