What, if anything, do you think would be an appropriate punishment for a 2nd grade teacher who told the kids that there is no Santa, and that the gifts come from their parents?

In Rockland County, NY, recently a 2nd grade teacher got in trouble for telling the kids that there is no Santa, and that their parents play a part in getting the gifts for them.

This made national headlines. Yesterday, I heard on the radio (I live not far from there) that she had to personally call the parents to apologize and discuss it with them.

In discussing this topic with my co-workers, we were divided on what, if anything, should happen to her as far as discipline. One person said she was telling the truth and so therefore cannot or should not be punished. A few people said it was mean spirited, and not the teacher’s place to tell.

My opinion is that it was mean spirited, not her place to tell. Once that secret is out, it’s out forever, unless the parents can come up with another story. I understand not all 2nd graders believe in Santa, but for those who do, it’s not the teacher’s place to inform them otherwise.

What is your opinion? What should happen to a 2nd grade teacher who tells the kids that there is no Santa?