August 18, 2006

Teacher Tamara Hoover Resigns

(Austin, Texas) Updating a previous Jawa post regarding the controversy over an educator's nude photos on the Internet, Austin High School art teacher Tamara Hoover (pic) has resigned from her job.

From Statesman.com:

Hoover submitted a letter of resignation Wednesday. She said that she will receive a $14,850 settlement from the Austin school district, several months' salary. District officials said that a settlement is pending and that the board of trustees is expected to consider it Monday. Mel Waxler, the district's general counsel, would not confirm the amount, saying he was not at liberty to discuss the matter before it is finalized.

Hoover said she's sad about the outcome but will focus on moving forward.

"I wasn't prepared to stop teaching. I never wanted to resign from teaching," she said. "I don't think this is the most ideal outcome. I was definitely impressed by (the district's) willingness to come to the table. I just wish they would have done that in the beginning."

I would say that Hoover is bowing out gracefully, having realized that her supporters were likely outnumbered by her detractors and a continuation of the controversy would be messy. It's probably a good idea to chalk the experience up as a life lesson and move forward.

Hoover's plans include obtaining credentials to teach at the university level. Likely remaining hidden are some hard feelings. Publicly, she leaves on a positive note through her praise of the students and staff at Austin High School.

Companion post at Interested-Participant.

By at 04:40 PM | |