Superintendent, Patch Readers Weigh In On Teacher Who Penned Erotic Novel
Here's what Superintendent Michael Hartenstein and Patch readers had to say about a Hoover High teacher who's selling her erotic novel on Amazon.com
From the way Superintendent Michael Hartenstein sees it, a teacher writing an explicit novel doesn't violate any school codes of conduct. It breaks no laws.
But it's still concerning.
Hartenstein talked to North Canton Patch Monday about Hoover High teacher Carol Ann Eastman penning an erotic novel, "Schooled," that's now sold on Amazon.com.
"My job is to take care of the school system and the kids who are in it, so anything anyone does that causes parents or kids to be upset is of concern to me," Hartenstein said.
The book, authored under the pen name Deena Bright, follows a young teacher as she learns about sexuality from her former students.
You can read the full description here.
Hartenstein confirmed Eastman was away from Hoover High for three weeks pending an investigation into her misuse of social media on school time. He said the investigation lasted that long because of Thanksgiving break, and he would not comment on whether her social media use was related to the book.
He also would not comment about whether Eastman discussed her book in the classroom.
Hartenstein said he first learned of Eastman's book when a parent contacted him about it.
Eastman could not be reached for comment Monday.
The story has the community talking. Check out what North Canton Patch readers are saying about it on Facebook, Twitter and on the website.
What our readers are saying on Facebook:
Holly Shepherd Monte: "After the drivel that was 50 Shades sold a kabillion copies, if you have a good idea for a book, why shouldn't you go for it? Good luck to Mrs. Eastman."
Kristina Bunnell: "Not my kind of book, but good for her!"
Eva Roethlisberger Lepelley: "i haven't read it..not my cup of tea but good luck to her.."
Wendy Betz-Smith: "She is my daughters teacher also, I hear nothing but good things about her:) what she chooses to do on her own time is not my business...."
Susie Buckey: "Have heard about it - won't read it"
Joy Garrett Wise: "My concern is the morals that are at risk for students. Teachers are supposed to be someone to look up to."
On Twitter:
Scott Dallas: "thats pretty awesome! or wait am i supposed to be disturbed abd upset?"
On North Canton Patch:
Kathy Thompson: "Leave the teacher alone. It's not like she brought the book into the classroom. People need to stop the negative nit picking and get a life."
Michele: "She sets a horrible example for our children both professionally and personally. If she wants a career in erotica then she should quit her teaching job working around children!"
Amy S
10:51 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Our kids hear much worse on the bus! I doubt any high school student is going to be traumatized because their teacher wrote a novel. Any "at risk" student is at risk for other reasons such as their homelife. I wish Ms. Eastman much success!
Beth
2:14 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
First off, she wrote it under a pen name, not her real name. Second, she did not list it as required reading or introduce it to her class. Most kids see worse things on television, at the movies or in video games. Where is the outrage from the parents on those things? Also, it's the parents responsibility to check what their children read, listen to and watch. Finally last time I checked this was a free country and what she does on her own time and in the privacy of her own home is her business. She has the freedom to write this novel without the loss of her job. I hope she remains a teacher at Hoover.
Patrick
3:56 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
At first, I was in agreement with you but after reading the first chapter and a half, I now disagree. As a teacher, the plot of the book (teacher having sex with former students) is totally inappropriate and defies common sense. It also makes you wonder if that’s her desire. She could have chosen any other plot for the book but that. Because of the attention she and her book are getting, the kids are curious and are reading it when it is basically x-rated porn and not appropriate for 14 year olds. It's also not written very well, which doesn't bode well for an English teacher.
helen
4:15 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Thank you, Patrick, for your comment. As a teacher she is a role model, like it or not. The subject matter is disturbing coming from a teacher and yes, the children know how to obtain copies. As far as not being"well-written". Perhaps, she should have honed her skills, rather than spend her time on this project ----cannot believe she is "teaching" our children, if she does not have command of the English language.