RESTAURANTS

BEST

PHILLY

ARTS

EVENTS

BE WELL PHILLY

MAGAZINE

THE PHILLY POST

PARTY PICS

SHOPPING

WEDDINGS

HOME

REAL ESTATE

TOP DOCTORS

TOP DENTISTS

TRAVEL

G PHILLY

IT LIST

Home / Philadelphia Magazine / Features: Class Warfare

Class Warfare

By Jessica Pressler

Posted on October 2007 Page 4 of 11

Text Size: A | A | A

Back in the school parking lot, stymied by the rhyming exercise, Michael Pouls decided that enough was enough. He scrawled a made-up word on his daughter’s homework assignment and drove off, knowing something needed to be done.

ON A FRIDAY afternoon in January, Tollin was called in for a meeting with Baiba Vasys, the head of Baldwin’s lower school, and Sally Powell, the school’s new headmistress. Michael Pouls had phoned and was extremely upset over how his daughter was being treated.

Tollin herself was in a fragile state. Only a few weeks before school started, her husband of 38 years had drowned accidentally in a health club hot tub, and Tollin had been the one to find him. She had hoped coming back to school would normalize her, but it was difficult. When she heard about the Poulses’ phone call, she started to cry.

“Where did this go wrong?” asked Vasys, according to Tollin.

Tollin responded that she didn’t know. “I said Amanda was struggling and having a hard time academically,” she explains. “And I said, ‘She is young, immature, spoiled, indulged, and Daddy makes everything nice for her.’”

“You know we need this family,” Sally Powell said then, according to Tollin — the implication being that the school couldn’t afford to lose the Poulses’ donation. (Powell denies saying this.)

It was decided that the lower-school head and Tollin would have a conference call with Michael Pouls, and following that, as per his request, Tollin would call him daily to report on Amanda’s progress. Tollin was taken aback — no teacher she knew had ever been asked to call a parent daily — but said she’d do it. As she saw it, she had little choice. Unlike teachers at public schools, private-school teachers generally don’t have tenure, only year-by-year contracts.

At the conclusion of the meeting, according to Tollin’s complaint, Powell said that if Tollin didn’t “fully satisfy the Poulses,” she would have to “rethink” Tollin’s contract.

“She didn’t even offer me a Kleenex,” Tollin says.

But by all accounts, the conference call went well. On the phone, Tollin agreed with Michael Pouls that if Amanda was unhappy, she needed to do something about it. So one day before class, she took Amanda aside.

Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 Next

Print Article

0 like

0 don't like

•	Larry Magid Just Won't Quit

•	Off the Cuff: February 2012

•	Restaurant Review: Il Pittore

•	Review: Fathom Seafood House

•	8 Valentine's Day Cards That Don't Suck

•	Philly's Boutique Wars

•	The Ultimate Philly Weather Forecast

•	Suzanne Roberts Celebrated Her 90th Birthday With Lady Gaga

•	Larry Farnese Is the Anti-Vince Fumo

•	Philly's Next Heroin Epidemic

User Comments:

Michael and Sheryl Pouls
Posted by Jennifer | Sep. 27, 2007 at 8:41 PM

COMMENT:

Note to my most important self: Read last month's Philadephia Magazine's cover story.

More Bad Parents
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 6:01 AM

COMMENT:

The Pouls should have been included in the previous issue of your magazine. I worked for them for several months, and all I saw was spoiled childeren, an absentee father who spent a lot of money to keep everyone happy, rude behavior from the entire family, with the exception of their older daughter. The young daughter used to tell me I was fired on a daily basis, she was maybe 4 at the time. There were never any friends over, except for that once a year end of school party, and it was all about showing off, not make kids happy. When they did fire me, which they made the house manager do when we were at the vacation home in Marylane, 4 hours from my home, we had a signed one year contract. They owed me for five months, and never made good on it. Like the lawsuit againt Mrs. Tollin, they would have spent years and many more dollars than I could ever spend to prove themselves right. Cartier diamonds, fancy cars, full staff, expensive homes and all of the other luxuries money can buy can't

More Bad Parents
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 7:02 AM

COMMENT:

class, empathy or kindness. Maybe it's time to realize that a seven year old isn't as wise, or as honest as an adult with a 22 year career.

At last the truth comes out!
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 10:48 AM

COMMENT:

Finally someone has had the guts to respond to the allegations levied against this fine family. The author had it right ... the TEACHER is the person who had the Malice. AND it was toward a seven year old! Why didn't anyone else report that the school had a history of bad behavior from this teacher? And 10 incidents ... including four this year ... What a joke ... She should have been fired three years ago.

SHE SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIRED EARLIER
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 10:54 AM

COMMENT:

SO, IF I UNDERSTAND THIS CORRECTLY .. THIS TEACHER HAD A HISTORY OF INPROPER BEHAVIOR AND WHEN SHE DOESN'T HAVE HER CONTACT RENEWED SHE SUES? WHAT A JOKE. EVEN THE WRITER SAYS SHE HAD A LARGE AMOUNT OF MALICE TOWARD A SEVEN YEAR OLD. AND, SHE THOUGHT SHE SH0ULD INSTILL DISIPLINE IN OTHER PEOPLES CHILDREN? THAT'S NOT HER JOB! SEVEN YEAR OLDS SHOULD NOT HAVE A TEACHER RUNNING A SECOND GRADE BOOT CAMP! I AGREE WITH THE FAMILY ... ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

IF IT WAS MY KID ... I'D WANT HER FIRED TOO!
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 10:57 AM

COMMENT:

IF I UNDERSTAND THIS ARTICLE CORRECTLY, THE TEACHER MADE KIDS CRY AND RAN HER CLASS LIKE SHE WAS A MEAN AND MISERABLE DRILL SARGENT. THE SCHOOL THEN LOOKS AT HER FILE AND SEES A MULTITIUDE OF COMPLAINTS BY MANY FAMILIES. THEY DON'T RENEW HER CONTRACT AND SHE SUES? WE HAVE TO CHANGE THE SYSTEM. SHE SHOULD BE SUED! I KNOW A FAMILY WHO HAD A DAUGHTER IN THE SCHOOL AND THEY SAID THEIR DAUGHTER COULD HEAR THE TEACHER SCREAMING THROUGHT THE WALLS! FROM ANOTHER CLASSROOM. JUST THE TYPE OF PERSON I WANT TO TEACH MY 7 YEAR OLD. NOT!

You just don't get it
Posted by Brittany | Sep. 28, 2007 at 11:26 AM

COMMENT:

For those of you who think that having a strict teacher is not in the best interest of your children, you clearly do not want hard working, intelligent, independent kids. Baldwin is NOT for everyone. It is for those who persevere in the face of adversity. Yes, some people need to be coddled, but they should not attend a school like Baldwin, which often has the highest SAT scores of any school in the area (boys, girls, or co-ed) as well as some of the most successful graduates around. As a product of this school, I'm sad that money has become such a huge leverage point, but unfortunately, I am not surprised. An event like this has been a long time coming, but that still doesn't make it right.

Insult to Working Mom's
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 11:50 AM

COMMENT:

Is this teacher putting down working mom's. She claims that these children are coming to school having not been taught simple devices such as using utensils because their mothers work. Does she forget that she HAD been employed as a teacher for 22 years which caused her to leave her children and work outside the home. Her comments were insensitive, insulting and thoughtless throughout the interview. This causes pause for one to believe that this is her disposition and was entirely her pattern of behavior directed to 7 year old little girls.

