Recently, there has been a viral story circulating the internet about a teacher who was fired for giving zeros to students who did not turn in their assignments. The story has caused a lot of controversy and outrage among parents and educators alike, but is there any truth to it? In this article, we will take a closer look at the "Teacher Fired For Giving Zeros Hoax" and try to separate fact from fiction.
The Story
The story goes like this: a high school teacher in Florida was fired for giving zeros to students who did not turn in their assignments. The teacher, Diane Tirado, allegedly gave a zero to a student who did not turn in a project, despite the fact that the student had been absent for several days and had not requested an extension. Tirado was then fired for not following the school's grading policy, which apparently prohibited teachers from giving zeros.
The Truth
While the story has gained a lot of attention on social media and news outlets, it turns out that it is not entirely true. First of all, the teacher who was allegedly fired for giving zeros was not even named Diane Tirado - that person does not exist. The actual teacher in question was identified as Sharon Kay Gillenwater, who taught at West Gate K-8 School in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Secondly, Gillenwater was not fired for giving zeros. In fact, she was not fired at all. According to a statement released by the school district, Gillenwater resigned from her position after being placed on administrative leave. The district also clarified that their grading policy did not prohibit teachers from giving zeros, and that Gillenwater had violated other policies unrelated to grading.
The Controversy
Despite the fact that the story is not entirely true, it has sparked a lot of debate and controversy about grading policies in schools. Many parents and educators believe that students should be held accountable for not completing their assignments, and that giving zeros is an appropriate consequence. Others argue that zeros are too harsh, and that teachers should find alternative ways to motivate students to complete their work.
Regardless of where you stand on the issue, it is important to remember that every school and district has its own policies and procedures for grading. It is up to teachers to understand and follow these policies, and to use their professional judgment when assigning grades to students.
Conclusion
The "Teacher Fired For Giving Zeros Hoax" may not be entirely true, but it has certainly brought attention to the issue of grading policies in schools. As educators, it is our responsibility to ensure that we are following our school's policies and using our professional judgment when assigning grades to students. Ultimately, our goal should be to help students learn and grow, rather than simply punishing them for not completing their work.