Academic bullies fire adult ed teacher

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, May 13, 2009 | by Anonymous

I was infuriated by your article "Curse word lesson leaves adult ed teacher out of job," but, sadly, was not surprised.

Jack Lieberman, the English teacher fired for teaching adult students the meaning of off-color words to help them avoid embarrassing mistakes, is clearly a loving and a beloved teacher.

His devotion and passion are noble. I'm sorry to tell Lieberman that school Director Deidre Shannon and Assistant Superintendent Kathy Bennett are not noble, however.

They are classic academic bullies who see Lieberman as nothing more than Kleenex, to be disposed of at will. Clearly, they operate only out of expediency.

It remains to be seen whether Superintendent Laurie Kimbrel has a soul. Probably not. Research by author Gary Namie demonstrates that workplace bullying is especially common in academia and medicine.

I'm afraid no amount of lobbying by students will save Lieberman's career because this school district apparently doesn't care about students, any more than it cares about Lieberman.

Iris St. John

Walnut Creek