APS educators seek legal advice from teachers groups

By Jaime Sarrio

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Educators implicated in the Atlanta Public Schools scandal are leaning on professional groups for legal advice during what could be a career-ending episode for some.

The Professional Association of Georgia Educators is providing legal counsel to about 10 members involved in the investigation. The Georgia Association of Educators also is providing legal assistance, but would not say for how many.

Professional liability insurance is a major reason Georgia educators join teachers groups. Since the state prohibits collective bargaining on contracts, the insurance coverage -- which can cover up to $1 million a claim -- is a big draw.

Michael McGonigle, legal services director for GAE, said the group assisted members during the state's initial cheating investigation.

"Now what I am seeing is folks who didn't have a lawyer, thought everything went fine, but who are now seeing their names in the report," he said.

McGonigle said he has concerns the report doesn't tell the whole story. He's hearing complaints of inaccuracies and that crucial details are missing. For example, one teacher was named in the report as a "testing coordinator" but said she never held that title.

McGonigle said he hopes the school district will investigate each case fairly and make individual determinations. Educators with tenure are entitled to due process, meaning officials must issue a "charge," with details about the cause for termination, and submit the recommendation to the school board. The losing party has the right to appeal.

"Let's slow it down and apply reason and due process," McGonigle said. "Let the system work. That is what it is there for."