The Multnomah Education Service District announced Friday that it has terminated Brett Bigham, a special education teacher with the district and Oregon's 2014 Teacher of the Year.
Bigham teaches in Multnomah Education Service District's transition program, which helps special education students from ages 18 to 21 with work and life skills. Bigham was placed on paid administrative leave March 20.
A press release from the district states concerns with Bigham's absences from the classroom. The issue of absences came to light in February when officials initially threatened Bigham with termination if he attended a gala in Washington D.C., where he was to receive a national education award. The Oregon Education Association union stepped in to negotiate an agreement.
MESD announced today, that it has terminated former Teacher of the Year Brett Bigham. "It was a difficult decision and not what we hoped for" said Interim Superintendent Jim Rose. "Brett is a great teacher. Unfortunately, it became clear over time that Brett's focus was no longer his classroom and students, as evidenced by excessive time away and distraction during class time," explained Rose, "Brett was no longer giving his students his best efforts."
MESD saw great potential in Mr. Bigham and nominated him for the 2014 National Teacher of the Year award in recognition of his skills and passion for empowering special needs children through the functional living skills classroom. During 2014, MESD was proud to support the Teacher of the Year honor by granting Mr. Bigham over two months of paid leave to speak at and attend Teacher of the Year events. MESD also covered costs related to travel, meals and substitute teachers, arising from these activities.
MESD supported Mr. Bigham as Teacher of the Year after receiving the award, and looked forward to his re-engagement and full focus in the classroom when he returned in the fall to start the 2014-15 school year. We were disappointed when Mr. Bigham continued to miss class time and prioritize outside activities. Concerns about the impact of these issues were expressed in meetings and via formal communications. In March, the district placed Mr. Bigham on paid administrative leave and requested mediation to resolve concerns and find a way forward together. Mr. Bigham declined mediation.
MESD has determined that it is in the best interests of its students, staff and mission to part ways with Mr. Bigham. We applaud Mr. Bigham's skills and talents in serving special education students in the classroom. We acknowledge and continue to stand by our decision to nominate and support him as the Teacher of the Year. We wish him the very best in his future endeavors.
Bigham said he feels his termination is retaliation for filing complaints. He has said that he attended many Teacher of the Year events on his own time, and disputes the district's calculation of his absences.
Bigham said his first thought after being told he was fired was of the students in his class and the progress they've made. He said his lawyer and union representative will meet to discuss future steps.
"I'm totally surprised," he said. "I've been doing my job this whole time. I do not intend to go down without a fight."
Hanna Vaandering, OEA president, said she was "astonished" to hear of Bigham's firing, according to a statement released Friday.
I was astonished to learn that MESD--the very district that nominated Brett Bigham just last year for teacher of the year--has now terminated his contract for 'inadequate performance.' It's honestly mind-boggling.
Anyone who knows Brett--his students, their parents, his colleagues--knows that he is a wonderful educator. He was recognized as Oregon's 2014 Teacher of the Year because he not only loves his students, but is also an incredible advocate for public education and the children with whom he works.
OEA wants the best and brightest educators in our classrooms--it's a goal I would assume all education stakeholders would share. Quite frankly this sends an awful message to his colleagues. We are incredibly disappointed with this action. Brett will be supported and represented by OEA in the coming weeks, with hopes that he can return to the classroom as quickly as possible so he can continue to make a difference in the lives of his students.
BOLI spokesman Charlie Burr said the agency is closely monitoring Bigham's case and plans to soon complete its investigation.
District spokeswoman Laura Conroy said experienced substitute teachers will take over Bigham's class for the remainder of the school year and MESD will continue to offer the functional living skills program. She said the district is not anticipating any additional staffing changes related to the program, and that prom, which Bigham helped start, will be held as scheduled May 15.
This post was updated with comment from Brett Bigham and the Oregon Education Association.