It is the first week of December and Christmas break is right around the corner when a close colleague of yours approaches you in confidence. Kelley Garcia is also a second year teacher and you were hired together to fill two of the vacant 3rd grade teacher openings. You both collaborate well; sharing ideas, materials, and lesson plans. In confidence, Kelley informs you that she is pregnant (she is also unwed). She tells you that she has done some soul searching and she has made the decision to have and keep the baby. You ask about the father and she becomes quiet and changes the subject and talks about how her parents support her decision. Your immediate thoughts are that the community your school system is in is close-knit and fairly religious. You wonder what their reaction is going to be - then you worry about Kelley's job being she is an untenured teacher.

1. What are the legal and/or policy issues that you need to be aware of in terms of this situation?

2. What are the ethical and moral issues that arise in this situation?

3. What should be the focus of your immediate attention, and why?

4. What long-term solution/policy should be implemented, and what should your role in making this happen? (What do you need to advocate for?)

5. What is the greatest professional challenge for you in this situation as presented, and how would you plan to address this challenge?

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

1 Legal and Policy Issues Pregnancy discrimination laws Kelley has a right to be free from discrimination in employment due to her pregnancy School di... View the full answer