AUSTIN, Texas -- A high school art teacher who faced termination over her nude photos on the Internet has resigned in a settlement with the Austin school district.
Tamara Hoover submitted her resignation letter on Wednesday. Pending expected school board approval, she will receive several month's salary totaling $14,850 from the district.
Hoover had been on paid administrative leave since May 22 when the photos came to light as a result of a feud with another art teacher, according to sworn affidavits. Students who had seen the pictures showed the teacher, who then notified school officials. Some students rallied around Hoover, but her plight also drew attention to the risks of posting personal information online.
Hoover said she was saddened by the outcome but will focus on moving forward.
"I wasn't prepared to stop teaching," she said. "I never wanted to resign from teaching. I don't think this is the most ideal outcome."
The photos, which were posted on Flickr.com by her partner, depict Hoover in the shower, lifting weights, getting dressed, in bed and doing other routine activities. Hoover said the district was focusing on eight pictures among hundreds that were posted on the Web site.
In a statement released Thursday, the district said it "believes strongly in an individual's right of free expression, but as we all know, such rights are not absolute.”
"The district and Ms. Hoover disagreed as to the propriety of explicit nude photographs of her and others in sexually suggestive poses being placed on the Internet, and its impact on students and families, and thus, on Ms. Hoover's ability to be an appropriate role model and effective classroom teacher in AISD."
The school board voted in June to begin termination proceedings against Hoover. She was scheduled to argue her case in a mediated termination hearing next week.
Hoover's lawyer, Jay Brim, said it could have been a lengthy fight.
"When the district signaled it was willing to pay her some money to walk away, I told Tamara that was the right thing to do," he said. "This was a logical place for her to go on with her life."
Hoover said she plans to pursue a master's degree and teach at the university level.
… the district said it "believes strongly in an individual's right of free expression, but as we all know, such rights are not absolute”. Those are sobering words. I wonder - at what point are the rights of free expression not absolute? - DN
1 comment:
This is what I think: Tamara Hoover. There are some photos here: Tamara Hover's Photos.
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