Why would a teacher submit her resignation for her first teaching job out of college in February of that school year? The answer is racism, mistreatment, and oppression. I was the only Black teacher in my building when I was employed by Brownsburg Community School Corporation. It was one of the worst years of my career. This is why I am not surprised that Black students have shared that they, too, have been mistreated. Those students and their parents are demanding change. I am choosing to share my story in hopes that it will also help to bring forth that change.
During my senior year at Purdue University, I was sitting in one of my last education classes working on a group project when the professor asked me to come up front to speak to her. She wanted to confirm I was from Indianapolis and had planned on returning home after graduation. After my confirmation, she told me about a job posting in Brownsburg. In particular, she received information that Brownsburg was becoming more diverse, and the school district was looking for candidates of color. I applied, was asked to interview, completed the lesson plan task, was interviewed, and was offered a job.
I was married on August 5, 2006, and started my first teaching job on August 7, 2006 … little did I know the anguish and pain that school year would bring. The first blow was having my job assignment changed. I was offered my first job by Rick Doss, who was the principal of Brownsburg East Middle School at the time. Now, he is the director of secondary education in Washington Township where my sons attend school. I was informed that I was being switched to Brownsburg West Middle School (BWMS). When I asked why I was told that I was employed by the school district and not the school.
I decided to let it go. I still had a job. Some of my friends who had also graduated from Purdue were still not employed. I decided to count my blessings instead. The principal of BWMS at that time was Julie Pappas. I found out quickly that she was not happy to have me at her school. She wasn’t the only person that mistreated me.
When I came to school before school started to obtain my teaching supplies and my new employee gift bag from the school secretary, she mispronounced my first name. Of course, I corrected her. She mumbled, “You people always have …” and I interjected, “Excuse me?” My guess is that the rest of that sentence was “difficult names.” For the rest of the school year, she seemed genuinely annoyed by my presence anytime I asked her for anything. All I did was tell her how to say my name correctly.
In that new teacher package was a purple Brownsburg t-shirt. I was glad to receive it because there were days you could wear jeans as a teacher as long as you were also wearing school spirit wear. The first time I wore the t-shirt, Mrs. Pappas, the principal, came to my room. I thought nothing of it. I just assumed it was an observation. She left a document on my desk. It was a written reprimand for being out of dress code. She also left a post-it note to refer me to a certain page of the staff handbook so I could see the violation. On spirit day, you were only allowed to wear jeans if your school spirit shirt had a collar; you couldn’t wear a t-shirt. That’s why I was written up. She did not come to my class to observe me at all; it was only to write me up. I had not seen her the entire day, so I still don’t know how she knew what I was wearing … but I have my suspicions. I felt defeated; I’m a rule follower, and it was an honest mistake.
I was isolated. I was seen as only an affirmative action hire who had stolen the job from some deserving white candidate. Even if I was wronged, I was still treated as if I caused the problem. For example, there was a fire drill one day. My class was in a line outside waiting for the call to return inside. A male student walked up to me and asked me a question about my nipples. The students, who were in earshot, faces were shocked. I told the student to go to the end of the line and not to speak to me like that. I wrote a referral and then was interrogated. I was asked if I did anything to make the student say this. I was asked if I heard correctly. I was asked if I was sure the student was speaking to me. After interrogating me and interviewing students, I was finally believed. The student did get suspended but the parents were upset about the punishment. I had ruined their child’s immaculate record. Not only did I have a non-supportive administration or colleagues, but the group of parents who disliked me was also growing.
Those parents were vocal. I was accused of indoctrinating their children with my beliefs. One of my crimes was having students read about why some Indigenous people do not celebrate Thanksgiving, but instead, have a day of mourning. We read the “Suppressed Speech of Wamsutta (Frank B) James, Wampanoag.” Then, we compared that speech to the Thanksgiving history they were most familiar with. Parents complained, and I was in the principal’s office again.
Then, the principal would show up to my class, only to pick apart every lesson I taught. I did another project where we read different versions of Cinderella from around the world. We analyzed the cultural differences and then determined what makes a story a fairy tale. Then, students had to write their own fairytale and incorporate their culture or family values. The principal told me my project was a waste of time and I was not challenging my students enough. She made it clear that she thought I was not a good teacher.
