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Recent Articles By Francisco Alvarado

National Features

Entering his senior year at William H. Turner Technical Arts High School, Miami Gardens teenager Julio Gonzalez was looking forward to his third-period AP Spanish class this past August 20. Since 2005, the course has been taught by a popular dreadlocked, gold-toothed educator named Patrick Williams, who is fluent in seven languages. In the past two years, 68 of 70 Turner students who took Williams's class passed their advanced placement exams, a feat the Jamaican-born teacher accomplished without any textbooks for his pupils.

"He is an awesome guy," says the deep-voiced 17-year-old. "He may not portray the typical suit-and-tie professor, but his charisma, persona, and excellence go beyond that of many teachers."

Gonzalez and his classmates won't be seeing Williams again anytime soon, though. The 41-year-old Kingston native was abruptly removed from his classroom October 19, when Turner Principal Valmarie Rhoden accused him of harassing her. The charge is being investigated by the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Civilian Investigative Unit, an agency that looks into administrative complaints against school district employees. Exactly what Williams did to badger Rhoden remains a mystery, as does the duration of his exile from Turner. MDCPS officials, including Rhoden, will not comment, says school district spokesman John Schuster.

Williams denies Rhoden's accusation. He claims the principal — whom one former colleague calls "a horrible" administrator — is retaliating because he questioned how she was spending Turner's share of a five-year, $5 million grant awarded to 10 high schools. Williams is reporting to a desk job at the school district's Region III office in Miami Springs. "I just sit in the break room doing nothing except talk to other people or watch DVDs on my laptop," he says.

Meanwhile Gonzalez and his classmates have been subjected to a revolving door of substitute teachers and given no explanation about what happened to their favorite instructor — until it was reported by New Times ("Good Teacher, Bad Principal," November 8). The class has come to a standstill. "We just sit there and talk," says AP Spanish student Natalie Piñeda.

Gonzalez and Piñeda are among 55 former and current students and Turner employees who on New Times' website voiced support for Williams while objecting to Rhoden's actions. "I want to organize a rally for his return," Gonzalez said recently. "I'm losing more than whatever Ms. Rhoden is gaining, and I am not going to tolerate it."

Leotha Fleming III, who was a sophomore when he took Williams's regular Spanish class in 2006, is joining Gonzalez's effort to bring Williams back. The soft-spoken 12th-grader says he used to chat with Williams at least three times a week. "He taught me that it is better for one person to change the world than it is for the world to change one person," Fleming relates. "I wish I could contact him so we could still hang out."

Piñeda, an 11th-grader, says the substitute teachers simply hand out worksheets, and that the class has been without a lesson plan since Williams was ousted. "Some people don't even do the worksheets," she says. "They just don't care because we don't have someone who's going to give us a grade."

Her sister Ana Maria, a recent Turner graduate who scored a 5 — the highest grade possible — on the AP Spanish exam, sent an e-mail November 13 to the nine members on the Miami-Dade School Board, pleading for Williams's return to the classroom. Ana Maria says Williams helped her not only with Spanish but also with other AP courses. "He would print out practice lessons for my AP math classes from the Internet," she says. "He would do this for me and other students. You could go up to him and he would always help you."

Wilbert Santa Leon, another 2007 alumnus, says he and his friends filmed a documentary last year about the fight waged by the teachers union to increase salaries. "Mr. Williams was one of the people we interviewed," Santa Leon says. "He is a very intelligent man." The 18-year-old Miami Dade College film student says the problem is Rhoden. "She is a very thin-skinned woman," Santa Leon grumbles. "She is a horrible principal."

Santa Leon's comments are echoed by Gerrard Nembhard, an auto mechanics instructor at Hialeah Senior High who taught at Turner for more than 10 years, until 2003. Nembhard headed the school's defunct diesel mechanics vocational program. He says Turner established partnerships with private companies and public agencies to provide students with internships. The school was sending students to places like Miami-Dade Transit, Kelly Tractor, and Detroit Diesel to get on-the-job training. "She closed it down over foolishness," Nembhard says of Rhoden. "She always looked down on the vocational program because she has the notion that everyone will go to college." According to Turner's 2008 school improvement plan, 28 percent of last year's seniors did not continue with postsecondary education.