Main Line Money
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 1:05 PM

COMMENT:

I can only assume that most of these letters are from people that live on the Main Line. First of all, if this teacher was such a menace, she would have been fired. Second, the point that Mrs. Tollin made about not knowing how to use utensils is not a cut on working mothers, simply a statement that these children are raised by nannies and other hired help. Did Sheryl Pouls ever have a job??? No, but she has a full staff, including 2 people just to play with her children! (Someone should check their working papers during this investigation) There is nothing "fine" about a self-serving, better than thou family. They should be reminded that they are from Cherry Hill, not Beverly Hills.

TO What if it was my kid
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 1:17 PM

COMMENT:

Your comment, "I know a family..." sounds an awful lot like Mr. Pouls comment, “I know a woman who will tell you she witnessed Patsy Tollin throwing a blind child into a locker.” And if you read, that was false as well.

Main Line Cool
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 2:46 PM

COMMENT:

In reading some of these blogs, I am surprised by the person who wrote that Baldwin isn't for everyone, and that strict teachers are necessary because only they can get Baldwin girls to reach their potential. This person missed the point. In the article the teacher's boss says that Ms. Tollin was not nuturing enough and that she created a boot camp like environment. This is coming from her own boss, so it would seem that Baldwin doesn't agree that abusive behavior is warranted to help girls reach their potential. Another person said their child heard Ms. Tollin screaming through the walls. In a time when we are all concerned about school violence, how can this behavior be good? Any parent who had a child in a classroom like this would object, and not care about being "main line cool."

Mainline Mouth, Jersey Style
Posted by Laura | Sep. 28, 2007 at 3:51 PM

COMMENT:

I have read this article in it's entirety and have come to the conclusion that parents need to allow the teachers and administrators to do their jobs. Yelling is not abuse, teachers have a tough job to do each day and I cannot imagine what it must be like to have to deal with over indulged kids day-in and day-out, not to mention have to take on the verbal abuse of a guilt-ridden, social-climbing & caluculating society whore. Where I come from, one never uses four letter words in front of children or adults for that matter. What kind of example is the mother setting here? My heart goes out to the children involved.

Rehired for 22 Years = An Outstanding Teacher!
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 5:02 PM

COMMENT:

The above who say Tollin should be fired need to look deeper and think. If Tollin was rehired for 22 years, then how bad could she have been? If she received tons of support upon news of her dismissal - letters sent to school – then obviously she was a loved and respected teacher. She could not have run a “boot camp” or else she would never have received such support. So what if there are some complaints, they obviously were not bad enough to get her fired before. And as anyone should know, it is impossible to please 100% of the people, but obviously, the overwhelming majority did like her - you cannot last in a place of employment for 22 years if you were “abusive”. And so along then comes this new head of school who decides to get rid of this highly respected teacher a week after a threat was made by Mrs. Pouls. It just smells. And Tollin loses her job months after her husband died. That in itself is disgraceful. Where is the compassion Baldwin says it exhibits...and for a teacher w

Rehired for 22 Years = An Outstanding Teacher! (continued)
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 5:11 PM

COMMENT:

and for a teacher who gave Baldwin 22 years of dedicated service? She deserved much better

Your article stinks
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 6:20 PM

COMMENT:

You tried to write a balanced story where the actual situation is quite black and white; its good (Tollin) vs Evil (the Pouls and Sally Powell). Sentiment at Baldwin is overwhelmingly anti Pouls and pro Tollin. Tollin was a strict but fair and highly capable teacher well respected by a generation of parents and students. She was regarded as one of the finest teachers in the Lower School. There can be no doubt that it was the Pouls threat to withdraw their donation for the badly needed gymnasium that caused Tollin's dismissal. This would never happened under Powell's predecessor, Blair Stambaugh. Baldwin has always stood for two things: 1) unrivalled academics, and 2) integrity. Now Powell and the Pouls have made a mockery out of the latter. Can you imagine what would happen in the unlikely event Amanda manages to make it to Upper School. What if she couldnt do quadratic equations in Algebra/Trigderivatives in calculus and her teacher wanted to give her a C. Would the teacher fear re

Your article stinks (cont)
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 6:46 PM

COMMENT:

I was cut off by the 200 word limit, and so I continue. If Amanda couldn't do quadratic equations, would her algebraII/trig teacher feel compelled to give her an A, not a C, for fear of reprisal from the Pouls/Powell? What if she wanted to be on Varsity Lacrosse but were only good enough for JV? Would the coach be fired if she stuck to her guns? My question is where was the Board of Trustees in this whole mess? How could they possibly have allowed Baldwin's reputation to be sullied for the sake of a gymanasium. How could they have tolerated the humiliating arrangement embodied in Michael Pouls email. Kids, especially Baldwin girls, are very smart. They know the truth, and now in common with the rest of the Baldwin community, they will laugh, some to themselves, some out loud, the next time they hear Powell talk of the importance of integrity and values. Shame on the Trustees for not intervening, shame on Powell for having such horrible judgment, and most of all shame on the Pou

Shun and Boycott Mr. Pouls
Posted by David | Sep. 28, 2007 at 6:57 PM

COMMENT:

Three daughters went to Baldwin, paid with with hard earned, after tax dollars. One attended Tollin's second grade class. She had the highest academic achievement in my family's history, now in college, because of the work ethic instilled at Baldwin. She recalls the second grade with gratitude. All service and product providers, shun and boycott this bully, Pouls, peddler of political correctness. Pouls, leave. Move to North California, where your kind feels at home.

Your article stinks (part 3)
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 7:09 PM

COMMENT:

Unforutately, your Post a Comment website is even worse than the "reporting" in this article. I keep getting cut off - Here is what I wanted to conclude with: Shame on the Trustees for not intervening, shame on Powell for having such horrible judgment, and most of all shame on the Pouls for having the worst combination of hubris and poor judgment I have seen in my lifetime. And to the Behars, I loved your comments and always liked you guys!

A School Teaching Immoral Lessons
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 6:54 PM

COMMENT:

The lesson to learn at Baldwin is that money is the most important thing in the world. I went to Westtown & this battle would never happen there. It is unfortunate that Baldwin doesn't have the clout or integrity to return the donation (at whatever cost, even if they lose a building) & tell the family to send their children elsewhere if the education offered is not a good fit. At Westtown I was taught morals and values above all else. Westtown has no problem keeping Malignant Narcissists like this awful Cherry Hill family from attending. See, if Baldwin continues to placate and reward Malignant Narcissists with their wielding of power and sadistic sense of superiority, by allowing anyone with cash to ruin a person’s life, then they’ll start turning out power-crazy misfits who have no decent education. The lesson Baldwin has taught us is that money matters more than human decency. There are so many wonderful schools in this area with world-class educations. Even with a boarding school b

(contd.) A School Teaching Immoral Lessons
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 7:31 PM

COMMENT:

Even with a boarding school background myself, I’d prefer to send my children to public school rather than endorse the immoral act of choosing money over morals to which Baldwin has succumbed. I guess money means more to Baldwin than integrity, morals, or anything else. Ironically, the current and potential future students (I’m not sending my kids there) Baldwin will lose as a result of this poor decision will cost the school a lot more money in potential future endowment padding. Kids who will do great things someday are raised by parents with better judgment than to condone such immoral practice. Those kids will head elsewhere and give their money to those schools (and guess what? They won’t make the GIFT contingent on whether people kiss their kids’ a** or not either!)