I also had my students read “Tears of a Tiger” by Sharon Draper. I had more complaints. This time I was accused of promoting unsafe behavior and not having the ability to pick good novels for students to read. A character dies after a car crash; the driver had been drinking. I picked this book because it was already purchased by the school. I thought it would be a great opportunity for students to read a novel written by a Black author. Someone before me had already purchased the novel set which is what my mentor teacher had to explain when I got push back. However, my mentor did not support me when I chose not to use “To Kill a Mockingbird” later in the school year. We did not have assigned texts but we did have a list of recommended books. She made it clear that the high ability English class always read that novel. She said I was depriving them of a classic and important text.
My dad, who had been a union representative for some time during my childhood at his job, suggested I reach out to the union representative for help. I agreed with my dad and decided to put my union dues to use. I feared the principal was trying to fire me. The union rep agreed that I was not being treated fairly. She gave me a copy of a chart that showed salary comparisons between Brownsburg and other school districts and recommended that I find a different job. I had only been married for a short time. My husband’s salary was paying for all of our expenses. My salary was a non-issue. She had been vocal about the low pay in the district, so I wasn’t surprised by her telling me that I could find a better-paying teaching job. What disappointed me most was her solution to my mistreatment was for me to leave.
My first semester was hell. I couldn’t take it anymore. Not only did I want to quit BMWS, but I also wanted to leave the teaching profession altogether. In February, I submitted my resignation and informed my principal I would not be returning. After that, she stopped calling me to her office or coming to my classroom, until I started using my PTO. After that, she requested my presence in her office one last time to tell me that it would be in my best interest to not take off any more time.
I stopped using my PTO because I did not want to find out what that meant. I did feel bad about taking time off time because it wasn’t fair to the students, but I was tired of being mistreated. I was tired of being ignored. My team members did not speak to me unless they had to. The special education teacher would not push into my classroom even though she did with my other colleagues. I ate lunch alone in my classroom. The only people I talked to on most days were the students.
All of my students were white except for four. One female student was from the Middle East, and I also had one Black girl, one Black boy, and one Latino boy. All four of those students were mistreated while I was there. They were called names and asked inappropriate questions. Only two incidents happened in my class. I addressed them immediately. Both of the students’ parents thanked me for doing something. One parent told me that other teachers ignored these issues.
I know I was the first Black teacher many of my students had. During the last month of school, I started taking down stuff that was on my classroom walls. I wanted to walk out of that building on the last day and never look back. The students noticed. They asked if I was leaving, and I confirmed their suspicions. Then, they asked why. I told them I had purchased a house and that my drive would be longer to Brownsburg. I told them I wanted to work closer to home. Although my drive time did increase, that was not the reason I left. I couldn’t take it anymore.
I went home almost every day and went straight to bed after cooking my husband’s dinner. I was depressed and was questioning my entire career choice. Was I cut out to be a teacher? I decided I was. I thought I should at least take another job before I threw in the towel. I decided I wouldn’t work in the suburbs again, and I haven’t since. I’m open to working in the suburbs now after completing my 14th year as an educator, but I doubt if I ever would again.
When the school year was almost over, I received the email below. I removed identifying information.
This email reminded me that I had made a difference. I forwarded that email to myself and printed out a copy to have in my next classroom. Each year since I have collected notes I have received from parents, colleagues, and students. Although that year was hard, I know I left a mark and made an impact. My presence alone might have changed the narrative my students had about Black people.
I am sad that there are students of color who are still being mistreated just like the few students of color I had years ago. I know Brownsburg Community Schools have hired more Black educators now, but this district can’t hire its way out of this situation. There needs to be real change. I share my truth today to set it free and let it go. I hope sharing my experience helps Brownsburg Community Schools to realize how I was treated and my students of color were treated was not acceptable and how students are still being treated is not acceptable. This school district must do better. That was 14 years ago, and it doesn’t seem like much has changed.
Please Note: This post has been updated to include Educator Barnes’s response to people who have reached out to her after reading this piece.
Response to Why This Black Teacher Quit Brownsburg Community School Corporation
Mrs. Barnes – As one of many concerned parents in Brownsburg working towards much needed change, I just wanted to THANK YOU for sharing this. I am so sorry you went through this and I wish you were still there to teach my two sons who attend BWMS. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing! I wish you did not need to. I would have loved for you to teach my boys!
