top of page
front desk bw.jpg
Brooklyn Lab Logo

NEWS

& EVENTS

  • Brooklyn Lab Charter School Facebook
  • Brooklyn Lab YouTube
  • Brooklyn Lab Twitter
  • Brooklyn Lab Instagram

Ex-DOE teacher Castedra Francis was bitten by pupil, claims officials didn’t care

Aug 14, 2023
2 min read

Written by Georgia Worrell

Original Article Posted on New York Post, February 25, 2023


A former New York City public school teacher fled the Department of Education for a charter school after being bitten by a misbehaving student three times – and getting no help from administrators.



“I saw a very dark future for myself.”


CASTERDRA FRANCIS



She described the two years of shockingly poor working conditions she endured at a Harlem high school for kids with special needs.


Francis, 32, said she became a city public school teacher with the goal of making a difference in the lives of children with disabilities.


“I loved my kids,” the Brooklyn-based educator said.


But at her first job teaching 12th grade at the Department of Education’s P79M Horan School in Harlem, Francis wasn’t given a curriculum to follow or classroom supplies – “so everything was on me,” she said.


She also got no support from school administrators in coping with unruly students – one of whom bit her three times, she said.



“People saw me getting injured and nobody intervened. My principal said they were sorry and that was it. And then it happened again. I didn’t have any support and it was pretty traumatic for me. I saw a trend in the building with teachers getting injured, and a lack of care or remorse for them.”

CASTERDRA FRANCIS



Knowing that she couldn’t last in an environment where teachers weren’t supported, Francis switched last year to teaching 11th grade AP Language and Composition at Brooklyn Laboratory High School, a charter school in DUMBO — a position she described as “a dream.”


“I have a coach now — someone who comes and observes me teach and gives me feedback,” she said. “We have two or three preps a day here, so it gives me enough time to have my lessons prepared for my students. Before, I was kind of drowning. I didn’t have a break.”


“I can see why a lot of educators have left [DOE schools]. It’s because of a [lack of] work/life balance.”

CASTERDRA FRANCIS


 
 
 

Recent Posts

See All

48 Comments


rymupo
7 days ago

The report concerning Castedra Francis and the allegations surrounding an incident at school raises serious questions about workplace safety, student behavior, and how concerns are handled by institutions. The article provides an opportunity to consider the importance of appropriate procedures and support for educators facing difficult situations. I found the subject important because safe learning environments depend engagement rings mississauga on responsible responses when incidents occur. Clear communication and careful processes are valuable in many settings, including ring resizing, where customers also need accurate information and attentive service.

Like

sihu
Sep 28

The article raises an important and troubling situation while presenting the available details in a straightforward way. I found the discussion particularly useful because it highlights how responses from officials can shape the outcome of difficult incidents. I recently encountered a related conversation while browsing kings roofing llc, and it offered another reminder of why careful attention matters in these circumstances.

Like

Drake Good
Drake Good
Sep 24

What I love most about Software Built for How Education I started using the new educational software, and I am genuinely impressed by how intuitive and user-friendly it is. The interface is sleek and engaging, making learning feel like an exciting adventure rather than a chore. I love how it adapts to my learning pace, providing personalized feedback that truly enhances my understanding. This software has transformed my study sessions into productive and enjoyable experiences, and I can't wait to see how it continues to evolve!

Like

rymupo
Sep 17

This story raises serious concerns about teacher safety, workplace support, and the challenges educators can face when dealing with difficult classroom situations. The account also shows how mentorship, preparation time, and administrative support can influence a teacher’s experience. It is useful to hear about the difference supportive structures can make. Clear support matters when people face major life changes too, and homeowners looking into https://www.sellmyhouseinbrevard.com/ may benefit from having straightforward guidance when a property sale needs to happen quickly.

Like

rymupo
Sep 16

The account of Castedra Francis describes serious concerns about working conditions, classroom support, and safety based on her reported experience as a former teacher. What stood out to me was the contrast between her earlier environment and the support she later described receiving at Brooklyn Laboratory. Stories involving educators are valuable when they encourage discussion about resources, preparation time, student safety, and professional support. The importance of documenting circumstances accurately also connects with https://coselite.com/ and its focus on organized information.

Like
bottom of page