Benjamin Ayson, 32, a Mililani Middle School teacher on the Big Island of Hawaii recently pleaded no contest to possession of marijuana. Like plenty of teachers before him, Mr. Ayson is guilty of being human. He and his co-worker, fellow teacher Lisa Luhrsen were observed smoking pot at a park and ride before heading to school.
It's clear that parents get worked up when educators behave badly. And concern about the moral turpitude of our children's teachers seems appropriate. To a point.
On the other hand, teachers are paid poorly for work that is getting harder each day. The requirements of No Child Left Behind and managing increasingly behaviorally troubled kids must take its toll. I'm not excusing a little before work pot-smoking. But I can see how it might help one get through the day.