During a staff meeting in the first semester of 2003, Nembhard challenged Rhoden's assertion that his program was underenrolled, he says. That was the end of him. "She closed the program and switched me to night school," he claims. "She could have waited until June, but she was so vindictive she had to close it right then and there." Although Nembhard filed a grievance against Rhoden, the school district did not investigate the complaint. Again, the district spokesman declined comment.

Alliestan Reece, a 56-year-old school activities assistant, says Rhoden has destroyed Turner's camaraderie. "She's made it horrible for teachers and staff," Reece says. After Reece went on a district-approved four-month medical leave in April 2003 for treatment of "a 10-pound hernia," she says, Rhoden reprimanded her. "Your absence is creating a void," Rhoden wrote in a June 18, 2003 memo.

While Rhoden runs Turner with unchecked power, it seems a high-ranking school district official is trying to provoke Williams into doing something wrong. This past November 9, Williams says, he and four other district employees — who were also on temporary administrative duty — were standing outside the door to the Region III office. "The room where we have been assigned is extremely cold, so we stepped out to get some sun," Williams explains.

A few minutes later the Region III administrative director, Robert Kalinsky, confronted the employees and ordered them back inside the office, according to one of the people present, a fellow Turner teacher who did not want her identity revealed. "When Patrick tried to explain why we were standing outside, Kalinsky just ignored him," she says. "Then Kalinsky called a schools police officer to escort Patrick back into the office."

Seven days later, Kalinsky wrote Williams up for insubordination. "He did it to cover himself because he knew he was wrong," Williams says. "I had been going outside every day until the first article came out. It is pure retaliation."

Write Your Comment show comments (13)

  1. OMG! I cannot believe that this is going on. I thought the last article about Mr. Williams' plight was bad enough. Now many others, including his students and colleagues have decided to speak their mind. HOW ON EARTH COULD SUCH A PRINCIPAL BE IN CHARGE OF ANY SCHOOL? I am making it my point to call the school board members and community leaders to find out why this principal has not yet been removed from this school? I had no clue that these things were going on at my son's school. I am ashamed and disappointed. And by the way, I will be taking my son out of Turner Tech. He deserves better. From what I have read and heard about this Spanish teacher has been outstanding. Students brag about him and his teaching. They brag about how he cares so much for them and now he has been removed from his classroom. How dare this principal! I am too pissed for words.....

    Comment by Concerned Parent — November 28, 2007 @ 05:32PM

  2. Email the school board members to "Free Taz!"

    AJBarrera@dadeschools.net
    rdiazdelaportilla@dadeschools.net
    EGreer@dadeschools.net
    PHantman@dadeschools.net
    MartinKarp@dadeschools.net
    ALogan@dadeschools.net
    MartaPerez@dadeschools.net
    SStinson@dadeschools.net

    Try Dr. Rudy Crew: RudyC@dadeschools.net

    Let me know how the teachers who belong to the Miami Professional Educators' Association can help!

    FREE TAZ!

    Comment by Shawn Beightol — November 28, 2007 @ 06:44PM

  3. I hope Turner Tech students and parents are intelligent enough to realize that there are two sides to every story. The real professionals are the administrators, support staff, and teachers who are not discussing confidential personnel issues with the tabloid media [Miami Times]. Many of us are appalled by the attacks that are being leveled against our principal, Mrs. Rhoden, by a few vindictive individuals. What is really sad is that the people being interviewed and quoted in the Miami Times are involving students who are too trusting and naïve to realize they are being used. Thanks to a couple of vicious people, the majority of us at Turner Tech are being held hostage in fear the we will be the next target in the Miami Times if we speak up to defend a good principal.

    Comment by Don't Want to Be the Next Target — November 28, 2007 @ 08:32PM

  4. UPDATES
    By Natalia Pineda

    Unfortunately, I was interviewed days before the arrival of Mr. Delgado, the replacement for Mr. Williams, and I didn’t have the time to comment of how my class has change since then. I belong to the AP Spanish class,and to inform the readers of this article, yes we are now learning and a lot which we are thankful to the administration of Turner Tech. Mr. Delgado is a great man who is currently trying his best and I don’t think is fair to get him involve on the issue. Mr. Williams, like I mentioned in the other article, you are a great person and an extraordinary teacher who I strongly admired. I don’t wish that you have to go through all that you’re going through right now, and I hope you will be back in turner tech someday. In the other hand, I take this opportunity to apologize to Ms. Rhoden because I had judged her without knowing who she really is. She doesn’t appear to be the “monster” which many had portrayed, and most of us don’t know exactly what happened, so I ask of the readers to take these into consideration before judging her. Mr. Williams, we miss you and good luck.

