Ever since Amber made her tearful departure this week the news has been filled with the happenings in Sugar Land, Texas. Amber who is a 23-year old school teacher was given 22 days off to film The Bachelor by her school’s principal Tammie Carpenter. The Fort Bend Independent School District of which Amber’s school is a part, decided that Carpenter should be demoted and transferred to another school for allowing Amber to take time off to be on the show. Apparently parents both for and against against Carpenter have contacted the School District regarding this issue. Some of the parents who complained were upset because they felt the show promoted negative stereotypes of women. Others complained because the period of time Amber took off was the part of the school year in which her class was preparing for the Texas State exams. Carpenter has resigned her position rather than accept the demotion and transfer. To date the School District has not announced any plans to discipline Amber.
Here is my take on this. The fact that she gave Amber time off to be on the Bachelor I have no problem with. Obviously I like the show and if the parents don’t, they shouldn’t let their kids watch it. While the timing was unfortunate, I will tell you being related to many, that even teachers have real lives too. Here is the one reason I agree with the disciplinary action taken against the principal. When she allowed Amber to take the time off she lied to parents and told them that Amber was taking the time off to care for a sick aunt. That was not only sketchy but stupid. Doesn’t she think that maybe some of the parents in her school watch prime time television? The truth was going to come out.
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Posted on: Friday, May 11, 2007
May 11th, 2007 at 7:27 pm
Im waiting for his hometown dates this next week. I was raised on Oahu and miss home! I can’t believe the stupidity of the woman….lying for her staff??? I didn’t know that! You’re right…when someone shows up on prime time TV the gig is up!
May 11th, 2007 at 11:19 pm
Exactly. I was OK with everything she did except that.
May 12th, 2007 at 2:29 pm
I wonder if Amber could contractually tell the principal why she was out. I know in Survivor that only one or two people know ahead of time–a spouse or someone to write letters, make a video, and visit. If they cannot tie the truth, and kids want to know that the teacher is not sick or worse.
It seems that there should be a policy for taking time off, and this either fits in the policy or it doesn’t. If taking time off for non-emergencies is OK during that time for a similar duration, then great. If it isn’t, then both the principal and Amber should have consequences. If she had time off available, then she can use it according to the policies. If she took time without pay, there ought to be policies on that.
I guess the principal could have said “For personal reasons”. But I think kids would still feel a bit lost.
It seems that leaving the classroom for so long for something so superficial…well, teachers I know don’t like to take time off sick when big things are happening. I guess shows a less committed attitude.
Life goes on…