SOUTH JORDAN, Utah — A teacher at a South Jordan charter school could be in trouble for comments she made about her students outside of the classroom.
Diane Orme, a Language Arts teacher at the Early Light Academy, started a blog, where she would joke about some of her interactions with students.
Using the web address, thefutureisdoomed.com, Orme began blogging about the school year in July.
“My mission with this blog is to give all my silly, offensive, naïve, hilarious, and stupidteaching experiences a platform,” said Orme, in her welcoming message. “It’s experiences like the many I plan to share with you that make me question, nay, fear for the future of America. I will attempt to guide you on a tour through the walls of an average public education facility.”
In one post, entitled “A bleak look at Utah names,” Orme pokes fun at the names of students on her class roster.
Another post notes the undeveloped filter of “ tweens,” as Orme recalls when a student walked into class and said, “Oh my gosh, you look awful!”
The content also includes Orme’s disappointment with her students, at times. In one example, she described a student who could not tell time without a cell phone, even though there were clocks around the room.
“He’s 13, people. I don’t think I’m asking for the moon here,” she said.
The blog was removed on Thursday morning.
In a statement to FOX 13 News, Orme said, “The website was not meant to be malicious, but rather a humorous venue to tell my friends about the silly day-to-day grind of work. I have spoken to my principal today about professionalism and hence action will be taken. The website had a disclaimer that the student names had been changed to protect the innocent. I also omitted the name of my place of work. However, it was inappropriate and has since been taken off line. I am not available for further comment.”
According to the director of the school, Sydney Young, the administration is investigating the issue and will take appropriate action.
“It was brought to our attention that a personal blog has been linked to a teacher at our school and that the blog contains statements with unfavorable connotations regarding students. The blog does not name the school, nor does it identify specific students,” Young said. “Although the school has limited control over the conduct of our staff on their personal time, Early Light Academy encourages and expects professional behavior from its faculty. Specifically, we hope that our faculty conducts themselves in a professional and respectful manner in their personal endeavors and expressions.”
