Multnomah Education Service District parting ways with 2014 Teacher of the Year

For Immediate Release

April 3, 2015

Contact: Laura Conroy
503-257-1516
lconroy@mesd.k12.or.us
www.mesd.k12.or.us

Multnomah Education Service District parting ways with 2014 Teacher of the Year

(PORTLAND, OR) MESD announced today, that it has terminated former Teacher of the Year Brett Bigham. “It was a difficult decision and not what we hoped for” said Interim Superintendent Jim Rose. “Brett is a great teacher. Unfortunately, it became clear over time that Brett’s focus was no longer his classroom and students, as evidenced by excessive time away and distraction during class time,” explained Rose, “Brett was no longer giving his students his best efforts.”

MESD saw great potential in Mr. Bigham and nominated him for the 2014 National Teacher of the Year award in recognition of his skills and passion for empowering special needs children through the functional living skills classroom. During 2014, MESD was proud to support the Teacher of the Year honor by granting Mr. Bigham over two months of paid leave to speak at and attend Teacher of the Year events. MESD also covered costs related to travel, meals and substitute teachers, arising from these activities.

MESD supported Mr. Bigham as Teacher of the Year after receiving the award, and looked forward to his re-engagement and full focus in the classroom when he returned in the fall to start the 2014-15 school year. We were disappointed when Mr. Bigham continued to miss class time and prioritize outside activities. Concerns about the impact of these issues were expressed in meetings and via formal communications. In March, the district placed Mr. Bigham on paid administrative leave and requested mediation to resolve concerns and find a way forward together. Mr. Bigham declined mediation.

MESD has determined that it is in the best interests of its students, staff and mission to part ways with Mr. Bigham. We applaud Mr. Bigham’s skills and talents in serving special education students in the classroom. We acknowledge and continue to stand by our decision to nominate and support him as the Teacher of the Year. We wish him the very best in his future endeavors.