Case Study 2.1

The case of the Sullivan County teacher, Matthew Hawn, has been in the news throughout 2021 and early 2022. A tenured teacher of contemporary issues, he was dismissed on grounds of insubordination and unprofessional conduct, including violating the TN Teacher Code of Ethics by failing to "seek out varying and credible sources".  That same year he was reprimanded two other times for assignments and videos played in class that contained vulgar language. 

Teaching competencies include proficiency in planning, teaching an assessing, but there are other duties and responsibilities that transcend a learning segment. Professional competencies include self-presentation, self-representation, professional collegiality and demeanor, and also taking responsibility for those tasks entrusted to you.  As an educator you are responsible for presenting your subject from as many view points a possible. You are also responsible for following the Codes of Conduct set forth by your administration. 

Knox County Board of Education Policy sums this up by stating, "Academic freedom within the confines of state law, board policy and the state approved local curriculum is guaranteed to teachers in order to create an atmosphere of freedom in the classroom. This permits students to raise questions dealing with critical issues of the time and produces an environment conducive to the study, investigation, presentation, and interpretation of facts.  Both teachers and students should respect minority opinions and recognize that reasonable compromise is often an important part of decision-making in our society.  Competent instruction provides an atmosphere free from bias and prejudice while considering controversial issues.  Students are allowed to form and express their own positions opinions and be guided to do so in ways that foster respect, understanding, and the development of responsible citizenship." It is the educators responsibility to exercise good judgement.