Thread by @RealMastro21

Hello, I’m the Spanish teacher in Spokane who lost his job after reading from *To Kill a Mockingbird*. Here’s what happened: 🧵

I teach Spanish at West Valley High School in Spokane, Washington. During 6th period, while students worked on an assignment, I overheard two discussing their English class novel, TKAM, mentioning they must "skip over the n-word."
I was astonished and expressed disagreement, saying, "That's silly; it undermines the book's historical context and disrespects the author's intent to use accurate language." A girl asked me in front of the class, "Would you read the word?" I replied, "Yes, I would read every word."

A male student immediately handed me the book and said, "Okay, do it." I knew the situation was serious with 30 students watching, wondering if I would read. Nervous but committed, I saw it as a teachable moment about context and literary honesty in reading. I read a passage aloud, including the word "nigger," unaware I was being recorded.

On 28 April, I was given a verbal warning from our Principal Ryan Mulvey.

On May 5, I received an email from Human Resources Director Sabre Dahl requesting a meeting. The next day, I met with Dahl and the principal, who informed me that, due to recent events, I could either voluntarily resign or face the non-renewal of my contract. I submitted a rebuttal and refused to resign.

Two days later, Superintendent Kyle Rydell served me a non-renewal notice. It states that, as a provisional teacher (less than three years with the district), I am being let go for the listed reasons. (But we all know the real reason.) I requested evidence for these claims, but none was provided.

I requested a meeting to urge reconsideration, and we met on May 21. During the meeting, they repeatedly stated the decision wasn't solely due to the TKAM incident. When I asked, "What other reasons contributed to my termination?" they provided no specifics. There are no parent complaints, no documented disciplinary actions, and I've passed every teaching evaluation.

The superintendent admitted relying on "hearsay" for part of his decision. Two union representatives, taking notes, attested to this.

On May 29, the superintendent informed me that, despite our meeting, he would STILL recommend the School Board not renew my contract. As a non-dues-paying union member, I receive representation, but the union has been unhelpful and actively resistant. I requested the meeting minutes, but they refused to provide them. WVEA president Cheri Stockman lectured me, saying she would never have done what I did.

The board meeting is on 25 June. This is my final appeal to save my job. My students are very upset and they started a petition on Change.

change.org/p/reinstate-mr…

Thanks to @choeshow and @FrontlinesTPUSA and @TPUSA for reporting. I’ve been encouraged to create a Give Send Go. If people feel compelled to donate during this uncertain time, please know that I am extremely grateful.

givesendgo.com/Mastronardi

@choeshow @FrontlinesTPUSA @TPUSA Watch the coverage from @choeshow and @TPUSA @FrontlinesTPUSA

https://x.com/frontlinestpusa/status/1932851890204914163