As an educator and involved in education for over 50 years, I have poured my heart, soul,

and energy into the education and care of thousands of students and their families. I have

been invited into their lives and for all intents and purposes became a part of their families. I

celebrated when they succeeded and achieved and I hurt when students suffered failures and

didn’t reach their full potential. There have been some amazing stories of struggles and

challenges that families have overcome. I have been given a place of honor and trust by

these families so when I read of an educator who violates that trust by abusing a child, I am

outraged. Educators are routinely placed on a pedestal that requires a level of trust that few

in society are given so freely. That trust is a sacred trust and carries an obligation to conduct

ourselves with the highest level of integrity and an unwavering duty to do only good and

never harm. I also know how hard it is to express a concern when an employee suspects an

administrator at a school has violated that trust. So I was thrilled recently when a staff

member contacted the Sheriff’s office with their suspicions and they turned out to be right. It

is so much better to report a suspicion and be wrong then to have done nothing. This

employee is a hero who faced fear and chose protecting kids rather than worrying about

losing a job. That’s dedication to kids! Now that’s Good News.