Teacher Has Cancer Surgery, State Rates Him Ineffective

The following post appeared on the Band Director's page on Facebook last night. The teacher in question has given permission to share:

Robin Stephens
10 hrs
Rant!!!
State of NM has gone to a new 'Teacher Evaluation' system. Our attendance is included in this. On my most recent state eval, out of 40 points, I got exactly '0'... ZERO!!! Seems that when I had to take two weeks off because of lung cancer surgery, I lost ALL my points. The loss of those points took my from being rated 'Highly Effective' or 'Minimally Effective'. Consequently, the state PED turned down my request for a Level III Teacher Licensure. Difference between Level II and Level III is about $5000 a year. Oh, I am just finishing my 24th year in teaching.
Tell me again why I'm doing this................

Think about that.

They docked for CANCER SURGERY. FMLA be damned. And since it has gone to the state, there are NO APPEALS. They've done this for other surgical leave, MATERNITY LEAVE, and for every other reason under the sun. This is their "value-added" model. The teacher in question has already been advised to get a lawyer and go to the media.

This is not an isolated case in New Mexico. Jump for more: