Tiffany Shepherd -- Smokin' Hot Teacher in Trouble

I am a retired teacher from Bunker Hill, Illinois. During my tenure, I have worked with students from 4^th grade through high school. I began teaching in 1971 and retired in 2005. Over the years, I have witnessed many changes in board and parent expectations concerning teacher behavior. Many things are accepted now that weren't when I first started teaching. In 1971, for example, women teachers still had to wear dresses since slacks were not allowed. Presently, teachers are also allowed to create classrooms that are more student-oriented rather that subject focused. Although change is necessary in order for schools to stay attuned to the needs of the community, remembering that teachers are professionals must continue to be a primary concern if we are to adequately monitor the welfare of our children.

Tiffany Shepherd was a biology teacher who was recently dismissed from her position at Port St. Lucie High School in Florida. There is disagreement as to why she was dismissed. Tiffany Shepherd claims that she was dismissed because of a part time job at Smokin' Em Charters fishing tours where she worked in a revealing bikini. Shepherd stated that some workers removed their tops during the job, but she never did. Susan Renew, the district's assistant superintendent of human resources says that Shepherd missed thirty days of school and had been warned that her continued absences would not be accepted. She claims that the school officials did not even realize that Ms Shepherd had the part time job with the charter company but did admit that suggestive online photos of the teacher would have conflicted with the district's ethics policy.

Although the evidence supports that Tiffany Shepherd was dismissed because of her attendance problems, one can't help but speculate on whether a teacher should ever be dismissed because of behavior that takes place off the school grounds and after school hours. I personally believe that teachers do need to be aware of how their behavior will be perceived by the students. Teaching is a difficult job, and an effective teacher is a respected teacher.