    Comment by Natalia Pineda — November 28, 2007 @ 09:50PM

  5. Cassius Marcellus Clay, Mahatma Ghandi, and Nelson Mandela have all struck a chord resonating at the nucleus of our existence; a humane indomitable genuiness or truth, in accord with our ascribed classification as humans. These musicians of humanity have composed countless scores of effectuations compelled by their primal resolve to exist, and with every instrumental stroke we listen attentively and like a feather's dispersion into air our conscience sways randomly. Left. Right. Our romanticized adulation of these demigods, these "humane humans", indicate that we are incapable of comprehending "truth" and therefore we fail to be human. In our relentless pursuit to be virtuous we seek to exist and it's in our conviction to know what is "true" do you began to exist. Similar to the quintessential persona previously mentioned, Patrick William faces persecution for his roiling conviction in his quest for truth. Patrick William (a declarated and reknowned linguistic educator, philosopher, musician, artist, consultant, and life-long student of academia) has tenaciously indoctrinated this mystic realm to all who grace his presence. He is concerned only with an individuals ability to think critically. "Critique". As a teacher and a role model, Mr. Williams encourages students to ask questions. It is an intellectual right to ask questions and it is through questioning do we begin the necessary discourse for determining truth. It is indicative of our desire to be knowledgable. Mr. Williams seeks to be true. He seeks to exist. He is humane; a true musician of humanity.

    Comment by Webber J. Charles — November 28, 2007 @ 10:42PM

  6. Dear "Don't Want to Be the Next Target" at Turner. The "real" professionals at Turner are a bunch of self-serving, whimps! You dare to criticize those who have been attacked by the principal and because they have turned to fight back-they are vindictive? How dare you? Who can be more vindictive than Valmarie Rhoden!!! You don't know or care about the anguish these people have suffered at her hands and deeds because IT WASN'T YOU!!! No you don't discuss issues because too many of you don't teach classes or just sit in the rooms and still don't teach; you are getting hefty supplements and want them to continue; and most of all Ms. Rhoden hasn't HURT YOU. . . YET!!! Nancy Erdvig, Eugenie Anim, and others. And don't mention the group getting paid out the Small Learning Communities Grant.

    I guess you thought it is alright to lie on a teacher because the principal doesn't like them or the way they dress. I guess it was alright for her to call the police that day to remove Mr. Williams because SHE told them that she was afraid for her safety.

    The person who wrote this- you are the worse hypocrite. I hope when you go to church and too many of you do. . . I hope you repent and ask God to forgive you. Are you blind or didn't you notice that everyone who is close to Ms. Rhoden is a card carrying Union member? You ain't that stupid.

    This school has gone to hell in a handbasket and you are carrying the other end of the handle!

    Comment by Rosalie Morales — November 29, 2007 @ 07:35AM

  7. I

    Comment by ray — November 29, 2007 @ 09:52AM

  8. Always ah smile when they want me to frown!"

    Taz,

    What is the union doing for your case? Have you consulted its officials? I'm moved beyond anger by this news! Anytime a subordinate proves to be of a greater mettle and a higher caliber than his superior , he is met with disdain when he should be celebrated. Fortunately, you were wise in publicizing the ordeal; That's my boy Taz! Make your audience as broad as she is brazen! Let anyone of any degree of instrumental value know your plight.

    I have sincere confidence in you. The School Board is a vast machine, but your repertoire is bigger. What has she manged to achieve with her infinite federally subsidized resources that would not pale in comparison to what you have done? When you speak to the issue, let it be factual and relevant to the specific set of grievances that you both share. But, in every other related forum, assassinate her character! Expose her for the underachiever that she is! Treat it like an electoral contest. Taz for president! You have mastered a wide array of foreign languages, because victory is your native tongue. Remember that!

