Massachusetts State Teacher of the Year finalist laid off as part of excessing process

BOSTON — A finalist for State Teacher of the Year lost her job and had to reapply to get it back as part of the excessing process.

Martha Boisselle is an ESL teacher at Brighton High and is one of hundreds of Boston teachers going through "excessing" process now. Boston Public Schools said the move should make failing schools better.

"Yeah, this has been a good and a hard year for me as a teacher," Boiselle said.

Brighton High is one of two Boston schools now classified as a “turnaround school,” which gives the school district the power to let go of all its teachers.

"You feel really disrespected as a professional,” said Boisselle.

Boisselle is among nearly 400 teachers put on the 'excess' list in Boston Public Schools. That means her school, Brighton High, was classified as a failing school, giving the district the power to let go of all its teachers.

"By excessing every teacher, it's just continuing that stigma that the number one issue at these schools are the teachers," Boiselle said.

A spokesperson with Boston Public Schools said the excessing process allows the district to identify the school's highest needs so it can improve the schools and help students. The spokesperson added that most of those teachers can reapply for their jobs and remain employed either at their school or at another position within the district.

Boston Teachers Union President Richard Stutman is working to help all teachers find stable jobs and hopes the district finds another way to improve failing schools.

"But, there will be a core of about 50 to 100 people who are not placed," Stutman said. "These people aren't awaiting discipline at all. They're full-fledged members of the BPS teaching force, they're professional, they're experienced and they're well-trained."

Boiselle said she was asked back to Brighton High School for next year, but some of her colleagues won't be joining her.

Boston Public Schools said according to state law, all teachers who have tenure are guaranteed another job within the district.

Full Statement from Boston Public Schools:

"Boston Public Schools (BPS) is committed to placing great teachers in every single classroom. All of the district's Level 4 schools to date have gone through an excess process as part of each school's agreed upon Turnaround Plan with the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). BPS teachers who are excessed from their current positions are strongly encouraged to apply for other teaching jobs within the district. At Brighton High School, BPS has provided teachers lesson demonstration days, interview support, licensure support, and group resume support in conjunction with the Boston Teachers Union, and makes sure they're notified about vacancies in their program areas, in order to support them through the hiring process."

Cox Media Group