Ableist boss replaces hardworking disabled teacher, realizes his mistake the hard way

A teacher’s story on Reddit has struck a nerve after revealing how ableism and misplaced favoritism led to a dramatic backfire in their workplace. In a post that has gained 6.5k upvotes in a day, u/StoneofForest explained that they had been recognized by a previous principal as a promising leader because they were "very data-oriented and likable among colleagues." They stepped into the role and excelled at organizing meetings, supporting students, and maintaining communication with parents. However, things changed when a new boss came in, who often appeared "passively frustrated" by requests for clarity caused by the teacher's sensory processing disorder and mild hearing loss.

"Sometimes I genuinely do not hear things correctly. Think if you said 'I’m going to pick up Stacy,' I might hear something like 'I’m gone, just wait and see,'" the teacher wrote. Despite explaining this and asking for written communication, their needs were brushed aside. Frustration deepened when a colleague, "Tenny," also dismissed these requests. "Sometimes she would even shout something to me as she walked past me," the post continued. After multiple miscommunications, the situation came to a head when the teacher brought students late to an assembly after failing to catch the new location's name.

This situation depicts a much larger problem faced by employees with hearing disabilities across the US. A 2023 study of 59 deaf and hard-of-hearing workers found that, despite legal protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act, many hesitate to ask for accommodations. Researchers reported that barriers included "anticipation of stigma," lack of knowledge about available resources, and poor workplace policies to support requests.

Weeks later, the teacher was told they were losing the leadership role for "inconsistency" and "disrespect toward colleagues." Soon after, a schoolwide email announced that Tenny was stepping into the position. At first, it was painful to watch colleagues celebrate her promotion, but the next school year brought a role reversal. Tenny discovered she had no idea how to manage the elaborate Google Sheets and Excel formulas the teacher had created. "She then asked me if I could just continue updating these sheets outside of my leader position," the teacher recalled.

They responded politely but firmly that they would only teach her with a stipend. Tenny began venting about the difficult parent phone calls that once took the teacher just minutes to resolve. While Tenny now collects the $1,500 stipend, she also carries the stress, extra meetings, and long calls. "I feel ashamed that I’m taking so much joy in this, but Tenny made my life hell in a place I otherwise love," the teacher admitted. The post sparked strong reactions from other Reddit users, many of whom stood behind the teacher.

u/PopcornyColonel commented, "I hope if they offer you that title again, you don't accept without three times the previous amount. Seriously. What you do is worth more than $40/week (I spitballed the math, but you get my idea)." u/Mimsy59 added, "Haha! She’s walking a mile in your shoes, and has nowhere near your skill set or professionalism. Love to see evil people get their due! Lol." u/Siggy778 noted, "I love how Tenny hoped other teachers were using the Excel sheets so she could mooch off them instead only to be shot down."

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