Thanks for your sharing this Four of our grands attend Avon Schools and we wonder how the teachers are in that district. So sorry for your experience at Brownsburg. We sure wish you could be teaching our grand children. Bless you.
Thank you for sharing this. I’m twenty years old and pursing a degree in education. Since I live in brownsburg i hoped of pursuing a position in brownsburg. I have encountered racism in our small city as well, as a black single mother.. Not only does your story angry at how you were treated, it also gives me hope. Hope because you did indeed leave a mark, and hope that other people of color can do the same.
After reading your story I was reminded of many emotions that I’ve felt living here. My family and I have resided in Brownsburg since 2015 and I must say I have never felt welcome. After moving from Lawrence Township we decided Brownsburg would be a perfect place to raise our family. We felt that this beautiful city offered great schools, small town living and a great sense of community. My excitement immediately turned to disgust when my husband and I had to sit our children down to have “ those painful discussions “ about race. Although I’m fully aware that there are good people in Brownsburg I am constantly reminded everyday of my color. It’s extremely frustrating that this day and age to still feel this way. I pray the people here in this town really think about how their actions effect others. We can’t change our color but we can change the way we treat people. I’m hoping that this movement will force people to have these difficult conversations. At the end of the day we all want to live a good life, instill good morals in our children and help them to become productive successful adults and leave a mark on the next generation. Thank you so much for sharing your story. We need more teachers like you. Awareness is the first step to change. God bless.
Salute to you for sharing your story…
I encourage you to still continue towards your goals. This is a reflection of a lot if district in our city and a reflection of you.
Mrs. Barnes, thank you so much for sharing your experience… I am sorry it was not a good one. I have lived in Brownsburg for 17 years, my kids attended BWMS. I feel that we are missing diversity in our schools. Thank you so much for being a great teacher.
Karen,
I have lived in Brownsburg for almost 25 years and so sad for you but not at all surprised. I came from California in 96 and was so surprised about 98% of population was white here in brownsburg.
When people started moving in from the inner cities for a good education. No one knew how to handle it! Which surprised me because all in all we are all just people. I seen the racism at first hand and I am so so sorry this happened to you.
I worked in the school district for 10 years and all my children went to school here. Unfortunately the administration and faculty are unfair and play favoritism for teachers and students. I loved my job because all the students were wonderful.
I hope to see a lot of change come to this town!
God truly Blessed you through this mess! I have a grandson & granddaughter coming through there now.
May God continue to Bless Your Endeavor as a Teacher 🙏🏾
I am sorry for your experience. I have lived here and raised 4 children who attended Brownsburg schools over 28 years and have always heard rumors of blatant racism in the community. Other than elementary (all my children went to the same) , I was never impressed with the administration. The one thing I would like to comment on is the most recent graduating class at BHS compared to the ones in the past. Lately, our children seem to be doing better than generations past in fighting racism and prejudice. They are very much aware of the differences in people, yet embrace and accept. Gives one hope for a brighter future.
Hi Katie, Thanks for reading. What action steps are concerned parents taking to work towards the change needed in Brownsburg?
Hi Katina. Thanks for reading. Students always pull at my heartstrings. When I saw that video of the Black students sharing the racism that have faced in Brownsburg, I felt I had to help in some way. I know too many times that students get brushed off. It is only because so much time has passed that I even feel safe sharing some of what I experienced.
Hi Bonnie. I also wonder how current teachers are doing. I can share my story now because it’s 14 years later. If someone is currently experiencing this, he or she may not feel safe to share. I hope district administrators listen and actually do something.
Hi Kiya. I’m glad you are in the education profession. After I left Brownsburg, I have only worked in schools in Indianapolis. Many times I hear that urban schools or schools where the majority of students are of color need teachers of color. I assert that all schools need teachers of color. We talk so much about children being global citizens. How can that happen successfully if they are not exposed to diverse people?
