As mental health professionals we are concerned about the following events which took place at BHS:
MCPS has been sponsoring a mental health awareness month. As part of this, BHS hosted a "Resilience Assembly," which featured a speaker who was a former heroine addict. She shared her story of hitting rock bottom, becoming suicidal, because of untreated mental health issues. Our understanding is that teachers were directed to share personal experiences with their students about reaching out for help with mental health issues. Wynne Parker shared a story of her days on rescue squad, and a particularly difficult call, which led her to get some support.
Mr. Kraft shared that he struggles with depression, and has experienced thoughts of self-harm. This disclosure was made for the benefit of the students - a story of resilience, and successful treatment, made as part of the district's initiative. Subsequently, a group of parents expressed concern to the administration about their children being taught by a mentally ill teacher. Subsequently, the administration put Mr. Kraft on immediate leave for "unprofessional conduct," until the end of the year.
We are very concerned about the message this sends to students. The goal of the whole month (supposedly) was to de-stigmatize mental health concerns, and encourage students to reach out and seek help.
However, the decision to put Mr. Kraft on immediate leave for "unprofessional conduct" gives the wrong impression about how to handle discussion about mental health issues.
His shared a success story, encouraging others to seek help he found to be life-saving. However, his sharing appears to have brought on a punishment by the school administration (prompted by certain parents) by putting him on leave.
We are concerned about the larger message it sends to our students. Mental health should not be stigmatized, especially during a period when you are working to avoid stigmatizing it through discussion and openness.
As mental health professionals, we are asking the school board to properly address the perception that you have given to our students and to our community that opening up about mental health issues is wrong.
We put many people at-risk for allowing this stigma about mental health to continue. We ask you to consider your actions and the message you are giving to our students and our community.
We ask that you fully explain your decision and address the problems associated with reinforcing the stigma of mental illness.
We ask that you End the Stigma of mental illness, not reinforce it by your actions.
Updates
April 2, 2019
I have finalized the formal grievance letter directed at the district administration regarding the placement of Mr. Kraft on leave. Legal counsel is currently reviewing this document to ensure our arguments align with existing employment protocols. I expect to submit this to the school board office by the end of the week.
17 Comments
As a former school board member, I understand that personnel matters are confidential. If the conditions of Mr Kraft’s suspension (effectively) are as reported thru various sources are correct, this action reinforces the stigma of mental health which the administration *said* they sought to open to instances of self-revelation thru classroom discussion. The administration’s actions trumpet, while their words are muted
A great teacher - especially in this instance. Standing up and speaking honestly about dealing with real life issues is something we should praise. Life isn't always easy, for adults and for students. To pretend otherwise does not teach anyone anything.
Stop being hypocrites! You can’t ask someone to speak up about mental illness and then punish them for it. This sends a message to all kids in the school system to not trust anyone associated with school with anything that could be considered mental illness. Use this as a lesson to the children that he addressed his issues properly and had been open about them.
Based on all of the previous events that have occurred locally, regionally and national - the issues of mental health cannot ignored. Mental health issues are as equally important as discussions on poverty and race. All three must be discussed, examined and education brought forth to parents and students. The unfortunate actions by administration should be used to further examine appropriate planning and guided discussions on mental health issues. The intent was to educate - not harm. But part of education on mental health is understanding the conversations are difficult, challenging and pulls from our comfort zones. Hopefully all those impacted will reach a positive compromise that will offer education and understanding in a positive manner.
As a graduate of BHS, and a mental health professional, it’s disappointing to read this. Do better BHS. Do better.
Brad Kraft is an excellent teacher, amazing father and fine man. He needs to be supported by everyone, especially the Montgomery County School System.
Engage, Encourage, Empower? Should be: Stifle, Silence, Stepford
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As mental health professionals we are concerned about the following events which took place at BHS:
MCPS has been sponsoring a mental health awareness month. As part of this, BHS hosted a "Resilience Assembly," which featured a speaker who was a former heroine addict. She shared her story of hitting rock bottom, becoming suicidal, because of untreated mental health issues. Our understanding is that teachers were directed to share personal experiences with their students about reaching out for help with mental health issues. Wynne Parker shared a story of her days on rescue squad, and a particularly difficult call, which led her to get some support.
