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Teacher in shock over racy-book sacking
A TEACHER who was sacked for writing a racy novel featuring real students has spoken for the first time.
Leonora Rustamova, known by her pupils as Miss Rusty, was suspended from Calder High School in January after her fiction, Stop! DoN't ReAD tHis! was published on the internet. She was subsequently sacked and has now lost her appeal.
As well as references to pupils missing lessons, stealing phones and setting themselves on fire it described one pupil as fantasising and flirting with Ms Rustamova.
The story also named several teachers including head, Stephen Ball, as well as featuring five Year 11 pupils – all real students or ex-students and constantly referred to as Ms Rustamova's favourites.
It was quickly removed and her suspension and that of another English teacher Steve Cann triggered a pupil protest numbering hundreds of students which required a police presence.
Ms Rustamova, 39, who is married and who lives near Scammonden Reservoir, Huddersfield, said: "I am just appalled frankly by the whole process. I really never expected I would be treated like this. I am still in shock, I don't know what is going to happen from this time onwards.
"I was planning to give my life to the teaching profession and I am devastated about what has happened, absolutely devastated
"I am so devoted to my job and loved the children and the school and I have worked so hard for it and have done everything in the best interests of my kids. It is just a shame that it has turned out like this.
"I am concentrating on writing at the moment and trying to recover – I was such an idealist about my profession and I was talented at dealing with difficult children.
"It (the novel) was intended to encourage these children to read. I am going to step back for a little while and see what comes next.''
She said the last few months had been very difficult as she was not permitted to speak to anyone at the school. She visited far flung garden centres as a distraction with her parents to avoid bumping into parents, colleagues and pupils accidentally.
Asked how she felt about the reaction of pupils and parents to her suspension she said: "I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the support I have had. I was accused of demeaning and abusing pupils and parents so it's been incredible, wonderful.''
She added it was "lovely'' and "gorgeous'' that some parents have decided to hold a picnic for her and Mr Cann at Salem Field, Hebden Bridge, on July 16 to thank them for all their hard work over the years.
She said: "It just sums up what the parents feel.''
Janet Oosthuysen, a mother-of-three, said: "There has been a lot of misinformation around this case. All I know is Miss Rusty is an excellent and much-loved teacher who will be a sad loss to Calder High.''
Calderdale's NUT divisional secretary, Sue McMahon, said: "It's been a very traumatic time for everybody involved.''
The NUT will continue to support her at a hearing of the General Teaching Council which will determine whether she is a fit person to be a teacher or not.
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Weather for Yorkshire
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
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