The Oklahoma Supreme Court has declined to hear the appeal of a school district that had fired, and then was forced to reinstate, a teacher after she refused to use a commercial science program.
Linda K. Greenshields was terminated from her job at Sangre Elementary School in the 5,300-student Stillwater public school district in 2003, following her refusal to use “modules” as part of a commercial program aimed at helping students learn science.
Ms. Greenshields, a 33-year teaching veteran, said she viewed those programs as ineffective and a distraction from better teaching techniques. She was later hired again, after a local judge found that the district had not proven that Ms. Greenshields had neglected her professional duties.
The district appealed the decision to the Oklahoma Supreme Court, which turned away the case earlier this month. District officials did not respond to requests for comment.
“It’s refreshing that it’s over,” Ms. Greenshields said last week. “I love teaching, and I just decided to play this out.”
