Community Voice Exchange: 'Teachers Experience Dangerous Work Environments and Student-Related Injuries'

[Editors Note: Community Voice Connection differs from Letters to the Editors, because they are stories told by readers themselves, empowering them to share the good, the bad and sometimes the ugly things that are hard to talk about, but are important for us to hear and consider. These sometimes are published anonymously for those who fear retaliation or rejection. This is one of their stories.]

As a certificated teacher since 1989, I came back to Highline because I love this community and wanted to be closer to my family. I have deep roots here and believed in the promise of our schools. Unfortunately, what I found was heartbreaking.

At Highline, I found a culture of fear and retaliation— teachers feeling silenced, bullied, and left without real support. I heard too often the phrase “survive till 55,” from good teachers just trying to make it to retirement, who felt powerless to change anything. All we want is to teach in a safe, respectful environment where our voices are heard.

Instead, I experienced physical and emotional harm by students I was assigned to help, and was left without meaningful recourse or restorative justice. I was severely injured by a student, who also later threatened to kill me, and I did not get the care or support from my school or Union. My career was ended due to my serious injury, and has caused tremendous emotional distress as well, but my desire to advocate for those still inside the system has not.

Highline’s teachers and students deserve better support and leadership. I felt heard by Director Petrini, who sat with me and listened to my story and concerns. I feel there are candidates in this race who will equally care and listen to teachers and parents. I encourage you to research and reach out to candidates who will be willing to listen and act upon that information to make our schools safer for both students AND teachers.

I also worry about how our students are doing in school. Graduation should mean something again. Too many students are being handed a certificate that does not reflect true learning or readiness for life. Our district needs new leadership, willing to face hard truths and rebuild trust and accountability.

Let’s make Highline a place where teachers love to teach again, and students truly thrive.

— Heidi Melcher, Des Moines resident and former Highline Teacher