In September, Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas announced, after an investigation, he found probable cause to revoke the license of a respected high school history teacher. In addition to this, Kamoutsas stated he would “take every necessary action” to make sure this teacher “never teaches again.”
For someone whose career is teaching, this kind of punishment is life-ruining. It’s hard to imagine what this teacher could have possibly done to deserve this treatment. A crime of some sort, no doubt. After all, this kind of reprimand is usually reserved for those causing direct harm — those who violate their duty as a teacher.
The reality is a lot more concerning. In fact, this teacher, Lauren Watts, a woman of color, didn’t do anything illegal at all. She didn’t lay a hand on a student or use any substances. Gainesville High School students said she was “caring and supportive.”…