Thursday, June 20, 2013

The death of teacher Teri Coffey: do CVESD and Chula Vista Educators contribute to stress of teachers?


Teri (Teresa) Coffey

Schools don't do much for the mental health of kids, but they do even less for the mental health of teachers. A few years ago, I was shocked at how officials at CVESD and Chula Vista Educators manipulated teachers at Castle Park Elementary to advance their own careers and protect their friends. Some fragile teachers were put under so much stress by powerful teachers and administrators that they lost touch with reality (or else they lost touch with their moral compass, which is also very psychologically damaging). Teachers were pulled aside at school and pressured to follow instructions by other teachers and by administrators. I remember one teacher whose voice got higher and higher over a period of a few months, as if she were reverting to childhood. She was selected to begin the drama at Castle Park Elementary, but many others were called upon before the crisis calmed down. In a better world, these frenzied teachers would have been given mental health care. They and their students deserve it.

The following is from the Allen Elementary School website:

It is with great sadness that we announce that one of our staff members passed away suddenly last weekend. Because school is out of session, there is not a personal way to inform our school community of this tragedy. We are mourning the loss of our beloved Miss Teri Coffey, 1st grade teacher and Safety Patrol Advisor.

Miss Coffey has been an integral part of our school community the past six years and before coming to Allen she taught at Castle Park Elementary for many years. Her wit, humor, and dedication to students are just a few of the qualities that touched our lives. As the author of the school's Allen Eagle Buddy Pledge, her legacy will be remembered each and every day. The service for Miss Coffey is planned for Friday, June 21 at 10:00am at the Glen Abbey Chapel of the Roses. Families that would like to pay their respects are welcome to attend. Miss Coffey's family requests that people wear bright colors or purple, her favorite color.

We will collect letters and condolence cards at the school and ensure they are given to her family. Condolence cards can be sent to the school. We will ensure they are given to her family.

Allen Elementary School
In Loving Memory of Teri Coffey
4300 Allen School Road
Bonita, CA 91902

Before the new school year begins in July, grief counselors will be available for students, parents, and staff. Those counselors will be at Allen on July 22 from 1:00-4:00 in the school library and private offices near the library. Miss Coffey will be greatly missed.



Teresa Lynn Coffey

Obituary
[Teresa Lynn Coffey Obituary]
Coffey, Teresa Lynn CHULA VISTA -- "TLC" was a beloved elementary school teacher, mother, daughter, sister, and grandma. Her motto was 'life's good' and she truly was the "Queen of Everything." A celebration of life will be this Friday, June 21, at 10:00 a.m. at Glen Abbey's Chapel of the Roses, Bonita. All who knew her are welcome. Please wear bright colors.

Published in U-T San Diego on June 19, 2013

Tuesday, June 04, 2013

Dennis M. Doyle turns up as CEO of the secretive charity CoTA (Collaboration of Teachers and Artists) in San Diego

UPDATE: CoTA finally responded to me after I contacted the San Diego Foundation and a reporter. The 2011-2012 Form 990 is now on the Internet.

ORIGINAL POST: School watchers may be wondering what happened to Dennis Michael Doyle after he suddenly resigned as Superintendent of the National School District in the middle of the school year in 2009. Mr. Doyle spent most of his career at CVESD (Chula Vista Elementary School District), then went to National School District for a very short time.

We don't know why he resigned, and his new job is no less secretive.

I have sent two emails and left one phone message asking why the organization's Form 990s for the years 2011 and 2012 are not on the agency's website, but Julie Kendrig, Doyle's assistant, is ignoring me.

Here's the email I sent:

May 25, 2013
to: jkendig@cotaprogram.org
subject: When will CoTA be putting its Form 990s for 2011 and 2012 on its website?

Hi Julie,
I could only find 2010 and earlier on your website. Is CoTA planning to put the more recent 990s on the site?
Thanks,
Maura Larkins

Julie Kendig

Here's more about CoTA and its board president Lucille Neeley's interesting relationship with San Diego Unified School District and real estate developer RNLN.

Photo: Dennis Doyle with former Assembly insurance committee member Paul Vargas*

*Paul Vargas left his insurance oversight post in 2006 to become an insurance company executive. Then he stepped up to the US House of Representatives. As my father used to say, California has the best government money can buy.