This is not representative of 120 years of Baldwin
Posted by sally | Sep. 28, 2007 at 7:35 PM

COMMENT:

It is one terrible family and an inexperienced Head Mistress with poor judgment. The good thing about the school is that kids/families like the one portrayed in the article are usually long gone by 10th grade. The parents see there is no pot of gold (Ivy League or other elite college admission) on the horizon, and take the kid out to attend Harriton (where she is so much happier!), then on to Syracuse, Penn State, etc. You get the picture.

Advice to MIKE POULS
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 8:44 PM

COMMENT:

After this media show the Poulses will be shamed out of Philly and can go play with the NY Narcissists. Their daughters will be more hated than the Bush twins! This sounds like what a Del. County woman did a few years back. She sued her local public school when a teacher was “mean” to her son. She sued the school for money to send this son to private school. (The teacher was never fired for it though.) The school district had to cough up the money to send this selfish woman’s child to private school. Many wondered why she just didn’t have the kid change classes? Gossip has it that she ran out of extra cash after sending the first son to a local prestigious private military school, and the lawsuit was less about what happened between teacher and student and more about how this awful woman bilked her community out of private school tuition to feed this woman’s ego. (contd.)

Advice to MIKE POULS (contd.)
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 8:52 PM

COMMENT:

(from above) Rather than give up her flashy vacations, designer clothes, or brand new cars to send the kid to private on her own dime, this woman cheated a whole district of other kids out of tax-payer dollars for her rotten EGO. Her son was sent to private school for 7-12th grade at the expense of this Del. County school district. Anyone in this Del. County school district who was privy to the news when this happened 7 or so years ago, has thorough disgust for this woman, her son, her current husband, etc. The teacher luckily kept his job (as compared to Tullin), and received lots of support from parents and former students who thought he was a GREAT teacher. (contd.)

Advice to MIKE POULS (contd.)
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 8:58 PM

COMMENT:

(from above) All that came of her selfish lawsuit was a sad loss for the community, and an unfortunate lesson for her son, who either suppressed the guilt & decided to grow up to be an equally awful ego-driven narcissist himself, or will some day come to terms with his mother’s problems and grow into a decent human being. He’s in college now (she didn’t manage to find another lawsuit to pay for that) but maybe he can give back to the community after all the money tax payers spent on his private school education? The point in relation to the article is that what happened with this less-monied, equally EGOTISTICAL family is that people (kids and adults alike) know what’s right and fair, and what’s wrong. The egoist may win the battle but they then have the community to live with. If I were Mike Pouls, I’d publicly apologize to the Baldwin community, request that they give Tollin’s job back, and then quietly withdraw my girls and send them to a school where no one has ever heard of th

Advice to MIKE POULS (contd.)
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 8:58 PM

COMMENT:

Getting your kids out of a community who has a million judgments about them before they've even met them as a result of your ego scandal is what is best for them. Are you Poulses looking to do what's best for your kids, or what's best for your power-hungry egos? Why don't you take the gentleman's way out? Is that in the Nouveau Riche Handbook? Try Emily Post. Bet you never heard of her.

Sounds like Tollin
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 1:26 AM

COMMENT:

I am a Baldwin parent. Those pretending to be in the community are obviously not. 90% of the parents and nearly all of the faculty support the school and the Pouls family. The most common phrase heard is "it is about time." This teacher didn't just yell. There is a series of documents circulating from parents who complained of child abuse. Other families who have seen the document say the number of complaints is over 35. This is an abuser. Sounds monster-like to me. All of you attacking the family are ignoring the teachers record. If it eventually comes out that there are 35 legitimate complaints and that the teacher deserved what she got, I wonder if you will have enough courage to blog your apology. I doubt it because you all sound so jealous of someone who has more than you and chooses to be philanthropic. Shame on you. I wonder what you would be writng if yours was one of the many children abused.

To the self-important woman whose comment is just above...
Posted by NON-Baldwin | Sep. 29, 2007 at 2:26 AM

COMMENT:

I'm not in the Baldwin community, but I didn't realize this was a debate reserved for Baldwin parents? It seems to me that this debate has encompassed the opinions of a greater metropolitan area, along with the American judicial system. Hey lady, no one here is jealous of these awful trashy Pouls people. It's about MORALS, not ego. Why don't you check your ego. No one here wants to hear it. If there was abuse, it's funny you have nothing to say about the specific abuse. Maybe the "35 cases" you refer to are 35 paid chronies of the Pouls family, or 35 people who want to be "main line cool" like them?

One Simple Question
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 2:33 AM

COMMENT:

If it's really JUST about the teacher abusing, then why doesn't the school return the donation based on making sure no one confuses the issue?

Rah rah for the Pouls Family
Posted by PRO | Sep. 29, 2007 at 3:05 AM

COMMENT:

I too am a Baldwin parent. I too support the Pouls Family. Like that other Baldwin parent, I send my children to the school so everyone knows we have money. I also like it that the Pouls family goes there so I can tell the friends I compete with that my children go to school with people who spend $27M on their vacation home. It's just fabulous. What else is fabulous is my idea of a great 2nd grade education--all lollipops and play time. I think they should bring naptime back too. My children have a nanny and spend 19 hours a day with her in the summer. They know how to use utensils, but I don't remember where they picked that one up, I was at tennis that day. Anyway, my point is, children will pick things up when you are at the country club. It's just magic! They don't need strict teachers abusing them. That's not magic. Rah rah for the Pouls Family! Can I be your friend?

Go Pouls
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 5:37 AM

COMMENT:

I saw the 35 or so complaints. These complaints span a period of at least 13 years. They are definitely not paid for. This women is a monster.

SINCE WHEN IS SCREAMING AT A SEVEN YEAR OLD OK?
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 5:58 AM

COMMENT:

IT IS INCREDIBLE TO ME THAT SOMEONE CAN SUPPORT THE TEACHER AT THIS SCHOOL. I HAVE A SEVEN YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND I WOULDN'T WANT THE TEACHER SCREAMING AT HER EITHER. SO IF YOUR DAUGTER WAS ABUSED ... YES, THERE IS SUCH A THING AS EMOTIONAL ABUSE, AT SCHOOL WE SHOULD LOOK THE OTHER WAY BECAUSE SHE'S GOTTEN AWAY WITH IT FOR YEARS. MAYBE THE PERSON TO BLAME IS THE LAWYER, IF THERE WERE MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS WHY NOT SUE THEM ... WHY JUST THE GUY WITH THE MONEY? SHE EVEN MOCKS THE LITTLE GIRL TO THE WRITER WHEN SHE ASSUMES A "MOCKING BRATTY VOICE" TELLING A STORY. I MAY HAVE TAKEN MATTERS INTO MY OWN HANDS HAD IT BEEN MY DAUGHTER. WHAT SHOULD A PARENT DO? WATCH? DOES EVERYONE REALIZE THAT THESE ARE 7 YR. OLDS? AND THE FUNNY THING, THE TEACHER LIKES YELLING AND YOU DOPES THINK IT'S ALRIGHT. MAYBE A LITTLE RULER ACCROSS THE HANDS AND A SMACK HERE AND THERE WOULD BE OK, TOO?

