Teacher's intimidation claims are under investigation

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Claims by a Sikeston R-6 teacher who says she was intimidated by administrators for her anti-Common Core beliefs are under investigation by the school district.

At a March 26 hearing of the Senate Education Committee, Susan Kimball, who teaches kindergarten in the Sikeston R-6 district, told lawmakers she was denied the use of a personal day to testify before the committee.

"I have been strongly discouraged from saying anything negative by my administration and some school board members," Kimball said during her testimony. "This did not just happen to me but others in other buildings under other administrators."

Kimball cited two meetings this school year where these instances allegedly occurred.

"We were told at my building: Be careful about what you post on Facebook or talk about in the public regarding Common Core. Don't say anything negative. It could affect your job," Kimball said.

She also said when she turned in a personal day request to support a rally on House Bill 1490, she was asked: "Do you really want that in your personnel file?"

Kimball testified the standards limit creativity for teachers.

"Common Core has taken the fun out of learning, and lessons are boring to the young child. We aren't able to do what is interesting to our children -- take a subject they're interested in and teach our standards upon that subject," Kimball said during her testimony.

On Monday, Kimball said she didn't want to get into specifics about the intimidation allegations but said: "It happened. ... I've been lied to and made to feel ostracized and intimidated and harassed into attempting me to be quiet."

As of Tuesday, Kimball's testimony had garnered more than 32,500 views on YouTube.

Sikeston R-6 fifth grade teacher Tonya Pobst also testified March 26 in support of Senate Bills 514 and 798, which prohibit the implementation of Common Core. She, too, said she'd been denied the use of a personal day the day of the hearing.

During her testimony, Pobst said the Smarter Balanced fifth grade science field test -- which is aligned to the Common Core standards -- had been renamed in the district to "MAP Science field test." Rather than tell parents and caregivers they are implementing Common Core standards, schools appeared to be hiding the fact from those who should know, she said.

Sikeston R-6 Superintendent Tom Williams said although the school district cannot comment on personnel matters, all allegations are being pursued by an independent investigator in accordance with Board Policy AC, which deals with prohibition against discrimination, harassment and retaliation.

"The Missouri Learning Standards are of crucial importance to all school districts and it is not surprising that teachers want to be heard on these issues and participate in their state government," Williams said. "The district encourages input and expression from its teachers, and any behavior counter to that is not tolerated."

The Common Core State Standards are part of the Missouri Learning Standards adopted by Missouri in 2010. These standards replace the Grade Level Expectations for all Missouri public schools in English language arts and math beginning in the 2014-2015 school year.

Like all Missouri school districts, the Sikeston R-6 District is working to implement these standards, Williams said.

"As with any school district in the state, the Sikeston R-6 District will have to comply with what the State Board of Education, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Legislature and the governor decide," Williams said.

Heather Drury of Sikeston, who attended last week's hearing, said she thought it opened the eyes of Missouri's legislators as to the wide range of issues with Common Core. As a concerned parent, Drury said she began researching Common Core several months ago and has since determined she's against the standards.

However, she encouraged others to educate themselves and research the issue.

"If there's ever a time for an issue that parents need to speak out, this is the issue," Drury said.

Kimball and Pobst agreed. Whether for or against, parents and educators need to make their voices heard, Kimball said.

"We hope we've given other teachers a voice so they can speak up and talk about Common Core as well. It is a controversial topic, and everyone needs to research this topic and make their own decision," Kimball said.

Since testifying at last week's hearing, both Kimball and Pobst said they're just trying to get back to work and do their jobs.

"The children are our focus," Kimball said.

Williams shared the same sentiment.

"The Sikeston R-6 School District is concerned about students, teachers and their success," Williams said. "We make it our business to give our students and teachers the very best resources, support and are committed to providing the best education possible."

He continued: "The last two months of school, we will focus our attention on our students, giving them every opportunity to be successful."