    If there is anything that I can do to support you, bro, I'm ready and willing.

    Godspeed!

    Comment by A friend — November 29, 2007 @ 05:23PM

  9. I am a 31 year veteran of the MDCPS. Since 1985, I have taught some combination of AP US History, AP European History, IB Contemporary World History, and IB Theory of Knowledge. I am a Reader for AP US and an Examiner for IB History. I have worked with Taz one summer at the University of Miami, and can attest to his superb skill as a teacher. In particular, he could reach precisely those students whom I, a white, bald, bearded Southern Anglo-Saxon, could not. It was wonderful to see. I also knew Robert Kalinsky when he was an Assistant Principle at Ponce de Leon Middle School. I formed a very very low opinion of his competence and educational leadership. The incident reported by the New Times brings back unpleasant memories. I find the story to be quite believable.

    Sincerely,

    Daniel W. Blackmon
    8950 SW 50th Terrace
    Miami, FL 33165
    305 270-0708

    Comment by Daniel W. Blackmon — November 30, 2007 @ 05:28PM

  10. Re: the Teacher Mr. Williams
    Mr. Williams sounds like he's getting rail-roaded by a vindictive wench, err, administrative gestapette.

    Several years ago, an otherwise incompetent Corrections Director was charged with harassment. His comical response as reported in the Herald, was (I paraphrase) "...maybe she just wishes I asked her out."

    Of course, a big out-of-Court settlement was paid, and the Director (who should have been fired for stupidity, not harassment) was eventually "demoted" to a $90k salary for his otherwise "stellar" leadership. He was transferred to that orifice of County-boweldom - the 111 Building where he could blend in with the other quality "leaders".

    I digress. Thank you for covering Mr. Williams' story. Like too many people of conscience, he spoke his mind. I hope he is allowed back to the classroom where he belongs.

    To the editor, I would like to remain anonymous since I have to fear retaliation. Thank you.

    Comment by Please withhold — December 1, 2007 @ 08:05PM

  11. This it to the person who identifies himself/herself as Don't Want To Be The Next Target. I appreciate your phony concern but I know when someone is trying to use me and have the mental capacity to also discern a supposed principal who is afraid of being questioned, as is Ms. Rhoden.


    I was interviewed the day before we received a new teacher to instruct our AP Spanish Language class. He is a great leader and charismatic person. However, the injustice Ms. Rhoden and the rest of the Miami Dade School Board Members are subjecting Mr. Williams to by inhibiting him from fulfilling his profession is one that his students will not tolerate and it shall be avenged one way or another.

    We may not have Mr. Williams back as our teacher but no one will get away with having putting his spirit behind bars.

    Comment by Julio Gonzalez — December 2, 2007 @ 12:00AM

  12. I was not going to comment on this matter, simply because I am neither Mr. Williams or Ms. Rhoden(the only two beings that know exactly what occurred). However, some pretty nasty things have been said about the two of them. Mr. Williams is a talented teacher and mentor to many of the students. There is a need for more teachers like him because he can appeal to a wider audience of students. In the same respect, Ms. Rhoden is an effective administrator as evident in how smoothly the school operates in comparison to other urban schools and schools within that district. All that I ask of any of you is prior to forming opinions and slandering the names of these two, take a moment to find out exactly what happened. Many current students, parents, and prospective students will view these comments and form opinions of the school as a whole based upon YOUR VIEWS.

    Comment by Former student c/o 07 — December 3, 2007 @ 10:07AM

  13. Dear Former Student,

    I don't what year you graduated from Turner, but you really didn't know what was going on at the school on a daily basis. Smoothly? I think not!! You mean put out fires daily, weekly, monthly. You must have been in a real daze. There were many times the entire faculty, staff, and students were put in danger because of her poor managerial skills and refusal to follow school board rules.

    Both sides of the story? Well, I DO KNOW both sides. And please believe me, Ms. Rhoden is NOT innocent in this situation. She is a liar and a cheat and will do anything to flaunt her "power" as principal; AKA "The Wizard of Oz". Where is ToTo when we need him.

    Comment by Rosalie Morales — December 4, 2007 @ 07:14PM

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