Look Inside
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 5:58 AM

COMMENT:

All the blogs I just read that are angry at the Pouls for their alleged wealth need to look at their own motives behind who they support. I read in the article that the Pouls made their money the hard way-they earned it. I read in the article that their neighbors thought they were "strange" in that they had loud possessions like a big house, but that they were quiet people. So we have a self-made, wealthy family who keeps to themselves. In fact, I never heard of them prior to reading the article. So they should be punished because they are rich. What is fair about that? And they are not selfish as part of their money was given to a school for a building that won't even bear their name. Seems like selfless people to me. When a teacher hurts their (or yours and mine) child, shouldn't they object. And if she has 35 priors, doesn't that prove the teacher is capable of harm. Seems to me the teacher has an axe to grind, as in the article the reporter says she has contempt for the way c

MAYBE SHE SHOULD BE ABLE TO SMACK THE KIDS AROUND A LITTLE BIT
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 6:08 AM

COMMENT:

YOU KNOW WHAT, I'M THINKING OF FINDING MRS. TOLLIN AND HIRING HER TO TUTOR MY SON. IF HE GETS A MATH QUESTION WRONG A LITTLE BACKHAND TO THE HEAD ... SOME DISCIPLINE - HE'LL NEVER GET THAT PROBLEM WRONG AGAIN, NOW WILL HE. WHEN HE'S NOT SPELLING CORRECTLY, SCREAM UNTIL HE BEGINS TO CRY, THAT WORD WILL BE BURNED INTO HIS MEMORY. LATE FOR CLASS, IN THE CLOSET WITH HIM - WE WANT HIM TO BE ON TIME. GIVE ME HER NUMBER, SHE SOUNDS PERFECT FOR SMALL CHILDREN >>> YOUR CHILDREN MAYBE, NOT MINE!

To: Sounds like Tollin
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 7:58 AM

COMMENT:

To the person above and some of the other people, think about it, 35 complaints, an abuser? Then how did Mrs. Tollin last for 22 years and why is she so loved in the community? Child abuse? Not even close. There was no child abuse. This was an outstanding, devoted, deidctaed teacher who would do anything to help her students. She loved her students and they loved her.

Baldwin Best Here, Middlin' in Japan and Everywhere Else Productive
Posted by David | Sep. 29, 2007 at 7:58 AM

COMMENT:

Parents supporting crippling school discipline and achievement for out of control brats and lazy, future sybarites, newsflash: Baldwin towers here. In Japan, and in all other places with decent educations, Baldwin student academic achievement lags two years. And, yes, in those superior places, they crush the brat, with even corporal punishment, and the brat enabling parent is shunned and humiliated. The disloyal, anti-education, politically correct parent, the education killing lawyer, these bullies must be stopped if our nation is to keep its tenuous first world status.

Anyone listening
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 10:50 AM

COMMENT:

I spent a lot of time with the Pouls, and there is nothing redeeming about them. They are spoiled rotten, and Mr Pouls got very lucky when he made hi money. They dated in high school, and Mrs Pouls is as dumb as a rock. She used to say she wanted to have "breffes wit her children", which I interpreted to be "breakfast with". Lazy, spoiled, self serving, and the young daughter was awful! That is why they had paid nannies to play with her, never a friend over to play, at least not more than once. Money can buy a lot, but not friends or class or the ability to know when to do the right thing. And when to know that your children may be your blessing, but not everyone else things they are perfect. THEY ARE NOT, and no amount of money will make them be perfect.

You should be ashamed
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 11:55 AM

COMMENT:

To the writer of "anyone listening," you should be ashamed of yourself. Call the Pouls what you want, but to attack their child makes you sound like what you are-cruel. I happen to know the Pouls. Mrs. Pouls sounds much smarter than you. She wouldn't stoop to your level and fabricate details. Learn the truth before you comment next. Unless it isn't the truth you want- but rather someone to take your frustrations out on. Perhaps you are unhappy with yourself and try to bring others down to your level.

If Tollin is an Abuser, why did Pouls request her for Amanda
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 1:04 PM

COMMENT:

Sounds like the Pouls paid PR team is hard at work. Tollin an abuser? This is comical. The older Pouls child had Tollin in 2nd grade, several years earlier. The family specifically requested that Amanda be assigned to Tollin's class. Use some common sense. Does the child abuse charge sound credible? Of course not, and the above comments are malicious lies spread by the Pouls and their PR machine. What can you say about Cheryl Pouls when she walks into a Lower School and to a respected teacher and in front of others, yells: You fucking bitch! I want you fired or I’m taking my money and my girls out of this school!”

Tollin the abuser
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 1:28 PM

COMMENT:

As a parent at Baldwin, I can tell the above blogger that teacher's records are not known. Only now has the record been divulged in the papers filed. I have seen them. Monster would be a kind word to describe this teacher. She purposely picked one or two girls each year and humiliated them in front of their peers. And for Christ sake, they are only 7. When her own boss says she is not fit to be in 2nd grade, that is telling. You seem to ignore the facts and focus on how great the teacher was because a few say so. And since when does a teacher have the right to call a parent a drug addict and a drunk. If a teacher did this to me, you can bet I would respond worst than Mrs. Pouls. Maybe one day, someone will hurt your child. I hope not but more importantly, I hope you will respond to protect an innocent child.

The Pouls Requested Tollin
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 1:34 PM

COMMENT:

As a follow up to the comment above, the Pouls specifically requested Tollin to teach their younger daughter. Tollin had taught their older daughter a few years ago. So obviously, the Pouls liked Tollin enough to have her again for their younger daughter. And if that is the case, then why all of a sudden is Tollin being portrayed as an abuser by the Pouls - someone who has a long history of terrorizing children? If Tollin was such an abuser and bad teacher, you’d think that the Pouls would not want their younger daughter in Tollin’s class and you’d think the school would have fired Tollin by now. But the fact is, Tollin is not an abuser and is a terrific teacher, but now all of a sudden is being portrayed as an abusive teacher by the Pouls only b/c the younger Pouls daughter did not like her this year. Ridiculous. For all the hard work Tollin has done for the school, this is just so unfair to her. It is sad for her career to have ended this way.

To: Tollin the Abuser: You are crazy! Tollin has a right to defend herself
Posted by A. | Sep. 29, 2007 at 1:56 PM

COMMENT:

If Tollin was abusive or a monster, then why did Blair Stambaugh renew her contract for 22 years? And, a "few" do not think Tollin was good - the majority obviously did judging by the letters and support sent to the school on her behalf and the amount of parents who support her. How would you as a parent know Tollin’s personnel records? That seems shady. The paper did not reveal them all. And, you know what, a teacher does have the right to ask a parent if she is drunk or on drugs if she is attacked like that. This incident took place on school property, in a classroom, in front of children, parents and teachers!! What kind of mother comes in and screams profanities and threatens a teacher's job in a classroom? How do you support that. Tollin has every right to defend herself and her comment about Pouls being drunk or on drugs is not farfetched – If a parent came into a 2nd grade class and attacked her like that, one might think she was drunk or on drugs – I mean, what reasonable

To Tollin the abuser: You are crazy! Tollin has a right to defend herself
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 2:08 PM

COMMENT:

If Tollin was abusive or a monster, then why did Blair Stambaugh renew her contract for 22 years? And, a "few" do not think Tollin was good - the majority obviously did judging by the letters and support sent to the school on her behalf and the amount of parents who support her. How would you as a parent know Tollin’s personnel records? That seems shady. And, you know what, a teacher does have the right to ask a parent if she is drunk or on drugs if she is attacked like that. Remember, This incident took place on school property, in a classroom, in front of children, parents and teachers!! What kind of mother comes in and screams profanities and threatens a teacher's job in a classroom? How do you support that? Tollin has every right to defend herself and her comment to Pouls about being drunk or on drugs is not farfetched – If a parent came into a 2nd grade class and said that, one might think she was drunk or on drugs – I mean, what reasonable person would do something lik

To Tollin the abuser: You are crazy! Tollin has a right to defend herself (contd..)
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 2:16 PM

COMMENT:

(continued)....I mean, what reasonable person would do something like what Mrs. Pouls did? If you support that type of behavior, then you are crazy yourself!