Mr. Kraft shared that he struggles with depression, and has experienced thoughts of self-harm. This disclosure was made for the benefit of the students - a story of resilience, and successful treatment, made as part of the district's initiative. Subsequently, a group of parents expressed concern to the administration about their children being taught by a mentally ill teacher. Subsequently, the administration put Mr. Kraft on immediate leave for "unprofessional conduct," until the end of the year.
We are very concerned about the message this sends to students. The goal of the whole month (supposedly) was to de-stigmatize mental health concerns, and encourage students to reach out and seek help.
However, the decision to put Mr. Kraft on immediate leave for "unprofessional conduct" gives the wrong impression about how to handle discussion about mental health issues.
His shared a success story, encouraging others to seek help he found to be life-saving. However, his sharing appears to have brought on a punishment by the school administration (prompted by certain parents) by putting him on leave.
We are concerned about the larger message it sends to our students. Mental health should not be stigmatized, especially during a period when you are working to avoid stigmatizing it through discussion and openness.
As mental health professionals, we are asking the school board to properly address the perception that you have given to our students and to our community that opening up about mental health issues is wrong.
We put many people at-risk for allowing this stigma about mental health to continue. We ask you to consider your actions and the message you are giving to our students and our community.
We ask that you fully explain your decision and address the problems associated with reinforcing the stigma of mental illness.
We ask that you End the Stigma of mental illness, not reinforce it by your actions.
Updates
April 2, 2019
I have finalized the formal grievance letter directed at the district administration regarding the placement of Mr. Kraft on leave. Legal counsel is currently reviewing this document to ensure our arguments align with existing employment protocols. I expect to submit this to the school board office by the end of the week.
17 Comments
As a health care professional that works in the mental health field this is completely unacceptable and I can’t believe someone can’t share their story to help others. This injustice shows students there is a mental health stigma and that it is very hard to seek help or talk to someone without being judged!!!!
As a former school board member, I understand that personnel matters are confidential. If the conditions of Mr Kraft’s suspension (effectively) are as reported thru various sources are correct, this action reinforces the stigma of mental health which the administration *said* they sought to open to instances of self-revelation thru classroom discussion. The administration’s actions trumpet, while their words are muted
A great teacher - especially in this instance. Standing up and speaking honestly about dealing with real life issues is something we should praise. Life isn't always easy, for adults and for students. To pretend otherwise does not teach anyone anything.
Stop being hypocrites! You can’t ask someone to speak up about mental illness and then punish them for it. This sends a message to all kids in the school system to not trust anyone associated with school with anything that could be considered mental illness. Use this as a lesson to the children that he addressed his issues properly and had been open about them.
Based on all of the previous events that have occurred locally, regionally and national - the issues of mental health cannot ignored. Mental health issues are as equally important as discussions on poverty and race. All three must be discussed, examined and education brought forth to parents and students. The unfortunate actions by administration should be used to further examine appropriate planning and guided discussions on mental health issues. The intent was to educate - not harm. But part of education on mental health is understanding the conversations are difficult, challenging and pulls from our comfort zones. Hopefully all those impacted will reach a positive compromise that will offer education and understanding in a positive manner.
As a graduate of BHS, and a mental health professional, it’s disappointing to read this. Do better BHS. Do better.
Brad Kraft is an excellent teacher, amazing father and fine man. He needs to be supported by everyone, especially the Montgomery County School System.
Engage, Encourage, Empower? Should be: Stifle, Silence, Stepford
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As a health care professional that works in the mental health field this is completely unacceptable and I can’t believe someone can’t share their story to help others. This injustice shows students there is a mental health stigma and that it is very hard to seek help or talk to someone without being judged!!!!