Teacher Exonerated, Outrage Misplaced

A news release from MNEA yesterday made public the results of a Department of Social Services investigation into child abuse allegations leveled against SNEA member Patricia Wright, a fifth-grade teacher at Bissett Elementary. The DSS investigation concluded that the allegations against Wright were unsubstantiated.

I find it interesting that the News-Leader pasted the story on the front page with the headline "Couple 'Outraged' Abuse Claim Dismissed" rather than "Allegations Against Teacher Dismissed". Probably wouldn't have sold as many papers, but perhaps the public acknowledgement would have at least provided some small measure of justice to Patricia, given the fact that the original story hit the media in the form of a poorly-researched piece by News-Leader columnist Sara Overstreet some months ago.

A letter from Patricia Wright was sent as part of a mailer to non-SNEA members earlier this week. Here is the text of the letter from Patricia:

May 17, 2006

Dear Colleague,

Recently, you saw my name splashed all over the media. You see, I was accused and found guilty in the media of child neglect while teaching at Bissett Elementary School in Springfield. Unfortunately some prejudged this matter before they knew all of the facts or they chose to ignore facts and their involvement. After an investigation the Missouri Division of Social Services investigation found the complaints against me to be unsubstantiated.

This experience for me was surreal; it was one that I never thought could happen to me, but my friends have reminded me that bad things do happen to good people. Speaking of friends, one going through such an experience needs to know who ones friends are. I learned very early that I could not count on everyone but my family and friends were always there to support me. The NEA was on my side, right from the beginning. I never had to question whose position they were advocating.

If you are a member, I want to thank you because your dues made it possible for the NEA to always be working on my behalf. If you are not a member, I really can’t imagine why not. I urge you to become a member today. What happened to me yesterday can happen to you tomorrow and don’t think it can’t. Should it happen, the NEA will stand beside you as they stood beside me.

I sincerely hope you never have to go through such an experience. But, just in case, don’t be without the NEA. I want to thank my friends and NEA for their support.
Sincerely,

Pat Wright
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While most of us have just completed a successful and rewarding school year, the media events of 2005-2006 clearly illuminate the pitfalls of this profession. We owe it to ourselves and our colleagues to remain informed and continue working together to strengthen our association.

Ray