I am a baldwin parent and know tollin well
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 2:24 PM

COMMENT:

My daughter had her and loved her. So did the overwhelming majority of kids and parents in the class. Ironically, so did Mrs. Pouls when her older and apparently more Baldwinesque daugther was in the class. Rembember Pouls specifically requested Tollin for Amanda. Pouls is over the top. Amanda doesn't sound like the typical Baldwin kid, and the Pouls thankfully are not the typical baldwin parents. The handful of pro-poul comments here are probably either from the Pouls or from their paid PR advisors referred to in the article. Sentiment at Baldwin is overwheminlgy anti-Poul. Do you think a school whose parents are primariliy highly educated professionals would tolerate a woman who was admittedly uncouth enough to call a teacher a "fucking bitch," in front of students, no less. Give me a break. It is hard to imagine a more clear case of right vs. wrong. Baldwin should expel the Pouls, give them a partial rebate on their gift, and send them on their merry way to Harriton. No other In

I am a Baldwin Parent and know tollin well (cont)
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 2:38 PM

COMMENT:

to conclude, Baldwin should expel the Pouls, give them a partial rebate on their gift, and send them on their merry way to Harriton. No other InterAC school would even look at the kid following the partents disgusting and vulgar conduct.

Pouls not all wrong.......
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 3:40 PM

COMMENT:

Seems to me that the parents that have reacted without knowledge of all facts should be ashamed of themselves. Patsy Tollin's file is in fact a plethora of complaints totaling approximately 35 serious infractions. It is a litany of abuse spanning her entire career. This harsh treatment of children was obviously overlooked or “swept under” by the previous headmaster. The current administration is obviously not tolerating such behavior. Other parents, who have complained over the years, in writing, have no stake in the Pouls matter, only concern for their children. Why not reserve judgment until all of the facts are presented (possibly in court) at which time one may conclude that Mr. and Mrs. Pouls are in fact brave for standing up for themselves and their 7 year old child.

Clearly Tollin Blogging for herself
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 3:49 PM

COMMENT:

I just came from a school party for fourth graders. The person who wrote that the school is anti-Pouls must be Tollin. Everyone was pro-Pouls. We were all treated to the complaints against the teacher. I think the number of complaints was closer to 40. one complaint included assaulting another 7 year old. I have no vested interest in this debate except to say good riddens to this teacher. She doesn't even deserve the title. In conversation at the party it was explained that she promised to retire each year and the school knew she would be a trouble maker. When she didn't retire and as the complaints mounted, she was not offerred a contract. Monster!!

At a 4th grade party?
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 4:04 PM

COMMENT:

I have to laugh at this last comment about Tollin blogging for herself as this person said that at a 4th grade party, “we were all treated to the complaints against the teacher”. First, Are parents getting access to a confidential personnel file/records? Secondly, I find it hard to believe that such complaints were discussed at a kids party. This last post is just too crazy to believe…

Pouls not all wrong.......
Posted by No | Sep. 29, 2007 at 4:24 PM

COMMENT:

Tollin, Tollin she's our teacher, if she can't do it Paris can!
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 4:35 PM

COMMENT:

I find it absolutely amazing that there is a smidgen of support for the Pouls family. A woman who curses in front of both kids and parents because Tollin did not acknowledge a 7 year old is ludicrous! My husband and I have raised our children to greet adults first and with the utmost respect; what is going on here?! I cannot imagine a 7 year old going home to relay that Mrs. Tollin, a 22 year old veteran and a respectable teacher/adult, didn't say hi to me mommy & daddy?! What the heck is wrong with the picture here?? R-E-S-P-E-C-T is not alive in America........thanks Paris, thanks Britney. Go Baldwin! Give me a break.......

it is not that simple......
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 5:09 PM

COMMENT:

it is much more than "not saying hello" .. it is a person in power taking advantage of a very small person's weakness... when in fact that person should be nurturing

Not saying hello
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 5:34 PM

COMMENT:

You miss the point. If the teacher had punched the child, there would be no question. The fact that she emotionally abused her and then stared her down is horrific behavior. And we are talking about doing all this to a 7 year old who thinks teachers are God-like. Imagine what this little girl suffered at the hands of this bully-always questioning why her God was humiliating her and berating her. And to excuse it by saying "well she couldn't be all that bad to have lasted 20 years," misses the point. Even if she was an angel for 20 years and did this to one child-your child, she should be fired. And the sarcastic comments by those saying the child is spoiled and should get lollipops instead of attending a good school, are laying this at the feet of money. You ought to consider, rich or poor, how you would react if your child was abused. And if you don't have money and think no one would listen to your complaint, then push harder. this is your child we are talking about.

Get Real
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 6:03 PM

COMMENT:

you are going to take the word of a 7 year old girl, that tollin "emotionally abused her and then stared her down" and did not say hello and did not wave to her? c'mon, get real. How do we know the child is not lying? The fact that Tollin was rehired for 22 years is the point - it shows that there were not major problems and that instead, perhaps there are problems with this 7 year old child.

4th Grade Party
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 6:11 PM

COMMENT:

We were at the same 4th grade party. We saw the written complaints too. This women assaulted a child and did so much more to 40 other young girls. How do we know the child isn't lying. I suppose at 7 kids understand how to get someone fired-you must believe that to ask such an absurd question. But the real proof as is that her own boss said she wasn't cut out to be a second grade teacher and said her class was like boot camp. So the child must be lying and her two bosses and the 40 other girls. Tollin should pack her bags and get her miserable butt out of town. I understand the complaints will be published soon. What will you say then-the little girl, her bosses and the 40 other families must all be lying too! I believe like the otherr bloggers that only Tollin herself must be blogging back. She has no support from anyone I know.

Get out of town
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 6:28 PM

COMMENT:

I agree. This poor excuse for a person should move.Leave this poor family and community alone.

Good Bye Teacher
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 6:39 PM

COMMENT:

I say stay in town teacher and face the embarassment you will eventually face when the facts are known.

Funny how the article says only 4 complaints in her first 21 years
Posted by bill | Sep. 29, 2007 at 8:04 PM

COMMENT:

of Tollins career. Thats probably a far cleaner record than any other teacher in the Lower School, especially at a place like Baldwin with supercharged egotistical parents who cant tolerate that little Amanda just might not be on the track for Harvard or didnt get the lead role in the play. I wonder how the 4 has now snowballed into 40. Tollin will be vindicated and the vulgar, mean spirited Pouls will eventually leave Baldwin in disgrace, having already (along with Powell and the foolish lower school head) disgraced Baldwin.

