When I picked up my son Tuesday, he was all abuzz about details that a teacher at his school at Parkway North High had been in adult films previously. He told me everyone at school was talking about it and she had even been on Dr. Phil in 2006 discussing her adult film past.
I really didn’t think anything of it–my son didn’t have a class with the teacher and it looked as if the school had it under control. Fast forward to today when I saw the story splashed all over the local news and even a few national news outlets. This was getting to be a big story.
Here are the details I do know: Tera Myers performed in adult films in the 1990’s under the moniker “Rikki Andersen”. Tera, now 38, was confronted by a student who had seen her “work” online, and went to the school’s administration shortly after with the news. She then asked to be put on administrative leave, which will continue until the end of the school year.
One of Tera’s children is a junior at Parkway North—it is assumed that she “resigned” in order to save her children from embarrassment.
In 2006, Myers appeared on Dr. Phil after she ran into a similar issue in a Kentucky school where she was teaching. Myers has been on staff at Parkway North High School since 2007.
My son said that Myers was a good teacher, but admits the whole ordeal is embarrassing. Most people are under the assumption that she was fired due to this revelation, but decided to throw in the towel than to put her family through a public spectacle.
Parkway North officials have gone on record to state that a background check for references and criminal activity was performed and Myers was given clearance to teach at North.
It is not known if the staff at North knew about Myers’ previous adult past, but it can be surmised that they did since her previous school she worked for had issues with her adult film past.
As for my son and the rest of the students at Parkway North in St. Louis County, they just want all of this to go away.
As a parent of a student at the school, I want to say that it wouldn’t bother me if Myers wanted to continue working at the school. Everyone has a past and may have done things that aren’t proud of—from all indications, Myers was a great teacher and never had issues with any students or faculty.
And the fact that a student at the school came across an adult snippet speaks volumes as well.
There has still been no official word sent home to parents of students at Parkway North. I think that is a fail too.
What do you think about this situation? Should Myers give up the good fight and let things end, or should she fight for her job? Should something she did many years ago be held against her?
What’s say you?
I’m one of the co-founders of Sex Positive St Louis. I WISH I could talk to this woman! It doesn’t have to be sad. People don’t need to feel bad for her son, they can be supportive. She is a good teacher NOW and has been for years. She wasn’t born a teacher, just like she wasn’t born a porn actor. We all go through phases in life. She was born a human being who deserves compassion. Sex is nothing to be ashamed of, as long as it is consensual and respectful.
Kendra, thanks for commenting. Tera has appeared in the past speaking about her adult films, which she did many moons ago. I would hope she would continue as a teacher despite the negativity she may face from people who may be too ignorant to get it or understand.
I was thinking the same thing as you both are. Everyone’s got a past. It’s unfortunate and unfair that hers continues to haunt her. If she’s a great teacher, that’s far more important. And like you said, it speaks volumes that these kids discovered it in the first place.
Hmmm well were all the strippers, swim suit models, young hot teachers, and former “Porn actors” when I was in school? lol
I personally think she should continue teaching. If she’s a good teacher nothing has changed. She WAS a “porn actor” and she isn’t anymore. It’s not like she has a criminal record. Porn is legal. Unless of course she agreed to some Moral standards. I don’t have problem with her being a FORMER “porn actor” if she’s a CURRENT good teacher.
With that said: I don’t have any children so I really don’t care.lol
Ummm, so my big question is how many BILLION hours of porn does a 15-year-old have to watch before he hits the jackpot and discovers his teacher? He must have been putting in some serious overtime. Then he proceeds to have The Most Awkward Conversation in the History of The World with his parents. “Umm, no I swear Mom… I thought I was watching a documentary on Asian Elephants…”
Unfortunately, high school students aren’t equipped with the maturity to be able to handle something like this. Her credibility and respect as a teacher are lost. She should probably move on to teach college where it wouldn’t be as big of a deal if this was discovered.
Its interesting that happen at YOUR sons school…loL!! But they always say life isnt only short but also can be long as hell and some decisions you make in life you may never EVER be able to recover from
Its interesting that happen at YOUR sons school…loL!! But they always say life isnt only short but also can be long as hell and some decisions you make in life you may never EVER be able to recover from.
I think its a good thing she left, it would create too big a buzz to get anything done with her around. But I find it amusing the student ain’t in trouble for watching porn. =P
I realize this is old news already but does anyone have an update on this lady? I feel heartfelt sorrow for her and would like to talk to her and give her an ounce of encouragement and support. There is redemption for all if we have the humbleness to offer it. She’s touched many lives already in a positive way and has been labeled a very good teacher. I think that says volumes.