Possible Termination Looms for Teacher’s Union Leader and HISD Critic

Possible Termination Looms for Teacher’s Union Leader and HISD Critic

In a surprising turn of events, Michelle Williams, the president of the Houston Education Association and a vocal critic of the Houston Independent School District (HISD), is facing possible termination from her teaching post. Williams, who has been critical of HISD superintendent Mike Miles and his policies, particularly on social media, has found herself in hot water due to a live-streamed post that violated the district’s policy.

The incident that led to Williams’ potential job loss occurred when she went live on social media from her home, in front of a set decorated like her classroom at Shadowbriar Elementary School. In the live stream, she expressed her strong disapproval of the district’s recently released compensation manual for teachers next year. “I want to tell you all that the compensation manual is a slap in the face to all teachers in HISD,” Williams passionately stated in the post.

HISD’s West Division Superintendent, Laura Stout, wasted no time in responding to Williams’ actions. In a letter of concern sent to Williams, Stout accused her of violating the district’s policy by posting on social media during work hours. The letter further stated, “As a consequence of your continued failure to meet the district’s expectations and focus on high-quality instruction, the district is moving forward with the proposed termination of your contract.”

While HISD has not confirmed Williams’ employment status, it is evident that her removal from her teaching position at Shadowbriar Elementary School has already taken place, as she was reassigned to a bus depot as of March 7. This reassignment appears to be a precursor to the district’s proposed termination.

Williams’ criticism of Superintendent Mike Miles and his policies has been a point of contention between her and the district. Her strong advocacy for teachers’ rights and her belief that the compensation manual undermines their value has made her a prominent voice in the local teacher unions. However, it seems that her outspoken nature has now come back to haunt her.

The Houston Education Association, of which Williams is the president, has been a vocal opponent of Superintendent Miles and his policies. The association has been fighting for fair compensation for teachers and has taken issue with the district’s handling of important matters related to education. Williams’ removal from her teaching post is seen by many as a direct attack on the teacher’s union and an attempt to silence dissenting voices within the district.

Williams has since retained an attorney and has chosen not to comment on the situation beyond that. It remains to be seen whether she will protest the termination if the HISD board votes in favor of it. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have implications for teachers’ unions and the freedom of expression within the education system.

As this story unfolds, it is crucial to stay updated on the latest developments. For updates on Michelle Williams’ situation and other related news, follow Briana Conner on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The decision made by the HISD board regarding Williams’ proposed termination will undoubtedly shape the future of education in Houston and beyond.

In a district already facing scrutiny for its policies, this incident raises questions about the freedom of expression for teachers and the role of teachers’ unions in advocating for their rights. It serves as a reminder that even those in positions of leadership are not immune to potential consequences when their actions clash with established policies. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for both teachers and administrators in the Houston Independent School District.