Tollin Supporters are jealous insane mongrals
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 8:48 PM

COMMENT:

The Pouls family has been a highly respected pilar of our community for several years. How were they to know before sending either one of there children to this school that this teacher had a history of abuse. It is assumed with such a great reputation that this school has, that this would be a no brainer. It is the schools responsibility to check and back check the history of there teachers. Obviously this was either dis-regarded our not realized. Abuse is abuse. Plain and simple and if you Tolin supporters really took the time to read the documents, you will clearly see thsi teachers history. Hats off to The Pouls family who choose to use there ways and means to expose this corrupt individual.

Only a moron would call failing to wave back Abuse
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 9:52 PM

COMMENT:

Oh and how would the Pouls know about Tollin and her so called record of abuse. The older sister had her for a year, jerk, and the family specifically requested that Amanda be assigned to Tollin's class. The obvious expalanation is there was no abuse, and the allegations are being carefully orchestrated by the Pouls.

Tollin must go
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 10:02 PM

COMMENT:

To the above name caller, you must be Tollin's child or her so caleed attorny (corgi). You say the Pouls made up 40 complaints. Not plausible. Did they make up what her two immediate bosses said too? Seems to me that the school's old boss made a mistake and kept renewing her contract. Maybe that's why she is the OLD boss. The Pouls family complained and when the new boss looked at the records and combined this with all the complaints, the teacher's fate was set. Also, the article states that half the complaints were from this year's class. Ship the monster out of town.

4 complaints or even 8 complaints in a period of 22 years is
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 10:15 PM

COMMENT:

exemplary at a place like baldwin. Clearly she was known as being tough but fair, and her strictiness was long condoned. It was only after Pouls called her a fucking bitch and told her she would get her fired that suddenly this became an issue. Clearly, the strictness issue is a pretext and she was fired because Powell succumbed to the financial pressure exerted by the Pouls. Use your head - Tollins strictness tolerated for 22 years, suddendly becomes a dischargeable offense within weeks after the Pouls threaten to get her fired. Even the village idiot could understand what happened here.

Who is the real moron
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 10:19 PM

COMMENT:

Seems to me that the teacher could have taken the approach that she was a victim. Instead she comes off as someone judgemental and upset at the way all parents raise their kids today. If not raised to her standards, then shame on you. Seems like a jealous women who for years grew envious of the families she taught. Anyone ever realize it was her job to teach, not to judge. And she took her contempt out on this little girl. I disagree with the articles conclusion that everyone has forgotten about the little girl. Truth is, only the Pouls started talking about their child. The ex-teacher and her lawyer have tried to sensationalize this so as to divert attention from their obvious problem-her record. Let's face it, the school made a mistake by keeping her on so long. But they corrected it and the teacher is so ashamed(and she should be) that she is trying to change the topic. Pack your bags lady.

A Real Mess At Baldwin That Could Have Been Avoided
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 9:48 PM

COMMENT:

All the Baldwin parents I know whose kids had Tollin believe her to be a terrific teacher. The administration of Baldwin has acted shamefully and without integrity. Last Spring, a large number of 2nd grade parents wanted to place a ad page expressing appreciation for Mrs. Tollin in the tribute book for the annual Baldwin fundraising dinner/silent auction. The ad was refused by the school administration. The Pouls are not particularly bad people. They are obviously in a bad situation with their younger daughter. They sincerly believe that Mrs. Tollin belittled their daughter. One can understand (but not excuse)how a parent believing they are protecting their child might act out in the uncouth manner that Mrs. Pouls exhibited. The Pouls had every right to request that their daughter be transfered to another class. It really should have ended there. Where the Pouls have made their mistake is in forcing their view of who is a good teacher on the rest of the Baldwin community.

Baldwin Mess Continued
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 10:41 PM

COMMENT:

It really should have ended there. Where the Pouls have made their mistake is in forcing their view of who is a good teacher on the rest of the Baldwin community. For that, they will be hated and ridiculed. Eventually, they will leave. Chances are that their younger daughter will not be able to keep up at Baldwin in any event. Baldwin is a tremendously competitive school and many girls find it too difficult and transfer out. It is a shame that Michael pouls did not apply his abundant business judgement to this situation. He started this battle and he and his family (among others) will suffer as a result. However, the lack of backbone and integrity on the part of new Head Of School Sally Powell and the school's Board is the main reason for the mess in which Baldwin finds itself. We had hoped for better from Ms. Powell. Of particular concern is the lack of plain old business judgement on the part of Powell and the Board. They could have made Tollin go away quietly with a send

Baldwin Mess Continued
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 10:41 PM

COMMENT:

Baldwin Mess Continued
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 10:41 PM

COMMENT:

Baldwin Mess Continued
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 10:41 PM

COMMENT:

Badwin Mess Continued
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 10:48 PM

COMMENT:

They could have made Tollin go away quietly with a send off appropriate for a well-loved teacher with 22 year's tenure. Happens all the time. Instead they decided to try to crush her. So now she is fighting back to the detriment of the school. Powell should resign, if for no other reason, than her poor judgement in handling this matter

I'm Jewish
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 10:40 PM

COMMENT:

I am proud to say I am a main line jew. The corgi for a lawyer wants to teach all jews a lesson. He is an insult to my religion. And how credible is he? He raised the ransom because he heard a "rumor" about what the Pouls spend their money on. Good lawyers don't react to rumors. I rather think he unintenionally gave the family a compliment-they are self made. And they weren't loud. Their neighbors said they were strange because they had loud possessions but were quiet. Tollin should get a new lawyer. Better yet she should throw in the towel before she is humiliated like she humiliated so many other poor little girls. To think that someone like her is aloud in our schools is troubling. I agree with above-pack your bags lady and bring your Jewish lawyer with you.

Baldwin mess Continued
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 10:53 PM

COMMENT:

Powell should resign, if for no other reason, than her poor judgement in handling this matter

Response to Baldwin Mess
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 11:01 PM

COMMENT:

I don't know what circles you travel in, but no one I know supports the teacher. And your views that the Pouls made a mistake by trying to force their views about Tollin on Baldwin is not correct. They complained privately about the teacher. The teacher made this public. The Pouls did not create the perception that the teacher was a monster. That is all over the main line. And now her file has been exposed proving that she is what she is. Certainly she must have had some good situations over the years and that is where her support comes from. But if someone is a murderer their a murdere even if they have 50 people who say they were nice. The few supporters she has doesn't erase the pain she has caused these little girls.

Contempt
Posted by sandy | Sep. 30, 2007 at 12:09 AM

COMMENT:

It shows me the true colors of this educator when she says she wants to "hurt" everyone including that poor little girl. This is not what educators say. She is a vindictive women who will be humiliated. I also hardly think a fine family likes the Pouls family will embarrassed out of town. I imagine that with all the support they have in the community, they will let their actions speak for themselves. They are brave to expose this child bully.

