Teacher makes condescending remarks to student, remains with school district

A former North Fort Myers High School teacher was disciplined by the district after making remarks to a student in 2018.

Delores Holland was accused of speaking inappropriately to her students, saying things like, “Are you just going to sit there and pout like a 3-year-old?” and “I cannot look at this; please just leave.”

The School District of Lee County said the teacher, Delores Holland, “did not teach at North Fort Myers high all of last year”, however, we confirmed she was transferred to another school in the district after the incident.

All of this was aimed at a 17-year-old female student in Holland’s class. It made the student cry in front of her classmates.

The School District of Lee County said the teacher, Delores Holland, “did not teach at North Fort Myers high all of last year”, however, we confirmed she was transferred to another school in the district after the incident.

A School District of Lee County spokesman says the Department of Education acted on information provided to them and Holland was then punished by the district for making the remarks to the student.

Parents say the classroom is no place for that kind of behavior from a teacher.

“That’s not something any parent should ever have to deal with and have to worry about,” said Chuck Delacaes, who has three daughters.

Delacaes said the reports of Holland’s behavior brought back memories he has when one of his daughters was bullied by a different former teacher.

“We immediately took that in our own hands and contacted the teacher and tried to resolve that as quick as we could,” Delacaes said. “A lot of kids don’t like to come forward and say anything. They’re afraid of backlash and different issues. That’s why you’ve got to, you’ve got to talk to your children constantly about this.”

Other parents said they are thankful the District is making sure kids don’t fear going to class because of the way they’re treated.

“I certainly hope that they’re monitoring the teaching staff and making sure they produce the best quality product they can,” said Darryl Clare, whose daughter attends North Fort Myers HS. “That’s my concern.”

Now, Holland must take a college-level course on adolescent development and earn a B or higher. She is also being fined $750.

To do a search on discipline against other teachers in the county and in the state visit the Florida Department of Education website.