Supporters plan rally for suspended Eagle teacher

An Eagle High School teacher is on paid administrative leave, and no one is saying much about the details.

Meanwhile, community members are planning a rally Sunday to show their support for teacher Clay Hatfield.

Hatfield teaches English, Native American history and a freshman orientation class, but was placed on leave Oct. 20, Bill Roberts of the Idaho Statesman reported Friday. West Ada School District trustees have scheduled a termination hearing for Wednesday.

District officials, the Idaho Education Association and Hatfield aren’t talking about the circumstances surrounding the disciplinary action, Roberts reported.

More than 1,500 people have joined a “We SUPPORT Hatfield” Facebook group. “We are students, former students and parents who value unique teaching styles and a love for education. … Clay has encouraged, inspired and enlightened thousands of students during his tenure at EHS. We support his desire to continue teaching.”

The group plans a rally at 1 p.m. Sunday at Eagle High School.

Kevin Richert

Kevin Richert

Senior reporter and blogger Kevin Richert specializes in education politics and education policy. He has more than 30 years of experience in Idaho journalism. He is a frequent guest on "Idaho Reports" on Idaho Public Television and "Idaho Matters" on Boise State Public Radio. Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KevinRichert. He can be reached at [email protected]

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