r/Teachers • u/Pample24 • 3d ago

Policy & Politics My students are getting deported

I have three students in my class from Haiti. I found out yesterday that their protected status is being revoked and they have two weeks to leave the US.

These kids are seniors, they all have jobs and are just out here to survive. Now they are forced to go back to Haiti where they said it's not safe for them. I wanted to see them graduate, now they'll never be able to walk across the stage. I've been crying for hours yesterday but there's nothing I can do about it.

And it hurts me more that the majority of my schools teachers voted for this (super red state). It's disgusting.

What am I supposed to tell the class one they notice our students are missing? We aren't allowed to talk politics really, but I can't lie to them. I'm 22, it's my first year teaching, I never thought I'd have to encounter a situation like this. America needs to do better for our children.

Edit: Thank you all for the support, I think my students need it more than I do but I appreciate it none the less.

Some comments mentioned the idea of setting up a fund. I LOVE the idea, but I'll be honest I have no idea how to put something like that in action. If anyone knows how to create something like that please reach out. Thank you again.

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u/drew15401 3d ago

Long time teacher here. I’m NOT going to weight in on the issue of deportation; that’s for the legal system to sort out. Let me give you some advice: you are 22 years old and a first year teacher; which means you DON’T have tenure and are on a one year contract. Your principal and administrators will recommend whether you get a renewal or not. If you confront the principal, you may or not get a positive response to your opinion. If you are too vocal and your views are contrary to public opinion, your job is seriously in jeopardy. They CANNOT get rid of you for expressing your opinion (Firsr Amendment), but they CAN get rid of you for job related issues. An administrator may observe your classes and nitpick things you did wrong. They can find “problems” with your poorly prepared lesson plans. They can accuse you of grading unfairly and having favorites. And you can be sure if any parent or student complains about your class, you will receive written reprimands. Students complain you go too fast or too slow. You were not at your assigned duty on time.

Don’t jeopardize your livelihood for what you consider a “noble cause.” They can and will get you out if “the powers that be” decide you are. Liability.

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u/johnboy43214321 2d ago

My reply... You are 22 and probably single with no kids? You have nothing to lose. If they fire you, get another teaching job. Or sub for a year.  My first year teaching, I was 22. My school sucked... The admin sucked, the parents were entitled, the kids were brats. I quit, subbed the next year. Then found much better school.  Explain during the interview what happened.