Portland Students Rally for Beloved Teacher's Contract Renewal

Lyman Moore Middle School students protest non-renewal of social studies teacher Josephine Tibbetts' contract

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic school supply item repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the energy and creativity of an educator who inspires their students.A vibrant, pop art-inspired celebration of the passion and dedication of teachers who go above and beyond for their students.Portland Today

Students at Lyman Moore Middle School in Portland, Maine walked out in protest after learning that the district will not renew the contract of beloved social studies teacher Josephine Tibbetts. Tibbetts, who has taught at the school since 2024, believes she was retaliated against for speaking up about issues with the school's climate and leadership. The students, many of whom credit Tibbetts for supporting them both academically and personally, rallied to show their support for the teacher they describe as passionate, dedicated, and an integral part of the school community.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges facing teachers, especially those in their probationary period, who advocate for change within their schools. Tibbetts' situation raises questions about transparency in employment decisions and the protection of teachers' rights to free speech, as well as the importance of student voice in supporting educators they believe are making a positive impact.

The details

Josephine Tibbetts, a social studies teacher at Lyman Moore Middle School, was informed by school administrators on Thursday that her teaching contract will not be renewed. Tibbetts, who has been at the school since 2024, believes she was retaliated against for speaking up about issues she identified with the school's climate and leadership. As a liaison between staff and administrators, Tibbetts said she raised concerns in meetings this year, leading to tensions. The Portland Education Association teachers union president, Kerrie Dowdy, also believes Tibbetts was retaliated against for being vocal about challenges facing the school.

  • On Thursday, school administrators informed Tibbetts that her contract would not be renewed.
  • On Friday, during their lunch hour, dozens of students walked out of Lyman Moore Middle School to protest the non-renewal of Tibbetts' contract.

The players

Josephine Tibbetts

A social studies teacher at Lyman Moore Middle School who has taught at the school since 2024. Tibbetts believes she was retaliated against for speaking up about issues with the school's climate and leadership.

Kerrie Dowdy

The president of the Portland Education Association teachers union, who also believes Tibbetts was retaliated against for being vocal about challenges facing the school.

Jahziah Not

An eighth-grade student at Lyman Moore Middle School who helped rally his classmates to walk out in protest of Tibbetts' contract non-renewal.

Eamonn Howard

An eighth-grade student at Lyman Moore Middle School who described Tibbetts as an 'overall great person' who 'really helps out a lot of the Moore community.'

Jodaci Luzayamo and Cathiana Liponga

Eighth-grade students at Lyman Moore Middle School who said Tibbetts gave rides to students during an ICE operation and personally delivered food to some, in addition to checking in with students to ensure they feel safe at school.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“She's beloved, she's invested, she's close to families and students.”

— Kerrie Dowdy, President, Portland Education Association

“She always pushes students, even when they think they're at their limit. And she's just like an overall great person. She really helps out a lot of the Moore community.”

— Eamonn Howard, Eighth-grade student

“She's just a type of teacher, not to only teach us about academic stuff, but to help us learn who we are and what we're capable of.”

— Cathiana Liponga, Eighth-grade student

What’s next

Tibbetts has filed a Title IX complaint alleging retaliation and harassment, and she said she plans to take any measures necessary to keep her job.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of protecting teachers' rights to advocate for change and the vital role that educators like Josephine Tibbetts play in supporting and empowering their students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. The student-led protest demonstrates the power of young people to stand up for the teachers who make a difference in their lives.