Hi Mrs. La Tasha. Thanks for reading. I’m disappointed to read about your experience, but unfortunately, I’m not surprised. I only told some of my story. I really tried to support the students by attending after school events and even that was difficult. People clearly did not want to sit by me or my husband who typically came with me. Some of the 8th grade girls really wanted to meet Mr. Barnes. After a performance, I think it was a choir performance, I introduced my husband. One young lady asked my husband what his job was and her dad physically yanked her away from my husband mid-sentence. That only made my husband not want to accompany me anymore school events because he didn’t want to be a problem. Some people will read this and say that’s not racism, but it is. I hope those good people you mentioned are taking action. Good people who don’t take any action aren’t helpful. I know all about the silent actionless supposedly “good” people.
Hi A. Clark. Working in Brownsburg was a horrible way to start my career. After enduring that, I truly believe I can press on through anything. The real questions are: Does the district see its reflection, and will it do anything about it?
Hi Carolina. Diversity is needed everywhere. I believe your children would have had an even better education if they had more diverse teachers.
Hi Kelli. I’m not surprised by your statement, “No one knew how to handle it!” That was fear. I was part of desegregation busing in Indianapolis. I lived in IPS but was bused to Lawrence. People in my neighborhood started moving out into Lawrence Township. Some white people couldn’t handle it, so they moved out of Indianapolis into the suburbs. As the suburbs are getting more diverse, fear sets in from some people. They won’t come out and say it, but they want to be in a mostly white place; that’s their American dream.
Yes, I truly believe God helped me keep my sanity. I hope Brownsburg Community Schools improves before your grandchildren graduate.
thenumbertwentyfive, I agree that our children are leading the way, but they shouldn’t have to lead alone. You stated you are not impressed with the administration. What should the administration be doing differently? How have you advocated for change?
Thank you for sharing your story. I don’t live in Brownsburg, but we live in Avon. Sorry you had to experience that. With such a different year hopefully people realize that things need to change. With you sharing your story hopefully more people will come forward and share their story. Wishing you the best of luck!
Mrs. Barnes,
I was a student of yours at BWMS. I never could tell you were frustrated. You were a great English teacher, I enjoyed my time as your student. I’m sorry the administration treated you this way, I’m also sorry they hired you to meet a diversity demand as opposed to Hiring you and recognizing you for your talent as an English teacher. I hope all is well with you and your family.
Kindest Regards,
John Massingale
The shame of racism is that too many Christians are silent. It takes legislation to impact discrimination. There are many qualified Administrative leaders and teachers that need to be hired to change that system. indifference and fear in the heart can only be changed by God’s power. Only these individuals will stand for rightness.
Many of those leaders and teachers are in church and need read to read Robin Diangelo’s book on White Fragility.
Hi Sami, thanks for reading. I hope other people do share their stories. I also know people may not feel safe to do so.
Hi John!!!
Thanks for reading! I hope you are doing well. I appreciate your kind words.
Mrs. Barnes
Hi Don, thanks for reading. A heart change is key in combating racism. I would also suggest that my readers also do the work within their homes and with people they know.
I‘ve worked at West for a number of years. I’m sorry for the experience you had there. But I can say with confidence that most individuals that I knew in the building did not see you as an affirmative action hire that took a job from a deserving white candidate. However the fact that even just one (and likely more than that) did is extremely disappointing.
There are many supportive, caring individuals in Brownsburg. We know we need to do better for our students of color and many of us work intentionally and tirelessly In an attempt to change the culture. Clearly we still have a lot of work to do.
Hi Educator, who chose not to identify yourself, I’m not sure how I am supposed to take in this information. I have no clue who you are, but with your anonymity, I am supposed to be assured about all the good people and how these other people allegedly thought of me. You don’t get to do this. Your response is oppression. You pretty much said, “I know your experience was bad, but what about the good people?” Miss me with that! The caring people in Brownsburg are going to need to mustard up some courage. This work is not for the weak. The fact that you can’t even tell me who you are tells me a lot. It’s just disappointing. Since Black students are still experiencing racism in 2020, that intentional work isn’t effective.
Thank you for sharing your story. So many black educators do not share their story (including myself). Thank you so much for being so brave. Thank you for remaining in the field of education. Thank you so much for being the only black educator in this school. I know what it is like to be the first and the only and understand the courage it takes to do what you did!
Thanks for reading, Educator Powell. It is so important for us to tell our stories. I believe it is the only way we can start the change-making process. If people don’t know it is a problem then they won’t know they need to address it.