Dismissed, But Not Defeated

There were moments I should’ve known.

Just weeks before my constructive discharge on May 22, my direct supervisor, Elizabeth Schmidt and I were discussing the issue regarding the students they were allowing back into my classroom after I'd already dismissed them, and I said, “This may be a dealbreaker for me,” Elizabeth brushed it off with a casual, “Talk to Debbie (administrator).” No acknowledgment. No concern. No dialogue. Just deflection. 

I had never mentioned leaving the company before, and was taken aback by her comment. I truly loved my job, and made it known that I had planned to retire from Venture Forthe Inc.

My concerns were not taken seriously — they were rerouted and ignored. I did not "talk to Debbie" due to her history of brushing off my concerns.

Then came the recruiter chaos when she mentioned that I was receiving a write up. I asked her directly if I was being fired. Her response?

“I sure as fuck hope not, because I don’t have coverage for you."

Not reassurance. Not clarity. Just a reminder that I was only as valuable as the gap I filled on the schedule.

In another instance, we had spent nearly a year working on a new program — one that was meant to finally replace the outdated, broken one I had been forced to use. For almost two years, I taught using embarrassing PowerPoints riddled with misspellings, bad grammar, and images that literally covered the words. It was humiliating. I gave my best to make it work despite how unprofessional it looked.

Then, after a year-long effort had been poured into improving it, we were told the company wouldn’t be running the new program. When I expressed frustration, Elizabeth said:

“Our feelings don’t matter. It’s whatever's best for the company.”

Except they changed their minds. Then changed them again. 

We were left in limbo, and the work was dismissed like it never mattered. This wasn’t just poor leadership. It was a pattern: dismiss concerns, deflect blame, devalue effort. 

And that’s how I knew Elizabeth wanted me gone. I believe she thought sending that dildo into my classroom would rattle me enough to walk away. That I’d be so humiliated or emotional, I’d just quit.

Well, she technically got her wish. But being forced out isn’t the same as quitting. She thought she’d force me out with no consequences. She didn’t think I’d bite back.

Here's something to know about me:

I never quit. 

And I never back down when defending something I believe in.

And I am fully prepared to drag this out for as long as necessary. I will not stop until they do right by me.

This post reflects my personal experiences and opinions based on documented events. All statements are truthful to the best of my knowledge.

-- K