See Baldwin 2006-2007 Yearbook Dedication Page to Mrs. Tollin
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 30, 2007 at 1:58 AM

COMMENT:

An entire page dedicated to her - the above comments about her assaulting a child and worse to other girls are vicious and just not true. Mrs. Tollin is adored, as is evidenced on this dedication page. Someone who is a bad teacher would not get this type of honor and dedication. It states: We love Mrs. Tollin. Throughout your 23 years at Baldwin, you have been not only a teacher, but a mentor, a friend, and a source of inspiration. Your devotion to your students and to the community have impacted us all. You will be greatly missed!

A few can't change the truth
Posted by scott | Sep. 30, 2007 at 5:03 AM

COMMENT:

As someone wrote earlier, just because you have a few friends doesn't mean you are adored. You should read these blogs. The few that love her are obviously writing kind blogs. The many she hurt are revealing the truth about her. Don't confuse a few nice comments for the truth. What did the article say? Tollin initiated a "public relations campaign" on her own behalf to obtain letters of positive feedback. If you are such a great teacher, you don't initiate your own PR. The letters would come in automatically without any help. I bet it will come out that all the positive letters were written after she was not rehired whereas all the written complaints, over 35 I heard, were before she was not renewed. That right there speaks volumes to her poor character.

Teach the teacher
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 30, 2007 at 5:23 AM

COMMENT:

The teacher needs to be taught that she can not pick on 7 year olds. That is what is wrong with our world. To use humiliation and berating and contempt toward some to teach them math,would create anger and bewilderment for any of us-especially a young child. If you had a good experience with her, then you are blessed. But it doesn't change the hurt and pain she caused for others. Stop trying to force feed the concept that she was a good teacher. Let's just admit that she was good to some but bad to some too. If your child was in the bad category you would dislike her and if in the good, you might like her. Being good to some (those that would take out an adv) for her doesn't change that she was a bad teacher. A good teacher is not known for using humiliation and torment to teach. In fact, teachers are needed more for those that are just learning math and struggling with reading. Her own boss said she was not nurturing enough for second grade and it was like boot camp. What mo

Teach the Teacher(continued)
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 30, 2007 at 5:32 AM

COMMENT:

what more do we need to realize she was no good. The school administrators are truly the only ones that know her record and her direct boss plus the lower school assistant have very negative things to say about her. And if you read the article, it says these comments were derived from documents obtained by the magazine which will eventually be filed. Some of these documents are circulating now and they are riveting. They clearly show the problems the school and parents had with this women. Why she wasn't fired years ago is not known. Rumor has it that she kept promising to retire and the school thought it best to allow her to do that rather than face a potential ugly situation. The new head mistress cleaned house like any new CEO does when they take over a company. She deserved what she got. She has made a spectacle of herself.

Teacher is no good
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 30, 2007 at 8:03 AM

COMMENT:

This teacher is no good and is hurting the fine school's reputation. I am glad I have boys.

Touchy Feely Parents
Posted by David | Sep. 30, 2007 at 8:03 AM

COMMENT:

I thought, our sorry national education performance came from unshaven feminist indoctrinated teachers, Democrat Party pandering, cowardly administrators, and vicious, rent seeking, weasel lawyers mercilessly attacking our schools. These comments show another cause, a loud, pushy core of deluded entitled parents. They see education as a customer service experience at Nordstrom's. It is the toughest challenge to transform oneself, but with the highest payoff imaginable to the person and to the nation. Baldwin has always been the place where girls learn, it's far harder, but they are far more capable. The outcome of this sick, entitled, catering, school-as-customer-service trend is on display elsewhere. See the performance of the Philly schools.

what kind of teacher is this?
Posted by Jennifer | Sep. 30, 2007 at 10:30 AM

COMMENT:

I have been a teacher for 10 years and am now an administrator at a school. I remember being humiliated by my first grade teacher. All the other students loved her-she was nice to them and mean to me, so no one believed me when I spoke of her meanness towards me. She would put me down quietly.The last day of school she gave a kiss and hug to everyone, but when I went up to her, I gave her a kiss, and she turned away and I got the side of her ear.I will never forget this.Teachers can affect people for the rest of their lives.Affecting and humiliating one innocent child is enough to demonstrate that this person should not be allowed in the classroom.It is simply the most important job to teach young children and humiliation and anger do not belong in a classroom.It is awful that this woman is using the fact that the Poulses have money as an excuse.I commend the Poulses for standing up for their daughter, as they are teaching her the most valuable lesson-to love yourself enough to say

con't from above
Posted by Jennifer | Sep. 30, 2007 at 10:45 AM

COMMENT:

(con't from above)as they are teaching her the most valuable lesson-to love yourself enough to say stop.I commend Michael Pouls for being active in his child's life.So many men are absent fathers,and his involvement shows the beauty of true care.This teacher should never be allowed in a classroom again to affect another child.In addition,if this woman cares about children,she never would have tried to create a press issue out of this,as she can continue to hurt these children,and all the children of this school by doing so.Mrs. Tollin-take a look in the mirror and face yourself.

again-cont
Posted by Jennifer | Sep. 30, 2007 at 10:50 AM

COMMENT:

...if this woman really cares about children,she would never speak of this to the media-knowing that she is continuing to hurt all the children of that school by doing so.She needs to take a hard look in the mirrow and face herself.

lawyer and attorney........ perfect together
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 30, 2007 at 11:02 AM

COMMENT:

It's always about money and in this case an attorney trying to make a name for himself. Patricia, what about the children?

Finally the truth comes out
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 30, 2007 at 11:21 AM

COMMENT:

It is about time the truth was told about this teacher. The Doctor who keeps writing emails in support of her, needs a doctor. Wasn't it the pedophiles who pretended to be priests that were finally exposed after 30 years. This doctor wants to lay the teachers issues at the feet of this family or spoiled kids. Wealthy families and spoiled children are separate topics from an abusive teacher. Just because you are wealthy or if you are spoiled does not give a teacher the right ti humiliate and embarrass children-Doc. Maybe you should go give a lecture in front of a room of your peers and at the end while you are still up on stage, the keynote speaker should embarrass you in front of everyone for your ideas. And then when you ask the keynote speaker why he/she embarrassed you, you will hear, "because I want you to learn to do better." Then Doc we you will understand how this little girl felt.

Curb your enthusiasm
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 30, 2007 at 11:09 AM

COMMENT:

To the teacher above, I spent almost a year with the Pouls, and Mr Pouls was never there. His way of parenting was to spoil his children with gifts. They themselves were obsessed with diet and exercise and the children were taught the same bad habits; don't eat or you will be fat. For Mrs. pouls to have the teacher moniter her childs weight, just another way of teaching her that it's not good to be anything but thin. This 7 year old used to tell me that I was fired! Mr Pouls, when he was there, was always insulting, making unkind comments. Not nice, not nice at all. The money isn't even the issue, the issue is knowing right from wrong and to know that your own chiold may be wrong and when to just be quiet!!!

That Has Happened to Me Many Times
Posted by David | Sep. 30, 2007 at 11:41 AM

COMMENT:

From pre-school to large audience professional lectures, I have been praised and attacked for my points. One guess. Which experience taught me more? One guess. Also start posting names. No one is going to retaliate here. We may then address each other. This is not Baldwin where one has to watch one's words for fear of losing one's job.

Curb your enthusiasm
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 30, 2007 at 11:53 AM

COMMENT:

From the sounds of you, it sounds like Mr Pouls was right to get rid of you. You want to turn this into whether or not the Pouls were good people. That is not the issue. You must be Tollin as you are trying to divert attention from the real issue-the teacher, not the Pouls. I happen to know them. They are kind people who donated millions to a school. The teacher on the other hand abused children. Focus on that and not your jealousy for the Pouls. Stop diverting from the issue Tollin.

who is Really Watching? All the Other Teachers in our Region
Posted by David | Sep. 30, 2007 at 12:12 PM

COMMENT:

They await the answer to this question. Is school a pleasant Nordstrom customer service experience? Is it a hard work, challenging, sometimes painful pilgrimmage of personal transformation into productive citizenship? Most of the ditwads here are getting the answer completely wrong. Why? Their clueless hippie parents have a delusion about the nature of the world and infected them with it.

who is Really Watching? All the Other Teachers in our Region
Posted by David | Sep. 30, 2007 at 12:12 PM

COMMENT:

who is Really Watching? All the Other Teachers in our Region
Posted by David | Sep. 30, 2007 at 12:12 PM

COMMENT:

What kind of Doctor are you?
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 30, 2007 at 2:44 PM

COMMENT:

Doctor? How can you take one issue at one school and extrapolate it to all schools. If you were supporting priests and the churches, you would be eating your words. Pedophiles harmed our kids in these churches for more than 30 years. And they got away with it for a while-but not forever. How come you don't answer the question an earlier blogger asked you. At your ripe age, would you like it if you had given a speech and the keynote speaker embarrassed you and laughed at you in front of your audience of peers? Would you call this treatment "transforming" or "humiliating. This poor child, 1/10th your age had to face that embarrassment in her "pilgrimmage." Is that right? If you keep blogging, readers might think you are a "quack."

Dr Behar
Posted by marla | Sep. 30, 2007 at 2:50 PM

COMMENT:

Ok now you know my name. It is strange that you think it is positive to humiliate a 7 year old, just so she can learn. As the teacher above wrote, school for all, but especially the very young, needs to be nurturing. In fact her own boss, according to the article, says she was not nurturing enough to be a second grade teacher. For your position to be valid, please tell me why 2nd grade humiliation is good for kids. And if it is, at what grade should humiliation begin. Should it start in 1st grade? kindergarten? preschool? when they are infants? Share with us why humiliation is good and when it should start. I know you think it is positive for you and your lectures. Tell us when you are giving a lecture so we can attend and try out your theories.

Tollin was a beloved, highly respected teacher
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 30, 2007 at 3:01 PM

COMMENT:

All of these blogs comparing Tollin to a child abuser, pedophile, assaulting kids? Are you serious? That is ridiculous. People are making this stuff up. Tollin would not have lasted this long at Baldwin if she were any of those things. Baldwin does teacher evaluations and the teacher also has to report to a lower school head, a head of school, and a board --- all of whom monitor her performance closely. Do you think all of these people just outright missed signals for 22 years and would just rehire Tollin for the hell of it? She was a beloved, highly respected teacher, that is why she was rehired.

20 years does not mean you are good......
Posted by xxx | Sep. 30, 2007 at 3:49 PM

COMMENT:

The priest analogy is right on point in response to the above post... just because an employee / teacher / priest / rabbi etc.. is able to "keep their job" for a protracted amount of time does not automaticly mean that they are doing the right thing.....again the catholic priest system proved that people cover for their own time and time again...... Baldwin protected and hid this angry tyrant !

PLEASE
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 30, 2007 at 3:20 PM

COMMENT:

If Stambaugh and Vasys had done their jobs over the past decade the school would not be faced with this horrible press and ebarrassment.For many years Tollins was told to stop yelling and treating her girls unkindly and harshly. Amanda was not placed in Tollin's class originally, tollin found out and made certain she was one of her students. Tollin always played up to the wealthy parents wanting to be part of their group. She talked way too much to them about all of her students.

Tollin was beloved????
Posted by scott | Sep. 30, 2007 at 4:00 PM

COMMENT:

Not according to her two direct bosses. The ones you refer to state in the article that she was not fit to be a second grade teacher and that 2nd grade was like boot camp. this is no endorsement. She hung on just like the pedophiles who posed as priests.

Customer Service Demanding, Feel Only Good, Entitled Parents Cause the Appalling Performance of American Students
Posted by David | Sep. 30, 2007 at 4:35 PM

COMMENT:

How is priest child abuse relevant to the subject of quality of education and this case? These comments ramble. I do not believe Korean kids are biologically superior to our American children, nor Japanese, nor any of the children in the other two dozen nations. They clean our clocks on school performance at a quarter of the outrageous education cost extorted by our government at the point of a gun. What about top of the line Baldwin? Quite mediocre and average in performance compared to slum schools in those nations. Our best students stink compared to their average students. Why? The appalling beliefs of the education crippling parents around here. It is not the kids that stink. It is this ilk of parent, now in the majority in our town. Here is the Korean way. The neighbors deal with sickening, anti-learning, anti-discipline parents. With rocks. click here

Dr Behar rambling
Posted by marla | Sep. 30, 2007 at 5:34 PM

COMMENT:

Talk about rambling. Chinese, Korean, Japanese, who cares? Is it worth a child growing up with emotional problems so our economy can financially beat these other countries. Just because they choose to humiliate their kids is no reason to do it. How come you won't answer my question. At what age should humiliation start? 1st, 2nd, infancy? You tell us we are eager. And if I understand you, this humiliation will lead to a higher GDP. Just what we want. We all want successful kids and most of us get them via the 1,000's of wonderful teachers in this country. This teacher is not one of the 1,000's of great teachers. If she gets kids to learn through humiliation I don't want to be a part of that. And We all hope you will finish this debate by answering the questions you avoid.

World Standard Performance, Low Esteem. Appalling Failure, High Self-Esteem.
Posted by David | Sep. 30, 2007 at 7:01 PM

COMMENT:

Marla: Playtime? Gone in first grade, around the world. Not here, thanks to entitled, bullying parents. Slum schools around the world have their kids two years ahead of ours. Why any parent wants their child intentionally deprived of a decent elementary education, and at four times the cost, you have to explain. Worst of all, our kids get the misleading impression, things are easy, misled by teachers bullied by Nordstrom customer service parents. Top performing, Korean kids feel their math ability is poor. Horribly performing American kids have every confidence in their math ability, when they have the worst ability in the developed world. Most kids want to please parents and teachers. A small minority need firmness. Teachers should have the widest latitude to reach the high goals we should be setting, and then have our support. In the case of the Pouls, a controlled experiment took place. Their older daughter did well. They requested Tollin by name for their younger daughter. Toll

To Dr Behar
Posted by Marla | Sep. 30, 2007 at 7:34 PM

COMMENT:

Why don't you answer the simple question-when should humiliation as a teaching method begin-1st grade,2nd,kindergarten infancy. You are coming up small by avoiding this. The whole area awaits your answer. As for your experiment between the two Pouls children, it is well know that if a child is ahead of the academic curve, Tollin is kind to them. But those poor "bastard" children who really need their help get to be tormented and humiliated until they learn their math facts. It is obvious you are an uncaring parent and would make a terrible educator. I bet you think we should return to the days of slapping kids in class as they used to do in the catholic schools, as you probably do today when your kids mis-behave.

Dr Behar: Are you Tollin's Therapist?
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 30, 2007 at 7:41 PM

COMMENT:

I second the opinion. You are such a quack. Answer the question if you have any dignity.